Choices…
Your guide to
your life
during and
after the
sixth form
INTRODUCTION
It probably seems a long time since you did your GCSEs. So, where are you now? In the 6th
form? Doing ‘A’ Levels or other Level 3 qualifications such as BTEC or OCR National
Diploma/Certificate or International Baccalaureate?
Whatever you’re doing, hopefully it’s what you expected, all’s going well and you’re enjoying it but the time will soon be here when you’re celebrating the end of your course and moving on. You
need to start thinking now about what you want to happen in the future and begin to look at what
will be available to you once you finish your current course. This guide should give you some
answers.
Whatever you’re planning on doing - going to university, finding a job or doing a mix of things, you
can use this booklet to explore what’s ahead and what choices are right for you. It’s assumed
you’re working towards, or already have, one or more of the qualifications listed above - so that’s
why it refers to you all the way through as a person qualified to Level 3. It’s also handy if you have
access to the internet as you read this information - there are useful websites contained in every
section to help you get more details about those topics that are most important to you. Use the
information in here to help you move on to a successful future!
HIGHER EDUCATION - IS IT RIGHT FOR YOU?
If you’re considering going to university or an institute of higher education, you should think
carefully about yourself and your needs. While it’s not necessary to have a specific career in mind,
having some ideas can help to give you a general sense of direction in your choice of degree
course.
However, you can take a degree purely because you have an interest in a particular subject.
Having a degree in any subject will show any prospective employer that you are able to work and
research at a very advanced level and this is of tremendous value in whatever career you choose
in the future.
What would you like from a course in higher education and a career? With so many courses
available, thinking about what you would like to study can be very daunting. You could start by
assessing your interests and abilities in each of your AS/A2 Levels or whichever Level 3 courses
you are taking. Then look at your strengths, your likes and dislikes and use these as a basis to
begin researching different courses. Some courses require particular subjects to have been
completed at Level 3 - although entry requirements differ depending on the institution - and others
have an admissions test so you should take these requirements into consideration when choosing
your course.
Many prospective undergraduates worry about taking out a student loan and ending up in debt but
you won’t have to start paying anything back until you’re earning in excess of £15,000 per year
and it is generally recognised that graduates earn substantially more than non-graduates over
their working life.
You may find it helpful to book a guidance interview with the Careers Adviser attached to the
Academy to talk about your options. Alternatively there is a range of online programs - e.g. the
Stamford test on the UCAS website or the UK Coursefinder website www.ukcoursefinder.com
that can help you with your choice of options. Other programs may be available at your school or
college such as Higher Ideas, Fast Tomato, Kudos, Adult Directions or Odyssey Plus.
Courses and qualifications
There are many types and variations of courses and qualifications available in higher education.
Here’s a broad guide:
Higher National Certificates (HNCs) and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs)
HNCs and HNDs are work-related courses provided by higher education institutions (HEIs). They
are available in a wide range of subjects from accounting to video production. HNCs are usually
completed in one year.
HNDs normally take two years to complete. You can take a three-year HND entailing a year of
industrial experience related to a specific career area. If completed with high grade, HNDs can
lead on to the second or third year of a degree course.
Higher Education Diplomas and Certificates
As well as HNCs and HNDs, you can study for a range of higher education diplomas in subjects as
varied as accounting, construction, engineering, nursing, science, technology and textile design.
They typically take two to three years to complete and you can usually convert your higher
education diploma to a degree with further study. Certificates of higher education are academic
rather than vocational qualifications which are broadly equivalent to an HNC and usually take a
year of full-time study to complete.
Foundation Degrees
These are the equivalent of the first two years of a degree. Either studied full time (two years) or
part time (three to four years) and consist of academic study integrated with relevant work-based
learning undertaken with an employer. They may be studied as a stand-alone qualification or upon
completion you can progress on to the final year of a degree programme.
