https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/preparing-for-work daily 0.75 2026-11-01 https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/preparing-for-work/Blog Post Title One-3zaa9-zlxng-fxrp4 monthly 0.5 2026-10-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/1791894410517-CSTG7I525I173D3UFHJ3/unsplash-image-c-lUYtNjqxw.jpg Preparing for Work - Effective Job Searching - Top Tips for Job Searching Know what you want: Think about the type of work, hours and location that would suit you. Keep your CV up to date: Make sure your contact details are correct and highlight your most relevant skills and experience. Tailor each application: Use information from the job advert to show why you're a good match for the role. Apply regularly: Set aside time each week to search and apply for vacancies. Don't rely on one website: Look on job boards, employer websites, social media and through your contacts. Research employers: Find out what the organisation does before applying or attending an interview. Prepare for interviews: Think about examples that show your skills, experience and achievements. Stay organised: Keep a record of applications, interviews and follow-up actions. Use your network: Friends, family, tutors, support workers and previous employers may know about opportunities. Keep going: Job searching takes time. Every application and interview helps you build confidence and experience. Remember: The more targeted and consistent your job search is, the more likely you are to find the right opportunity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/1791897055088-0WFS6JN8NBWAHFRJ9JP5/unsplash-image-0iKjge_aOVo.jpg Preparing for Work - Effective Job Searching - Activity Search for jobs that interest you and find: 1 job you could apply for today 1 job you could apply for within the next 6 months 1 job that you'd like to do in the future For each job, write down: The job title The employer What interests you about the role? Reflection After looking at the vacancies, ask yourself: What skills do I already have? What skills do employers keep asking for? What could I do to become a stronger applicant? Don't just look at job titles. Read the skills and qualities employers are asking for. This will help you understand what to include on your CV and what skills you may need to develop. Every vacancy is a source of information. Even if you don't apply, you can learn what employers are looking for and use that to improve your future applications. https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/preparing-for-work/blog-post-title-two-t5my5-k4xmd-8eamz monthly 0.5 2026-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/7124023c-e442-4b70-a3f7-e1513bcbd7b4/imgg-f7f-pheezf33.png Preparing for Work - CV’s & Applications - Top Tips for your CV & Application Tailor your application: Read the job description carefully and highlight the skills and experience most relevant to the role. Focus on achievements: Explain what you achieved, not just what you did. Use examples: Support your skills with examples from: School or college Volunteering Work experience Hobbies and interests Sports teams Caring responsibilities Keep it clear: Use simple language, clear headings and consistent formatting. Use keywords from the job description: Many employers look for specific skills, qualities and experience when reviewing applications. Using similar words and phrases from the job advert can help show that you're a good match for the role. Check before sending: Review spelling, grammar and contact details before submitting your application. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/e61f6d0b-8d23-482b-a71e-46529bd76c46/unsplash-image-s9CC2SKySJM.jpg Preparing for Work - CV’s & Applications - Activities #1 - Match the Skills Find a job advert that interests you. Write down three skills or qualities the employer is looking for Now think of one example that shows each skill. #2 - CV Challenge Look at your current CV or application draft. Ask yourself: Have I shown my strongest skills? Have I included examples? Does my CV match the type of job I want? What is one thing I could improve today? Make one small improvement before your next application. https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/preparing-for-work/blog-post-title-three-y3peb-4lwnz-2zwhj monthly 0.5 2026-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/22f8f1b1-1e48-43d0-8ebe-2809e46984c7/unsplash-image-FAWfiEh096E.jpg Preparing for Work - Interview Techniques - An interview is your opportunity to show an employer why you could be a good fit for the job. It’s also your chance to learn more about the role, the workplace and the people you could be working with. Employers aren’t necessarily looking for perfect answers. They want to understand your skills, experience, attitude and motivation. Good preparation can help you feel more confident and make it easier to explain what you can bring to the