They know what they want, but they don’t know how to get it… what tips can you give your child on applying for their dream job after further education or university?

1. Cover the cover letter (or email)

It’s important to spend time on each and every covering letter, and not just send out the standard one with a few changes. If your child really wants that job, they’ll need to do some research on the company and make sure to sell their skills.

Many employers don’t consider CVs without a covering letter, and as most CVs are skim read at best, that letter is the best chance to stand out amongst potentially hundreds of other candidates.

2. Network

In today’s social media age, networking has taken on a whole new meaning. Your teen or young person can get into direct contact with a company very quickly. This has tremendous advantages for getting noticed – but make sure it’s for the right things! We’ve all heard horror stories about the effects a mis-thought tweet or compromising photos have had – make sure your child’s social media history looks as promising as their future!

3. Tailor your CV

Make sure that their CV, as well as their covering letter, is targeted to the right job each time. Highlight the skills and interests that apply to each individual position, where possible, to really enhance their chances.

4. Spellcheck & spell double-check!

One way to get your CV dismissed is a throw away spelling mistake or silly error. Take time to read their CV to make sure you that you catch any thing that the spell checker may have missed.

5. Interview Tips

Preparation is your best friend. Remind your child to think about how much they know about the company and the role, and think about what questions they might be asked. They should have their responses ready! It’s a good idea to sit down and do a mock interview, to calm your child’s fears, and highlight any gaps in their knowledge. It’s also good to have a think about body language. Clear, calm speech, looking people in the eye, a nice smile and a good handshake goes a long way!

6. Get some expert advice.

Our advisors have spent years working with companies and candidates and know the best ways to highlight skills on CVs, and how to approach companies for your dream role. We work with young people, teens and more to make the most of their abilities, whether it is writing a covering letter or coaching for interviews. If your child could benefit from this one-to-one tuition, contact us for more information.