Degrees
There are many degrees such as Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of
Medicine (MB), Bachelor of Education (BEd), Bachelor of Engineering (BEng). Graduates should
have developed the additional qualities needed for employment in situations requiring the exercise
of personal responsibility and decision-making in complex and sometimes unpredictable
circumstances. Depending on the subject you choose, it normally takes three years to complete a
full-time degree. There may also be a part-time option for some courses.
Degrees are graded as First, Upper Second (2:1), Lower Second (2:2), Third or Ordinary (Pass).
MAKING CHOICES IN HIGHER EDUCATION
Step 1 - Course considerations
Now that you know about qualifications and HE institutions (HEIs), you need to think very carefully
and honestly about you! Here are some things to think about regarding your choice of course:
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Check whether courses are academic, theoretical or practical-based. Many institutions offer
modular or combination courses where you can ‘mix and match’ from a variety of subjects.
Look at the full range of subjects there is to study. Don’t necessarily be tied by subjects
you’ve studied at school or college but do research any subjects that are unfamiliar to you.
Investigate how the subjects you are interested in can be studied, the type of degree you’ll
get - is it a single subject, joint, modular, combined or sandwich - which includes a period of
time spent on an industrial or commercial placement and is an integral part of the course?
Does it involve study abroad?
How long is the course?
Read the content of the course to see if it interests you. Are there any compulsory
elements of the course you would like/dislike? Does it meet the requirements for your
career ideas (e.g. teaching)?
What are the teaching and assessment methods for that course? These vary from course to
course even when they have the same title. Consider if they will suit you.
What are the career opportunities following the course? Will you require further study and
what funding is likely to be available?
What qualifications and grades will you need to get onto the course?
Are you likely to achieve these grades?
If you are interested in a specific career make sure you know what HE qualification you will
need. If not, choose a course that you think you will enjoy and be good at. Follow your
instincts and interests. Be realistic - check what UCAS points you will need.
For example the entry requirements for
The University of Hull Biomedical Science 3 year full-time Degree are:
Volume and depth of study
Minimum number required: 3
(GCE A level or equivalent)
Number preferred: 3
Tariff score
Points accepted: 280 - 300
GCE A level
Acceptability
Acceptable on its own & combined with other qualifications
Subjects and grades required
Biology at grade C.
Additional Information
A second science A level is preferred
Look at the UCAS Tariff overleaf to know what you are aiming for
UCAS TARIFF
GCE GCE Points
AS
A
level level
420
A level
points
include
AS
points
for the
same
subject
Do not
double
count.
BTEC Nationals
Certificate Subsidiary Extended
Diploma Diploma
D*D*D*
400
D*D*D
380
D*DD
360
DDD
320
DDM
280
DMM
240
DD
MMM
200
DM
MMP
A*
140
A
120
B
100
C
80
D
B
C
E
A
B
180
160
A
CACHE Level 3 Child Care &
Education
Diploma Points
Certificate
D
MM
MPP
MP
PPP
360
300
C
240
D
180
160
E
120
A
110
B
90
60
C
70
50
D
55
40
D
30
E
20
M
PP
40
P
E
35
Step 2 - Future employment considerations
Throughout your time in higher education you’ll need to develop your personal, learning and
career management skills as well as your academic knowledge. The pace of technological change
and its impact on work-place practice means that you will also need to be able to demonstrate the
ability to communicate effectively orally, in writing and through technology; to be able to work as a
member of a team, manage your time effectively and cope with pressure. As well as the factors in
Step One you should also try to assess institutions or departments for the following:
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Will you be able to develop your key skills within the mainstream academic curriculum e.g.
skills in teamwork, use of IT, numeracy, study, research and career planning?
Are work-related skills recognised, assessed and accredited? This could include sandwich
placements in industry/commerce, year abroad, fieldwork, work experience, case studies
and project work.
Is there the opportunity to demonstrate these skills, as well as knowledge gained, through
some form of record of achievement?
How are employers involved in the academic curriculum in non-vocational courses? Look
for features on skills workshops, material for case studies/projects and placements linked to
academic specialisms.
