Employability Support
At Cranbrook Education Campus we use skills builder icons to reference the key transferable skills that employers look for. These icons are an integral part to our booklets and are explicitly taught in all subjects.
Our offer to you
In year 11, you will receive two different 1-2-1 appointments. The first is with our Exeter College schools advisor, Caroline Earp. Caroline will speak to you about what types of courses are available. She will also support you with the application process if you wish to apply to Exeter College. You will then have an appointment with Maria Masters, our independent careers advisor. Maria will talk you through not only career options, but next steps post-18. She will also provide mock interviews for any pupil with an EHCP from year 9 upwards.
Each year you will have dedicated careers focused lessons all the way from year 7. These lessons will focus on things such as employability skills, apprenticeships, being an entrepreneurs and taking part in work experience. You will also have dedicated time to create a CV, application letter and explore post-16 options.
CV Writing Support
In year 10, we build in lessons during Personal Development to support pupils in writing a CV. These CV’s then form the basis for an application for work experience. A CV is a short, written summary of your skills, achievements and experience which relate to a role you want. You use it in the first stage of applying for jobs. Employers often ask for a CV instead of an application form but sometimes you'll need both. It's your first chance to promote yourself to an employer. A good CV will get you to an interview.
If you are not in year 10 and would like some guidance on writing a CV please speak to Mrs Jenkins. Alternatively, you could use some of the following resources to support you:
https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/cv-sections
https://www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/cvs-and-cover-letters/how-to-write-a-cv
https://www.reed.co.uk/career-advice/cvs/cv-help-and-tips-cvs/
Interview Technique
If you are offered an interview for a post-16 provider, or a part time job, you will need to know what to expect. Interviews are an important aspect of getting a job and not something you can usually avoid.
In the interview, remember to:
- be polite and use the right language and tone for a formal situation
- listen to the questions and think before you begin your answers
- ask the interviewer to repeat or explain further if you do not understand a question
- use the STAR method to answer questions about your skills and experience
- be positive about your experiences. If you’ve faced difficult situations, show what you learnt from them
- be honest and assertive
- ask a couple of questions when you’re given the opportunity. Choose questions that make you sound keen. For example, “What opportunities are there for training with the company?” It’s best not to ask about pay or holidays at this stage
For more detailed advice on what to expect during an interview you can visit https://nationalcareers.service.gov.uk/careers-advice/interview-advice.