Become a Mentor Donate

If you’re taking your GCSEs or A levels this year and have started to think about what your future holds beyond your secondary school studies, you may be contemplating entering the world of work. However, if you’ve never had a job before, you’ll need to get some experience that you can add to your CV.

There are plenty of opportunities available to get practical work under your belt, but it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to start. So, whether there is a specific career you are trying to pursue or you aren’t sure yet what you want to do, here are three ways to get experience that is sure to enhance your resume.

1. Get an internship

When creating a CV that stands out, it’s important that you have some real work experience you can include in the work history section. If you’ve never had a job before, internships are one of the best ways to get real-life experience and they are available in a wide range of industries, from marketing and fashion to business and media.

A huge benefit of an internship is that you are working alongside those who have experience in the role, which is a great opportunity to gain new skills and get contacts in the field. An internship is also a good idea if there is a particular role you are interested in but aren’t sure if it’s the right fit for you, as you can try it out first without any long-term commitment.

2. Do some volunteering

If you’re looking to get some experience that complements your current studies or you want to gain experience quickly to bulk up your CV, then volunteering is the perfect option. Although it’s unpaid, volunteering is a great way to show your passion and dedication to a role.

It’s also a good idea if you have no prior work experience since these roles can help you to build on your soft skills and give you plenty of real-life situations to talk about on your CV and during interviews. Volunteering opportunities are also a great way to get your foot in the door of a company you’re interested in working at, especially if there are no paid roles currently available.

3. Get a work experience placement

Finally, work experience is an excellent way to try out a variety of job types while boosting your CV. And the good news is that work experience can come in a number of forms. For example, you could ask to shadow a family member or friend to see what their job is like, or you could even set up your own small business. Getting a part-time job in retail or hospitality can also allow you to develop a number of essential skills that employers are looking for.

Building up your CV can be challenging, but once you have some experience, you are likely to find you progress further along the application process, securing more and more interviews. Look out for these three opportunities and you will be sure to build up an impressive CV in no time.

Images:

1. https://unsplash.com/photos/vSchPA-YA_A

2. https://unsplash.com/photos/4YzrcDNcRVg

3. https://unsplash.com/photos/82TpEld0_e4