Step 3 - Geographical considerations
Once you have identified your chosen subject area you will need to choose between the locations
of the institutions you’re interested in. Remember you’ll have to live there for 3 to 4 years of your
life! You’ll need to ask yourself the following questions:
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Are the sites based in one town or city? Are they in a city centre with other annexes/sites on
the outskirts of the city or are they in a rural area?
What is the age and character of the institution?
Is it well known for any particular specialism?
Could any bursary be paid for attending this institution?
Is there a compact agreement in place between your school/college and this institution?
Does a lively extra-curricular programme exist with sports, social facilities and university
clubs and societies on site?
What’s the social scene like?
What sort of accommodation is available and how much will it cost?
How much will it cost to get home and what regular costs will you have whilst there?
As well as all the above, if you have a disability or have any additional needs, you may also need
to consider the following:
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Is there a disability support or learning support office?
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How accessible is the teaching? (For example, differentiated materials and methods of
communication).
Are there any particular facilities for disabled students, or can these be arranged?
Is there a suitable medical centre available on site?
Are there any other students at the university with a similar disability, and what support do
they receive?
Is the accommodation appropriate and accessible?
Will you be able to access recreation and leisure facilities both on and off campus?
If you have a disability, check out universities’ Disability Statements, Disability Equality Schemes
and Student Union Disability Support Structures and Policies.
For contact details of Disability Coordinators go to: www.skill.org.uk/into_hefe/into_he.asp
Information leaflets can be accessed on the Skill website www.skill.org.uk
If you have a specific learning difficulty a useful website is www.achieveability.org.uk
Try to visit as many of your potential institutions as possible before making any firm choices. This
will give you a real insight into campus life and is particularly important if you have any additional
support needs in order to ensure those needs can be adequately met. Details of Open Days may
be found at www.opendays.com or www.ucas.com/students/beforeyouapply/opendays
Step 4 - Detailed considerations
You can find out more about all universities and colleges by looking at individual prospectuses, by
googling individual institutions or by visiting www.ucas.com You’ll also need to research course
information using reference books and databases. Some institutions also produce departmental
brochures that give detailed information on the courses offered. All institutions welcome enquiries
at open days and through their Admissions department. For good general information about HE
visit www.hero.ac.uk or www.unistats.direct.gov.uk
Step 5- Completing your UCAS application
Applications for most full-time university or college places are made through UCAS. UCAS is the
central organisation that processes applications for full-time undergraduate courses at UK
universities and colleges. Make sure you know the relevant deadline - for some courses and
colleges, it's earlier than others.
Registering to apply
Make sure you apply by the deadlines!
Applications to UCAS can only be made online. To register an application through a school,
college or careers organisation you will need their 'buzzword'. If you are applying as an individual
you do not need one. After registering you will be given a username and asked to enter your own
password.
You can register in the summer before you plan to make your online application. The earliest you
can submit a finished application is the September before you want to start your course, unless
you are applying for deferred entry (for example, applying in the 2012 cycle for 2013 entry).
If you choose to defer your place until 2013, you will still need to meet any conditions (for example,
qualification grades) by the end of August 2012, unless otherwise agreed with the university or
college.
Completing the UCAS application
There are seven sections on the application: personal details, additional information (for UK
applicants only), choices, education, employment, personal statement and reference. In the
choices section, you can list up to five courses.
The application has an A to Z list of universities and higher education colleges, and also course
codes, so you just have to click and select.
Personal statement and employment sections
Your personal statement should cover why you are interested in the courses you’ve applied for,
and what you hope to do after your studies.
In the employment section, you can list your part-time or summer jobs.
Referees
Once you've completed all sections of your application, click 'Send to referee' so the person who's
acting as a referee can check your details and add their reference. If you're not at school or
college and are applying independently your referee sends their reference directly into your
application through the UCAS secure website. You'll need to give your referee's contact details
and then ask them by email to provide a reference online.
