Where can I go to look for jobs?

If you’re looking for a job you can try the Job Centre, local papers and websites. Local shops or restaurants often put notices in the window.

Getting your Curriculum Vitae (CV) right

Whatever you do you’re probably going to need a CV. This is a short history to tell employers about your qualifications, jobs you’ve had and personal skills.

Write a short letter to go with your CV - talk about how the experience shown on your CV meets the needs of the employer.

Sometimes you have to fill in an application form for the job.

I’ve got an interview. I’m nervous. Help!

Research - Get on the web and look up as much of that company's history as you can. If you can, drop some facts in to the interview.

Prepare - Get a good night's sleep and have your interview clothes ready! Think about what to wear if you’re applying for a job in a cool shop you might want to go a bit funkier and individual. Arrive 10-15 minutes early.

Look confident (even if you feel like a wreck on the inside!) - Sit up straight in your chair. If there’s more than one person interviewing you try and look at them all rather than looking at your shoes!

Tell the truth - Think a little before you answer each question, but try not to say "erm..." while you're thinking. Just take it slowly; you’ll appear more confident that way.

Always ask a question – Think of some questions before you go into the interview. If they’re covered in the interview tell the panel.

Try and be yourself – Don’t pretend to be something you’re not even if you feel weird because you’re nervous. The people interviewing you will expect you to be a bit nervous and should try and make you relax.

If you have any questions or want to have someone check your CV, application form or any advice about interviews, speak to your Connexions Personal adviser.

What are my rights as an employee?

If you're 16 or over, have left school and are working full time, you have the right to a minimum of four weeks’ annual holiday, although some employers may offer more.

If your company offers little or no training, you can also get time off to work and study if you decide to take any further education courses.

When you start working for someone, there is always a contract between you and your employer. Although it doesn’t always have to be in writing or signed, this contract covers your basic rights at work, like the right to be paid.

You should receive a written statement of employment within two months of starting the job.

If you want to know more about young workers rights at work, have a look at the following website: http://www.worksmart.org.uk/rights/childrens_work_rights

If you're under school leaving age...

and thinking of getting a part-time job check out these guidance notes from the Department for Children, Schools and Families. They’ll give you an idea of the sort of work you can do, the number of hours you can work and when you can work.

When can I work?

If you’re under school leaving age you:

• May not be employed before 7.00 a.m. or after 7.00 p.m.
• May not be employed before the end of the school day on any day when you have to go to school. But you can do an hour’s work in the morning before school starts.

How long can I work for?

• You may not be employed for more than two hours on a day on which you have to go to school, or on a Sunday.
• If you’re under 15 you may not be employed for more than five hours on any day from Monday to Saturday when you do not have to go to school.
• If you’re aged 15 or over you may not be employed for more than 8 hours on a weekday when you do not have to go to school.

What sort of jobs could I do?

If you're under the school leaving age ymay only be employed to do ‘light work’ like gardening, delivering newspapers and collecting payment for them, shop work such as shelf stacking, hairdressing salons, office work, car washing by hand in a private residential setting, in a café or restaurant, in riding stables, domestic work in hotels and other establishments offering accommodation.

For more information download this guide.