Careers Gateway: First Contact

By Letter

• Set your letter out correctly (see Letter of Application).
• Type or print your name clearly and sign it.
• If you start your letter with "Sir / Madam" end it with "Yours faithfully" and if it starts with a name such as "Dear Mr Bloggs" then it must end "Yours sincerely"
• Check your letter before you send it for grammar and spelling, ask someone to proof read it. This is your first contact and you want to make a good impression.
• Try and personalize it by mentioning the company and the sort of work you want to get involved in.
• Include the correct dates.
• Include a CV if appropriate (see How to write a CV).
• Check out "Get That Job" in Careers Library - post 16 (year 11).

By Email

• Make sure you have the correct address.
• Make sure you check your grammar and spelling. Remember to use capitols where appropriate.
• Explain why you are contacting them and why you are interested in working at their company / institution.
• Put in why you are emailing them into the "Subject" line, for example "Application for Work Experience".
• Briefly tell them about yourself and what you have to offer.
• Attach a CV.
• Include your contact number and address.
• Just in case they cannot help ask if they know of any other companies that might.

By Phone

• Think about the call before you make it. Prepare yourself, make a plan, you don't want to hesitate and dry up mid conversation.
• Do you know whom you need to contact, "Can I speak to Mrs Bloggs please"?
• Be confident, polite and speak clearly but not too loud and start with a greeting. "Hello" or "Good morning".
• Introduce yourself and say where you are from, " Hello, I am Fred Bloggs, I am a Year 10 student from Bournville School..."
• Explain why you are calling and could you speak to someone who might be able to help you?
• If they ask some questions then give some brief details about yourself.
• Explain why you have chosen them.
• Ask if they want you to send a CV.
• Tell them that you would be happy to come in for an interview.
• Have a pen and paper handy in case you have to make notes or take down a name and address.
• Have the School phone number handy in case they ask for it. (475 3881)