Make sure you're aware of the application deadlines!
Costs
For 2012 entry, it costs £22 to apply for more than one course, university or college through
UCAS. It costs £11 if you only apply for one course at one university or college.
For most courses, you’ll need to get your application to UCAS by 15 January 2012 in order to be
considered ‘on time’ (so about nine months prior to courses starting in September). However, you
must apply by 15 October 2011 if you're studying medicine, dentistry, veterinary medicine or
veterinary science, or if you're applying to the universities of Oxford or Cambridge.
Whichever course you're applying for, UCAS advises students to apply well before the deadline.
However, you can still apply through UCAS up to the end of June. Universities and colleges may
still consider your application, but the most popular courses may already be full. If you apply after
the end of June, you’ll automatically go into Clearing.
Once UCAS has processed your application, you get a Personal ID. You can use this, in
combination with your username and password, to track the progress of your application. You also
get a welcome letter in the post.
Offers
There are two types of offer.
1. Unconditional. This is if you already satisfy all the entry requirements. You’ve been accepted
and you’re in providing of course, that you accept.
2. Conditional. You will be offered a place if you meet certain conditions. You may be asked to
achieve a number of UCAS Tariff points or gain actual grades in certain subjects or units.
Then there’s another thing that might happen… Rejection. The institution has decided not to offer
you a place on the course. UCAS will send you information about when and how to respond to any
offers. You will not be expected to make any decisions until you have heard from all your choices.
You must reply to your offers by the date that UCAS will give you. Ideally, you should accept one
offer as conditional firm (CF) and one as conditional insurance (CI). You need to turn down any
other offers at this stage. It’s important that you are happy with your decision because if you
satisfy the terms of your offer when you get your exam results, you are committed to that
institution.
Extra
If you have applied through UCAS, used all five choices but are not holding any offers, you may be
able to apply through Extra for additional courses, one at a time. Extra allows you to apply for
courses with vacancies between 25th February and the 6th July. If you are eligible to apply
through Extra, you will be notified through TRACK. The course search facility on the UCAS
website www.ucas.com/students/coursesearch displays courses with vacancies.
When you get your exam results
If your exam results meet the terms of your CF offer, your place at that institution will be
confirmed. You may still get a place even if your results are slightly lower but much depends on
other applicants and the grades they have gained. You may also be offered an alternative course
at the same place which you do not have to accept unless you feel it is appropriate for you. If you
are not successful in gaining a place at your CF institution, but have met the terms of your CI offer,
you will be offered a place there instead. If you are not placed at either institution, you will be able
to enter clearing.
Adjustment Period
If you get higher grades than you expected, are holding a CF offer and exceed the academic
conditions of that offer, you can approach institutions yourself to try and secure a place that you
initially thought you would not be able to achieve the grades for. This will not affect your existing
CF offer. This is known as the Adjustment Period and you can register for this using UCAS Track.
You will need to contact admissions tutors directly to try and gain a place. The Adjustment Period
only operates for 5 days following ‘A’ level results. If a different course/HEI is not obtained, you will
still be able to go to that course whose firm offer you were originally holding.
Clearing
Clearing is the process available to applicants who have not managed to secure a place in an HE
institution for the forthcoming year. Clearing begins in August and can help you find suitable
vacancies on higher education courses. If you’re flexible about where you’re prepared to study and
you have reasonable exam results, there is still a good chance you will find another course. You
are eligible for clearing if you have applied in the current application year and:
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you hold no offers or
your offers have not been confirmed because you have not met the conditions or
you applied after 30th June. If UCAS receives your application after this date it will not be
sent to any universities or colleges.
Course vacancies in clearing are published on the www.ucas.com website from mid-August until
late September.
