Neat handwriting is a skill which can be learned. It gets better with practice and it is considerably easier to write neatly if you know exactly what you are going to write. That way you can concentrate on forming the letters correctly rather than worrying about what the next word is going to be. So, if you are completing a form, take a photocopy and then read the instructions thoroughly. Does it tell you to use capital letters throughout? Begin by completing the photocopy of the form; if you make a mistake on the photocopy it won't matter. Keep your letters roughly the same size and make sure that your statements will fit in the space provided. If you are unsure of any spellings, use a dictionary and then get someone to read the form for you. When you are sure that it is exactly as you want it, copy it out again on the original application form. If you have to send the form off quickly or if you don't have access to a photocopier, complete the form in pencil so that you can rub out any mistakes before you go over it in black ink.
If your handwriting is really appalling it might be worth asking someone to type the letter or the form for you. At least that way you know that your words will be read and understood. Some employers, however, insist that applicants for jobs complete the forms and write the letters in their own handwriting. They believe that you can learn a lot about someone by the way they write. At such times, you have no choice. If you want the job, you'll do everything possible to make sure your application is neat. Think about the wages you could earn if you get this job. Isn't it worth making an effort?
Higher education
Where does higher education begin and how can it help you to get a job? Higher education is a term usually reserved for courses leading to HND or degree-level qualifications. Most people are 18 before they can embark on such courses. Many jobs require that you have undertaken higher education courses. Teachers, lawyers and veterinary surgeons, for example, are all required to have studied to degree level at least.
Some occupations require you to study particular courses related to the type of work you intend to take up. Other professions are happy to recruit staff educated to 'degree' level regardless of the subject studied. In these cases, the capability of high-level study is considered to be more important than the subject chosen. Someone wishing to be a primary school teacher, for example, could choose to study for a B.Ed. In effect, he would be studying 'education' at degree level and on completion of the course he would be a qualified teacher. Alternatively, he could study for any degree subject which is taught in schools, and then gain his teaching qualification by undertaking a one-year postgraduate course.
Although many students are in the 18-25 year old age group, there is no top limit on the age at which you can start to study for higher educational qualifications. In fact, of the students currently at University, 50 per cent are 'mature', and if the thought of leaving home to take up the student life for three years is more than you can bear, there is a wide range of other study options open to you. Many people gain their first degree through home-study as students of the Open University, others take advantage of distance learning opportunities and other flexible learning packages which are now widely available.
Most higher education institutes expect you to have attained an appropriate educational level before you begin to study for higher education qualifications. These minimum entry requirements are established to ensure that your background knowledge and ability are sufficiently developed for you to cope with the requirements of the course. A college or university will often make young people an offer of a place on a course development upon the achievement of certain grades at A level. Older people, however, can often be accepted for work-related courses on the strength of their background knowledge and experience gained in the workplace.
If the prospect of high-level study seems frightening, many local colleges and evening class centers run 'return to study' and 'access' courses. They can help you to develop your study skills and enable you to explore the higher educational opportunities which may be available to you.
Further information
Everything You Need to Know About Going to University, 2nd edition, Sally Longson (Kogan Page, 1999)
How to Win as a Mature Student, Teresa Rickards (Kogan Page, 1992), is a particularly useful book for anyone who has been out of full-time education for more than a couple of years.
