When to apply for a work placement
Many large companies offer work placements throughout the year which coincide with university and college holidays. If you are applying for one of these then the earlier you get you application in the better. Anytime up to a year or two before you would like the placement is recommended.
Some work experience placements, such as those at a national newspaper, can get pre-booked up to a year or so before the placement itself. Be aware that if you are applying for a work placement somewhere like this that it may be quite a while after you have applied that you are able to come in for your placement.
However, smaller businesses may recruit people for work placements at shorter notice. If you are applying for a work placement at a smaller business over the summer, then ideally you should be thinking about submitting your application no later than April.
How to apply for work placements
Most large organisations will have a set application process for work placements or internships, and can be easily found by researching the company online. When you apply, make sure that you give the same amount of time and attention as you would do to any normal job application.
Many smaller companies don't offer a set work placement scheme within their organisation, but you will find that you can contact them directly in order to be able to be considered for a placement or internship anyway. In fact, personally contacting someone from an organisation explaining why you would like to work there makes a very good impression.
Research companies you would like to work for and either phone, write or e-mail them. It is often better to find out who you should be contacting for work placements, as often a personally addressed letter or e-mail will get noticed more than one directed to no one particular, or a specific job role.
Enclose a CV and covering letter explaining why you would like a work placement with them.
CV writing tips
Your Curriculum Vitae, or CV as it's more commonly known, is your chance to show off your skills and experience in less than two pages. You should update your CV regularly, and tailor its content to each individual job that you are applying for. It should be clear, coherent and completely accurate without any mistakes whatsoever. A good CV is one which has its content laid out very clearly and briefly so that it can be easily scanned.
CVs differ according to what role you are applying for and what previous experience you would like to demonstrate. However, generally, you should include:
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Personal details: name and contact details
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Personal profile: no more than three or four lines stating your career objectives and goals
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Education: state in reverse chronological order
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Experience: both paid and unpaid
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Positions of responsibility, achievements and interests
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References
Don't be afraid to take key phrases and headlines from the job specification of the position that you are applying for - employers notice that kind of attention to detail and it'll help you make a good impression.
Avoid humour, quirky fonts and unnecessary graphics in your CV. It should be presented in an organised in a clear way and not detract from its content.
Research online for CV examples to find a style that suits you and the position that you are applying for. One of the most important things is to remember to keep it straight-forward, neat and without any errors. After all, no one is going to believe key skills such as 'pays close attentions to detail' explained in a CV littered with grammatical or spelling errors.