University Admissions Tests
These may be something else you could be asked to do, although admissions tests are not a part
of most university admissions decision making. They are used by only a very small proportion of
courses (0.7% of the 49,000 courses in UCAS for 2009 entry and by about 16% of the 309
institutions). Of the 67 tests currently being used, Oxford and Cambridge Universities account for
more than half. Cambridge University tests
(www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate/apply/tests.html ) include Thinking Skills Assessment
(TSA), Modern and Medieval Languages (MML), Sixth Term Examination Paper (STEP).
Oxford University tests
(www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/how_to_apply/tests/index.html ) include
History (HAT), English (ELAT) and TSA.
Admissions tests are not used in isolation by admissions tutors but alongside academic
performance, interviews, personal statement and references. There are three main national tests.
Full details of the tests, application processes, costs and practice papers are available on the test
websites.
National Tests
1. UKCAT
The UK Clinical Aptitude Test (UKCAT) is used in the selection process by 24 universities for
admissions to medicine and dentistry. It involves a two hour multiple choice test which aims to
assess verbal reasoning, quantitative reasoning, abstract reasoning, decision analysis and noncognitive analysis. You can prepare for this test using the practice questions available on the
UKCAT website www.ukcat.ac.uk
2. BMAT
You’ll need to take the Biomedical Admissions Test (BMAT) if you are applying for medicine,
veterinary medicine or physiological sciences at The Royal Veterinary College; Imperial College,
London; University College, London; Cambridge University or Oxford University. BMAT is a two
hour test comprising of three sections:
Aptitude and Skills - multiple choice
Scientific Knowledge and application - multiple choice
Writing Task - choice of one essay from three
3. LNAT
You’ll be required to take the Law National Admissions Test (LNAT) if you are applying for a law
degree at any of the following nine universities:
Birmingham; Bristol; Durham; Glasgow; Kings College, London; Leeds; Nottingham, Oxford and
University College, London. LNAT is a two hour test, comprising a multiple choice section made
up of ten argumentative passages designed to test powers of comprehension, interpretation,
analysis, synthesis, induction and deduction. There is also an essay designed to test your ability to
effectively argue to a conclusion.
Applying to Oxford and Cambridge Universities
As it is competitive to gain a place at Cambridge and Oxford Universities you should aim to get
lots of support and advice with your application.
Information from Oxford University’s Undergraduate Admissions statistics 2008 show that 98.6%
of successful applicants have ‘A’ level grades of AAA.
As these universities are collegiate, it means you are applying for a place at one of the colleges
and not just the university. The colleges can be very different from one another in terms of what
subjects they teach, accommodation, facilities and social life and you are advised to refer to the
appropriate websites and prospectuses to get the information you need to make a decision.
You must start planning this well ahead of your actual application. You are not allowed to apply for
both Cambridge and Oxford Universities in the same year. Cambridge and Oxford Universities
both operate widening participation schemes (as do all UK universities) to encourage applicants
from non-traditional HE backgrounds and those whose education has been disrupted or
disadvantaged due to health, personal problems or disability.
You apply for Cambridge and Oxford Universities through UCAS in the same way as for other
universities. However, there is a much earlier closing, go to www.cam.ac.uk or www.ox.ac.uk for
more information
Cambridge and Oxford Universities each receive over 15,000 applications for their 3,500 and
3,200 places respectively. You will need to choose a course and a college to apply to. You can
choose to make an ‘open’ application and accept the allocation to a college made for you by
computer. About 20% of applicants make such an application and are as successful as applicants
identifying a preferred college. If you are applying to Cambridge University you will also be asked
to provide additional information through the online Supplementary Application Questionnaire
(SAQ), such as ‘AS’/’A’ Level unit scores and extra information on subjects studied. This helps
with assessing applications. The colleges at each university tend to operate in the same way to
ensure that admissions are fair. You may be required to take admissions tests, or asked to submit
some academic work before a decision is made whether to offer an interview or not. Interviews are
usually held in December.
After this, there are three possible outcomes:
1. You are made an offer by your chosen college.
2. Cambridge University - your application is ‘pooled’. This means your application will be
considered by admissions tutors from other colleges in January. 700 (5%) applicants each year,
receive offers through this ‘winter pool’.
