Looking for a job

Your last year at school is the year for planning—planning your future career. You will meet many people who will be able to give you help and advice. Use their help for finding out more about the jobs open to you. Decide which of these you are most interested in.

Certain types of work require special qualifications ; other jobs need a good educational back­ground which can be determined from your school report. You may be able decide your future job whilst still at school, as a result of careers talks and outside visits.

Youth Employment Officers and visiting speakers, particularly from local industry and business, will also give you information.

I n which general field of employ­ment should you look for your first job ? Trade, industry, the Civil Service, the Local Authority, the police, the armed forces and nursing—each has its own entry requirements. Training or apprenticeship may be necessary before you can reach full salary.

In other jobs you can be on the same footing as your work-mates from the start and receive the same wages.

Your choice may also be influenced by the chief industry where you live, e.g. ship-building, engineer­ing, mining, textiles, unless you are prepared to move to another district. Sometimes your family or friends already working in an industry may affect your choice. But if you are uncertain which career to pursue, you will need special advice to help you make up your mind.

Finding Out

Go to the local Youth Employ­ment Office. The people there will be able to tell you of likely jobs in your area, but it is not their duty to find work for you. Follow up their advice by contacting the Personnel Officer of the factory or firm suggested. You could also make your own enquiries through relatives or friends already in employment, or by looking at the 'Situations Vacant columns of newspapers.

Applying For A Job

Some jobs may require a written application, either on an official form or by letter. If you have to write a letter, you should include the following information:

1 The exact details of the job for which you are applying.

2 Your full name and date of birth.

3 Your address, and telephone number if you have one.

4 Mention any qualification or certificate you possess.

5 Give an outline of your work at school.

6 Give any details about your­self likely to prove of value in the job, such as previous part-time experience in similar work.

Whichever job you decide to apply for, remember that it needs to satisfy you, if you are going to be happy in your work. Good pay is not everything.

How to create a good impression . . .

1 Work in pairs

Before you read the article below, note down two things you think candidates should do at a job interview and two things they shouldn't do.

2 Read the first part of the article and then decide which of the points (1-10) are DOs and which are DON'Ts.

3 Read the next part of the article and decide which of the points (11-20) are DOs or DON'T