role. Remember, interviews can take different forms. You might be interviewed face-to-face, online or over the phone, and you may speak to one person or a small panel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/4ee4077e-dc15-43a0-a582-ab4a0e9e89b4/unsplash-image-6ie6OjshvWg.jpg Preparing for Work - Interview Techniques - Activities Activity 1: Build your STAR example Think of a time when you solved a problem, helped someone, worked in a team or achieved something you're proud of. Complete these four prompts: Situation: What was happening? Task: What did you need to achieve? Action: What did you personally do? Result: What happened? Example: At college, our group had a deadline for a presentation. One team member was absent, so I helped reorganise the tasks and took responsibility for an extra section. We finished the presentation on time and received positive feedback. Challenge: Can you explain your example out loud in around 1–2 minutes? https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/preparing-for-work/blog-post-title-four-lr658-tcthp-demly monthly 0.5 2026-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/38760ea0-13a3-4347-a429-5d1f69260dc2/unsplash-image-QckxruozjRg.jpg Preparing for Work - Employability Skills - Top Tips for Employability Skills Communication: Listen carefully, speak clearly and think about how you communicate with different people. Teamwork: Be willing to help others, share ideas and contribute towards a common goal. Reliability: Turn up on time, keep your commitments and let someone know early if there's a problem. Problem-solving: Think about what you can do when something doesn't go to plan, rather than immediately giving up. Organisation: Plan your time, prioritise tasks and keep track of what you need to do. Positive attitude: Be open to learning, feedback and trying new things. You don't need to know everything on your first day. Digital skills: Being confident with everyday technology, such as email, Microsoft Teams, online forms and workplace systems, can be valuable in many jobs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/9be4da4f-2f43-460a-b57a-81203d1cf585/Screen.jpg Preparing for Work - Employability Skills - Activity: Your skills check Choose three employability skills you think you already have. For each one, write down: The skill: What are you good at? Your example: When have you used it? The evidence: What happened as a result? Example: Skill: Teamwork Example: I worked with other students on a college project and helped divide up the tasks. Evidence: We completed the project on time and everyone contributed. https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/starting-work daily 0.75 2026-11-01 https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/starting-work/Blog Post Title One-3zaa9-zlxng-afyyj-jg7ad-562en monthly 0.5 2026-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/1793537081827-CQ37VBY0B5FMBGR4DD23/unsplash-image-s3UbiYJ7ugo.jpg Starting Work - Preparing for Day 1 - Top Tips for Your 1st Day Plan your journey: Check your route beforehand and aim to arrive a little early. Have a back-up plan in case your usual route is delayed. Get everything ready the night before: Choose what you're going to wear and pack anything you've been asked to bring, such as documents, uniform, equipment or lunch. Know the basics: Make sure you know your start time, workplace location and the name of the person you should report to. Don't worry about knowing everything: You are new. Listen carefully, take notes and ask questions if you're unsure. Introduce yourself: Say hello to colleagues and try to remember a few names. You don't need to meet everyone at once. Keep important information somewhere safe: Save your manager or workplace contact details so you know who to contact if you're delayed or have a problem. Give yourself time to settle in: Your first day is only the beginning. Focus on learning rather than putting pressure on yourself to get everything right immediately. Need more help? Speak to your Employment & Progression Coach if you'd like help planning your first day, your journey to work, what to expect, or anything you're worried about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/1793537184433-WGD0IY3J6J5R0HCF7U1S/unsplash-image-RLw-UC03Gwc.jpg Starting Work - Preparing for Day 1 - Activity Before your first day, can you answer these questions? What time do I start? Where do I need to go? How am I getting there? How long will my journey take? Who do I ask for when I arrive? What am I going to wear? What do I need to bring? Who should I contact if I'm delayed? Is there anything I'm unsure about that I want to ask? If not, don’t panic. Speak to your Employment & Progression Coach if you need any additional help or support. https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/starting-work/blog-post-title-two-t5my5-k4xmd-4y2zn-aw3f9-l6fek monthly 0.5 