Oxford University - you are made an ‘open offer’. This means that your place at Oxford is secure,
subject to you achieving the grades requested, but a college has not yet been allocated to you and
will not be until August.
3. Your application is unsuccessful.
Cambridge and Oxford Universities do not usually enter clearing, so even if your grades turn out to
be better than expected, you will need to apply for a place the following year.
Go to www.cam.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate and
www.ox.ac.uk/admissions/undergraduate_courses/index.htm for further information.
There are step-by-step guides on the UCAS website for everyone completing an application to
Higher Education but you should also ask for help and support from someone who knows the
application process well such as a Careers Adviser or Head of Sixth Form. There is also an
endless list of books and publications on getting into Higher Education.
.
Other application routes into HE
There are a few courses for which you can apply directly to a university or institution rather than
through the UCAS system. These include courses in health-related subjects such as Dental
Therapy and Hygiene. One particular local course to note which will only accept direct applications
is the BSc Midwifery course offered by the University of Hull.
Music Courses
There are two ways to apply for music courses. The route you take depends upon the type of
course you would like to study.
1. For full-time undergraduate degree courses, apply through UCAS
2. For music courses at the seven conservatoires, apply through CUKAS.
Check on the CUKAS website www.cukas.ac.uk for important application dates.
You are advised to apply through both systems and then, if you have a choice of offers, decide
which course to take later.
Drama and Dance Courses
Although you can apply for many drama and dance courses through UCAS, there are some
courses (including degree courses) for which you should apply direct to the institution. The
contacts listed below will provide you with further information
The Conference of Drama Schools
www.drama.ac.uk
The Council for Dance Education and Training www.cdet.org.uk
The National Council for Dance Training
www.ncdt.co.uk
Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design)
This one-year course, intended to bridge the gap between ‘A’ Level Art and Design and Higher
Education, is currently available locally at Grimsby Institute for Further and Higher Education, Hull
College and York College. Many ‘A’ level students undertake this course to broaden their portfolio
before applying for higher education courses in Art and Design subjects. Many institutions may
expect this qualification if only ‘A’ levels have been studied. Always check with University and
College admissions staff directly to find out whether they require the Art Foundation course.
Applications for Art Foundation courses should be made direct to the institution in which you are
interested (the institution will supply its own application form or you can apply online). Art
Foundation courses are classified as further education, so students taking the course are not
eligible for a student loan. However, students under 19 will not normally pay tuition fees for these
courses. Always check with the colleges. Visit them at:
Grimsby Institute Tel: 0800 315002
www.grimsby.ac.uk
Hull College Tel: 01482 329943
www.hull-college.ac.uk
York College Tel: 01904 770200
www.yorkcollege.ac.uk
Higher Education Convention
You could also visit the annual Higher Education Convention held in June each year at The
University of Hull Sports Centre and adjoining marquee where there will be stands representing
many UK universities and colleges. Dates and venue details are available on the Conventions
section of the UCAS website.
Contact: Hilary Jones - email: h.a.jones@hull.ac.uk Tel: 01482 465103 for more information.
There’s a lot more information about all things to do with Higher Education at:
www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/index.htm
ALTERNATIVES TO HE
You’ve considered going on to university but decided that it’s not for you. OK, so what else can
you do? This section gives you an insight into what options you may have and some tips for
finding employment or moving into further learning or training. There are websites listed so that
you can research your options and there’s help available from Careers Advisers if you’re still
unsure what you want to do. You’re not alone. Many people find that they’re undecided about jobs
and career.
The main options are:
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Employment - getting a job that pays you a wage - with or without training
Part time study or further training - getting further qualifications by attending a college or
training provider for part of the week
Advanced Apprenticeship - building on Level 3 learning to gain skills in a particular
occupation or trade
Voluntary work - usually unpaid but great for getting to know people in your community
Taking a Gap year - doing the things you’ve always wanted to do; travelling,
mountaineering, marathon running. Remember though, you’ll probably have to do
something as well that will earn you some money!
