School Year 13 & college 2nd year students, interested in work opportunities

September - December

• Review which subjects you should continue with now you have your examination results. Arrange to see a Careers Advisor if still unsure about what to do if you haven't discussed it during the summer.
  
  
• Arrange relevant work experience, prior to applications.
  
  
• Prepare a chronological CV, for more information see CV section on this website
  
  
• Decide who you want as referees & ask their permission.
  
  
• Research careers, industry sectors & potential employers.
  
  
• Apply for any jobs or training you are interested in.
  
  
• There may be jobs with guaranteed training available through the advanced Modern Apprenticeship programme. See your Connexions or careers advisor.
  
  
• Consider part-time Foundation Degrees, HNCs or further work related studies.
  
  
• Attend any jobsearch workshops that are organised.
  
  
• Check your tax and insurance situation with your careers advisor, the Inland Revenue or contact your local Tax Office

• Increase time spent on job & training search. Use newspapers, school or college vacancy boards, advice & guidance websites & offices, Connexions centres, websites, recruitment websites & register with agencies.
  
  
• Also check with any contacts from your work experience.
  
  
• Write to employers you would like to work for, with a copy of CV & a cover letter. You can get help with this or get them checked, from careers advisors.
  
  
• Continue making applications for any job vacancies. Keep a record and chase up those you don't hear from.
  
  
• Discuss with career advisors, funding for further learning through HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees e.g. employer support, student loans, career development loans, bursaries etc.

• Continue applying for vacancies.
  
  
• See your Personal Advisor or careers advisor for help with CVs, cover letters, application forms, interview techniques & selection tests.
  
  
• Attend interviews & any selection tests.

• Be available when exam results are announced. Don't panic if results are worse or better than expected. Contact your Connexions careers advisors or school or college careers or guidance advisors. You can also get information, practical advice & support by telephone & from websites.
  
  
• Register for jobs at Connexions centres, careers services if you haven't already done so. Keep applying for vacancies until you get an offer you are happy with.

• GCSE results: 26th August 2004
  CCEA results (Northern Ireland): 24th August
  GNVQ results: 11th March 2004, 26th August 2004
  AS, A2, AEA results: 11th March 2004, 19th August 2004
  AVCE results: 11th March 2004, 19th August 2004
  A-level results: 19th August 2004
  International Baccalaureate: January for November session, July for May session
• Review your options, discuss results with careers or guidance advisors
  
  
• Check your tax and insurance situation with your careers advisor, the Inland Revenue or contact your local Tax Office

Thanks to Wayahead-Careers Connexions, Better Choices, City College Manchester, Manchester University & UMIST Careers Service, University of Kent, who contributed to the career calendars. Updated April 2004.