2026-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/48f9a0ba-7a3c-4467-91fe-835ee94d4e7a/unsplash-image-Qy_F1Wqw6Ho.jpg Starting Work - Workplace Expectations - Top Tips for Understanding Workplace Expectations Be reliable: Arrive on time and be ready to work when your shift or working day begins. If you are going to be late or absent, let the right person know and follow your employer's reporting procedure. Communicate clearly: Listen carefully to instructions and ask questions if something isn't clear. If you make a mistake or are struggling with something, speak up rather than trying to hide it. Treat people with respect: Be polite and professional with colleagues, managers and customers. Remember that people may have different backgrounds, experiences and ways of working. Follow workplace rules: Your employer will have policies and procedures covering things such as health and safety, absence, confidentiality and acceptable behaviour. Make sure you understand the rules that apply to your role. Use your phone appropriately: Follow your workplace's rules on personal phone use. If you're unsure when or where you can use it, ask. Be willing to learn: Listen to feedback, take notes and give yourself time to develop. Asking for help is part of learning a new job. Take responsibility: If something goes wrong, be honest and focus on what you can do to put it right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/41d4adc5-5ded-49ad-b4db-fdb004076e02/unsplash-image-EiJvFK_IVOc.jpg Starting Work - Workplace Expectations - Activity Think about how you would respond to each situation: 1. You're going to be late for work because your train has been cancelled. What would you do? 2. Your manager asks you to complete a task, but you're not sure what they mean. What would you do? 3. You realise you've made a mistake. What would you do? 4. A colleague gives you some feedback about your work. How would you respond? https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/starting-work/blog-post-title-three-y3peb-4lwnz-pd9y5-drh94-j2n2g monthly 0.5 2026-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/42a71cd3-7741-4601-bda9-af182bd19589/Untitled+Design+%281%29.png Starting Work - Understanding Employment - Activity Can you work out: What is the employee’s gross pay? What is their net pay? What deductions have been taken from their pay? How much has been deducted altogether? What is the employee’s tax code? What pay period does the payslip cover? Can you find the employee's National Insurance number? (This is personal information, so keep it safe and don't share it unnecessarily.) What would you do if the amount paid into your bank account didn't match the net pay on your payslip? Don't just file your payslip away. Take a minute to check it each time you're paid and ask if there's something you don't understand. https://www.employmentsupport-wla.co.uk/starting-work/blog-post-title-four-lr658-tcthp-nmftp-gxjxn-ylcrk monthly 0.5 2026-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6a96b2a4688444493f42d298/3628a0e5-d5f8-4bc0-995e-c9d62fe02991/unsplash-image-jYg5NFTlOy0.jpg Starting Work - Settling In - Top Tips for Settling In Give yourself time: It can take a while for a new job to feel normal. New routines, people and responsibilities can be tiring at first, so don't worry if you don't feel completely settled straight away. Build your own routine: Work out what helps you stay organised, whether that's preparing the night before, keeping a task list, setting reminders or planning your journey and meals around your working day. Learn how your workplace works: As you settle in, you'll start to notice the everyday things that aren't always covered during induction, such as how your team communicates, how work is shared and who to go to for different things. Find your support network: Get to know the people who can support you. This might include your manager, colleagues, a workplace buddy or mentor, and your Employment & Progression Coach outside the workplace. Use your check-ins: Regular conversations with your manager are a chance to talk about how you're getting on, what you've learnt and anything you're finding difficult. Don't feel you have to save up problems until they become bigger. Look after yourself outside work too: Adjusting to work can change your sleep, travel, meals and free time. Finding a routine that gives you enough rest and time outside work can make it easier to manage your working week. Notice when something isn't improving: It's normal for some things to feel difficult when you're new. But if the same issue keeps happening, such as struggling with a task, feeling unclear about what's expected or finding part of the workplace difficult to manage, it may be time to ask for additional support. Recognise how far you've come: After a few weeks, think back to your first day. Tasks, journeys or conversations that once felt unfamiliar may now feel much easier. 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