Employment- This includes a number of options - for example, full or part-time jobs – and
these can be seasonal, temporary or permanent. You need to have a clear idea of what you
want to do.
Many people with Level 3 qualifications have had part-time jobs while they’ve been studying and
this can be a good way into full time work if you can extend your hours once you’ve completed
your studies. However, if you want to change direction completely, think about what skills and
knowledge you have acquired in your part-time work and how this relates to any new jobs you
apply for. Before you leave, remember to ask your employer if they’ll be happy to give you a
reference.
How to choose the right career for you
For most people, this is very difficult to do. The days when you started your career as you left
school and worked in the same field for the next fifty years are long gone. It’s also unlikely that you
can go straight to a career being a celebrity because you’ve seen someone on television doing
just that. However, you can expect to change career a number of times as you move through your
working life and you may well be doing a job in a few years’ time that hasn’t been invented yet.
There weren’t many website designers around a decade ago and Facebook wasn’t even thought
of!
What you can do is consider your skills, knowledge and personal qualities and how these match
up to the requirements for the career you’d like to start in. Some of the skills and qualities
employers look for are:
Motivation - keen to do the work
Initiative - don’t need telling what to do all the time
Communication skills - able to talk, write and use ICT effectively with a range of people
Ability to work as part of a team - doing your bit and not letting others down
Organisation and planning skills - able to think through problems and find solutions.
Presentation skills - you dress appropriately for work or are able to present facts and ideas
Reliable and punctual - turn up all the time and on time all the time
Making your application
Any of the sources on the previous page may be able to provide job leads but remember that
almost a third of vacancies are filled without being advertised. Once you do find a job that you
think you can do, there are various ways to make your application:
1. Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Use your first CV to highlight your skills, qualifications and experience, and be sure to use strong
verbs to make it get noticed. When you’ve finished, proofread for grammar and spelling, and
format it so that your CV is crisp and clean for the reader.
What to Include In Your First CV
It can be daunting to imagine making a full CV out of work experience or part time jobs. The good
news is that this is not all that a CV should include.
Employers are not going to expect a long history of jobs from a 17-year-old. What they will be
looking for is some indication that they are going to get someone who is keen, sensible, likely to
carry out the tasks they're set.
In fact, a CV is your chance to let prospective employers see everything that you can offer them,
including your skills, qualifications and experience. This means that in addition to previous
employment you should be mentioning your education, voluntary positions and outside interests or
skills as well.
Draft your first CV to include:
Name and contact details, include home and mobile phones, email address and postal address.
Education, include secondary school dates and addresses.
Work history or experience, include the duties you were assigned in each position and any major
achievements or skills you felt you gained from this.
Hobbies and interests include any clubs you attend, what you enjoy doing in your spare time,
language skills, computer or technical skills… Think of the general skills you have. Everyone has
got them. What do people compliment you on? What do they say you’re good at? Are you good
with numbers? Can you draw? Are you a good listener? Are you a quick learner? Can you solve
problems well? Can you communicate well – either written or verbally? Do you work better on your
own or in a team?
How to Write Your First CV
The CV is often the first introduction a prospective employer has with a potential employee; thus,
this document holds a special power.
If you don’t make yourself sound employable, then why will anyone else think that they should hire
you? One of the best ways to write a glowing CV is to use strong verbs such as:
Achieved.
Coordinated.
Reviewed.
Analysed
Devised.
Reported.
Awarded.
Established.
Taught.
Balanced.
Implemented.
Collaborated.
Organised.
Make sure that your CV looks neat and can be read clearly and crisply so that it will go straight to
the “interview” pile. Ensure that you:
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Complete a spelling and a grammar check on your CV.
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Read each draft of your CV out loud to see how it flows.
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Have others proofread your CV to catch any minor errors.
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Ask others if your objective is clear.
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Use clear margins to make your CV attractive.
