For those wishing to enter higher education they remain an obvious entry route. It is possible, for example, to gain access to an HND course with only one A level passed and one studied. Be careful, though; there is a common belief that A levels are important regardless of the subjects studied or the grades obtained. This is not the case. Three A level passes in art, history and economics, for example, would not be appropriate qualifications for anyone wishing to get into college or study for speech therapy or psychology.
If you are thinking about entering the world of work rather than continuing in full-time education, there may be more appropriate qualifications to strive for, a GNVQ for example. Careers officers are best able to advice on the most appropriate entry qualifications for particular occupations and colleges of further education will list courses available in your area.
Answering advertisements
The minute you decide to answer a job advertisement you need to have your wits about you and move quickly. At this stage, you may be undecided about whether or not to apply. Your interests may be driven simply by curiosity but your initial contact can enhance or ruin your chances.
Study the advertisement carefully. What is the closing date for applications? Are you expected to write a letter of application and send it with a curriculum vitae, or should you ask the company for a job description and an application form? Should you write or telephone for further information?
Even if you are a regular telephone user it is worth spending a moment or so rehearsing what you intend to say. If it helps, you can write down the questions you need to ask. When you call the company, keep it simple and speak clearly.
'Hello! My name is John Smith. I'm phoning in response to your advertisement for a mechanic in today's Evening News.'
You may be asked for your name and address so that further details can be sent to you or you may be told to write a letter of application, but be prepared for the unexpected. A hard-pressed manager of a small company may invite you for an interview there and then. You'll need a paper and pencil to note down address, directions and time. When seeking a job, always have paper and pencil to hand and make sure you get hold of the first edition of the local newspaper. Many evening papers are distributed shortly after lunchtime. Some vacancies could be filled by the evening.
If you write to the company for further information, use unlined paper of reasonable quality, never a scrap tom from a notebook. Untidy handwriting and poor spelling will be noticed and remembered, so if your spelling is suspect ask someone to check it for you. Alternatively, take advantage of your local job club and produce your own word processed letter. Keep your letter short, simple and to the point. Identify yourself as a prospective candidate for the job advertised and include your name and address so that further details can be sent to you. Make sure you send an original letter - not a photocopy. You don't want to give the impression that you are applying for hundreds of jobs. An original letter tells the employer that you are specifically interested in the particular job he has advertised.
Anything will do
Young people eager to leave school often tell careers officers that they will take on any kind of job. They think they are showing a positive attitude by being prepared to take on any kind of available work but discovering exactly what they would be best suited for can be difficult. Extracting information about skills, temperament, or hopes and aspirations can be like pulling teeth. Young people smile politely and avoid showing any kind of preference for a particular type of job, out of fear that they will, in some way, lose the chance of a job in another field should it arise. 'I don't mind really. Yes, I'd give that a go. Oh, I'll do anything' are stock phrases.
Adults too, if they've spent a long time trying to find a job or if they live in an area of high unemployment, can become so desperate that they will be prepared to take on almost any kind of work. The need to earn money and get out of the rut becomes so strong that they will tackle anything. It's an understandable attitude and, on the face of it, it seems a positive view. Well, it's better than sitting at home worrying, and who knows, it may lead to something else. After all, everyone knows that it's easier to secure another job from a position of employment rather than unemployment.
But if you're in this position, be careful. Your desperation and willingness to please a potential employer can sometimes be your downfall. An employer wants to hire someone with a genuine aptitude for the particular kind of work he has to offer. He wants to appoint someone who is driven by an interest in this particular job rather than a simple desire to find work. Tell him how much you would enjoy the kind of work he has to offer. Tell him why you particularly want to work for his organization, but don't give him the impression that you are so desperate for work that you will do anything - even if you are!
