Finding a placement for your work experience

Most job applications will ask what experience you have, so your search needs to begin now to find yourself a work placement. Its a great place to start on the path to getting your dream job.

By researching employers on the internet that offer the type of work you are interested in will also help you decide what job role will suit you the most.

So how do you go about getting work experience?

• Ask your friends
• Use search engines, careers services and specialist work placement websites
• Apply as soon as the position opens. If you’re approaching a company for experience rather than applying for a formal work placement, get in touch well before you want to start
• Adapt your CV and application for every placement you apply for
• Find out if the industry you want to get into has any big events coming up that you can go to. For example, CEOs often speak at events that are open to the public. This is a great way to meet other people in the industry and get some contacts
• Always apply for lots of placements at the same time rather than putting all your eggs in one basket
• Be creative and pro-active. Call people instead of sending emails, find an individual to speak to and spend time on your application to make it interesting.

Use these tips to help you find a suitable placement opportunity and make sure you talk to the college work placement officer Nicola Barratt via email: n.barratt@barnsley.ac.uk or contact 07824607088