Leaving school and entering the world of work is a major transition in life. It’s exciting but it can also feel daunting going from a school environment you’re familiar with to a new workplace. Carefully considering your options and planning ahead will help the move go smoothly.
What Job Fields Interest You?
Think about what subjects or activities you most enjoyed at school as this may provide ideas for future career paths that align with your interests and strengths. Make an appointment with your school’s career advisor to discuss your skills, work values and career goals. They can suggest industries or roles that may suit you. Check if your school has work experience programmes or volunteering opportunities to help you explore options. The more experience you can add to your CV, the better. Look for a simple CV template that focuses on experience and education rather than work history.
Research growth industries and entry-level roles. Look into apprenticeships, school leaver programmes, internships or junior roles that provide on-the-job training. Be open minded at this stage and apply for a range of positions – you can narrow your focus later after gaining experience.
Consider whether you want to continue studying. Options like A levels, vocational courses,or university provide qualifications and skills valued by employers. Talk to teachers and career advisors about further study that aligns with your work ambitions.
Preparing Your CV and Interview Skills
Update your CV and practice interview skills while you are still at school. This will put you ahead when job seeking. Attend career fairs and open days to make useful connections.
Make your CV stand out by highlighting relevant school projects, subjects and extracurricular activities. Tailor it to each role by using key words from the job ad. Get feedback from career advisors.
Practice interview skills like firm handshakes, eye contact and expressing your motivations. Rehearse answers to common questions with mock interviews. Be prepared to talk about your education, skills and career goals.
Having a strong CV and interview technique will make applying for jobs easier and boost your chances of landing graduate roles or entry-level positions.
Applying for Jobs
Start job hunting well before you finish school. Many major graduate recruitment programmes open their application windows 6-12 months in advance. Make a timeline of important deadlines and allow enough time to submit quality applications.
Tailor your CV, cover letter and interview answers to match each role’s requirements. Emphasise skills gained from schoolwork, extracurricular activities, volunteering or part-time jobs. Get feedback from teachers and parents before submitting.
Aim to follow up each application. Call the hiring manager or HR department after submitting to show interest and initiative. Be persistent and professional when chasing responses.
Practice interview skills such as firm handshakes, good eye contact and confident responses. Prepare sample answers addressing your strengths, weaknesses and motivations. Ask friends or family to conduct mock interviews with common questions.
Check the eligibility criteria for roles and have all required paperwork ready such as proof of qualifications, right to work documentation, licenses, medical checks or police checks. Arrive early for interviews with printed copies of your CV and references.
Settling into Your New Workplace
Starting a new job brings many unknowns but you can tackle it step-by-step. In the first week, focus on getting orientated. Introduce yourself to coworkers and learn about company structure and policies. Ask questions to understand expected workflows and procedures.
Early on, clarify the key objectives and duties for your role with your manager. Find out how your performance will be measured and if there are any targets to meet. Request regular catch ups to discuss your progress and seek feedback.
Make an effort to get to know coworkers. Be friendly and approachable. Respect workplace etiquette and dress codes. Try to understand the company culture. Volunteer for tasks and work hard to make a good early impression.
Take notes during training and save resources provided for reference. Admit if you are unsure about anything – it’s better to ask for help than risk mistakes. Highlight the areas you would like more training in.
Set aside time each week to reflect on what went well and where you need to improve. Adjust to feedback positively and be open to learning. With dedication you will gain skills and confidence. Soon enough the workplace will feel familiar.
Making the move from education into employment is an adjustment but being proactive in decisions, job hunting and workplace habits will set you up for success. Keep focusing on gaining experience and learning – the initial transition to work is just the first step in your career.