Step 4 :
FOLLOW UP
The ultimate goal is for you to have a firm offer and commitment from the employer or organisation to provide you with work experience . Therefore , until you have a start date , you will need to follow this up .
• Keep in regular contact : Regular communication will help to ensure that the employer or organisation knows you are still interested but also acts as a reminder .
• Send a CV and covering letter : If you have not met the employer yet , you might ask them if they would like to see your CV . If so , send it with a covering letter that sets out your requirements . A covering letter should be a separate document ( not just text as part of your email ), and should be correctly formatted as if you were going to post it ( it is perfectly acceptable to email it as an attachment but pdf it ).
• Arrange a formal / informal meeting : Often a face to face meeting is best but if this is not practical , try to arrange a telephone conversation . This will not only give the employer or organisation an opportunity to meet and find out about you , it will be a further opportunity for you to find out more about the employer or organisation .
Using Social Media ( Facebook , LinkedIn , Twitter etc .) can be used in several ways , including ( but not limited to ) the following :
a ) To research employers b ) To find out about work experience opportunities c ) Networking
Researching employers : Regular communication will help to ensure step in developing commercial / organisational awareness which can be vital to have credibility as a potential candidate for work experience . Many employers will have a presence on Facebook , LinkedIn , Twitter and other forms of social media . To varying degrees , you will be able to find out information about the employer through social media . For example , you can follow companies and other organisations through Facebook and Twitter which will give you potential access to the latest news relating to them . Employers are increasingly using LinkedIn and will often have a company page containing useful information about them .
Identifying opportunities : Social media is increasingly being used by graduate employers and employers in general to advertise opportunities for work experience ; for example internships , insight days and placement years . In 2015 , 52.5 % of members of the Association of Graduate Recruiters indicated that they would be investing in social media as a method to reach potential candidates . If you are targeting employers who you are particularly interested in having working experience with , you could follow them on Facebook and Twitter . Many employers are now using LinkedIn to recruit employees . Check the company page on LinkedIn for a “ Careers ” tab . This can also be used to identify potential opportunities .
Networking : Any type of work experience can be a fantastic opportunity to meet people who could potentially help you with your future career plans . Your contacts can be a source of information to help you further develop your commercial / organisational awareness , a source of potential opportunities ( including employment ) and might be able to introduce you to other individuals in a position to help . LinkedIn with its professional focus is potentially the most appropriate way to keep in contact with these individuals . If you do intend to use Facebook or other forms of social media , be conscious of the impression your previous posts , pictures and group membership might give an individual . If you are not comfortable with your social media being viewed make sure you check your privacy settings and change the settings as appropriate . Tip : if using LinkedIn ensure you get their full name and email address as this information is required to send them an invitation to connect with you .
See how Careers and Employability can help you in your search for work experience .
7