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Print your CV onto good quality paper.
Start writing your first CV before you ever leave school and university so that there is plenty of
time to get help from others and look at templates no doubt stored in the career guidance office.
Once you perfect your first CV you’ll need to keep updating it every six months or so to add new
achievements and skills.
2. Speculative Letters
A number of vacancies are not advertised. Instead they go to people who contact the company at
just the right time. Contacting employers who are not advertising for staff (applying on spec) could
become part of your job-hunting strategy. Keep a list of all the companies contacted with dates.
Try looking for prospective employers in the Yellow Pages www.yell.com or Local Company
Directories.
3. Telephoning
Some vacancies require you to telephone the organisation first. You could also telephone an
employer to find out if they require any staff. It’s a good idea to choose a quiet location to make
your call. Prepare what you’re going to say beforehand and have a pen and paper ready to make
notes.
4. Letter of Application
Some employers will state in vacancy information that they prefer a letter of application rather than
an application form. Keep the content of the letter concise. Your first paragraph should state the
title of the job, place and date of the vacancy advertisement. Try to analyse the job details and
provide examples of the skills and qualities you have to match those in the job description.
5. Application Forms
Read through the whole form before you start to complete it. It’s a good idea to photocopy the
original and use it as a practice form. Watch out for instructions such as ‘use block capitals’ and
‘complete in black ink’. Make sure you put the right information in the right places on the form.
6. Online applications
Many companies now offer the opportunity to register and complete application forms on line. You
can easily correct any mistakes as you put in your details but make sure that you’ve filled in all the
fields that are marked as mandatory (usually by a red asterisk *) otherwise, you won’t be able to
send the form.
If you were asked to register with a username and password, write these down and keep them
safe, you’re likely to need them again. Some websites allow you to save as a draft before sending.
Check whether or not you can, because if you can’t, you’ll have to start from the beginning again
every time you revisit the site. If there’s the facility to receive an email confirmation of your
application, use it. Remember to check your application carefully before you send it.
7. Interviews
All interviews are different in terms of content, style and length but you’ll always be asked
questions either by one person or a panel of people. They’ll ask you about yourself, why you want
the job and what skills you would bring to the company. If you do some preparation, the situation
will be much easier to deal with Make sure you know where the interview is and how to get there.
Find out as much as possible about the job and company. Think also about why you really want
this particular job.
Collect together any additional relevant information you will need to take to the interview e.g.
Record of Achievement, portfolio of art work, references or qualification certificates.
8. Selection Tests
Some employers may use selection tests in addition to interviews. Candidates are usually
informed about them beforehand. There are various types of test:
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Verbal and numerical reasoning tests - usually timed, multiple choice
Personality tests - these look at how you would respond to certain situations or roles
Physical tests - aimed to assess a candidate’s physical ability e.g. How fast you can run,
what sort of weights you can carry.
Communication tests - check performance in a group setting. Your ability to put across your
point of view is assessed.
Medical tests are a requirement for certain jobs - particularly Armed Forces, Police and Fire
Service.
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Part-time further study or training
Some Level 3 students may choose to study part-time for additional qualifications. These could be
short courses to improve IT skills, or maybe to get professional qualifications linked to a specific
job. Part-time study can be undertaken while doing a part-time job which may or may not be linked
to the study. Many employers have their own company training programmes but these may vary in
duration and quality. You need to check with any potential employers what they are offering. Some
may lead to specific professional or vocational qualifications, for example, banking, finance and
legal executive work.
Sixth Form useful links:
http://www.ucas.ac.uk/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/YoungPeople/index.htm
http://studentfinance-yourfuture.direct.gov.uk/
http://icould.com/resultsguide/
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/EducationAndLearning/UniversityAndHigherEducation/StudentFinance
/index.htm
Other useful job vacancy websites include:
www.thisishullandeastriding.co.uk
www.hulljobs.com
www.fish4.co.uk
www.cityworks.org.uk