Picture this, you’re a senior in high school, all around you are people making plans.  Your friends all know what careers they’re interested in and are doing all they can to make their plans happen. You, on the other hand, don’t know what you want to do and, even if you’ve got an idea, you have no clue on how to get there! Does this scenario sound familiar? Well, read on…

Let’s start at the beginning and work out what kind of career you’d like. Luckily, there’s lots of help out there, for example, these helpful resources from My World of Work.

About Me Quiz

This quiz will help you learn more about yourself and the jobs best suited to your personality. The quiz asks simple multiple choice questions such as ‘My idea of fun is…’. Once you’ve answered all the questions, you’re shown what your three strongest traits are and which job profiles and industries best match you.

What are my interests?

Do what you love, and you’ll never work another day in your life, or at least that’s how the saying goes. Read this article to find out how your hobbies and interests can lead to a future career.

Now you have a rough idea of what career you would like to go into, how do you get there?

Employment Options

Read about the different ways you could work, ranging from being your own boss to flexible working or working from home. The article also covers apprenticeships so let’s expand on them for a moment.

Apprenticeships

There are three types of apprenticeships (Foundation, Modern and Graduate) and they can be a great way to start your career. This article gives you the low down along with real-life experiences from some apprentices themselves. You can also find out more at www.apprenticeships.scot

How to Search for Jobs

This is where the hard work starts, finding and getting the right opportunity for you. My World of Work shows seven ways to start your job search including networking and attending jobs fairs.

Once you’ve found the perfect job or apprenticeship, you need to get prepared for the next stage – CVs and applications.

CVs and Applications

Need help with your CV and job applications? This article walks you through the process –  everything from CVs and application forms to cover letters and personal statements. There are also links to other guides that can help.

So, you got the interview – congratulations! New to interviews? Don’t panic, preparation is key at this stage, starting with building your confidence.

How to build confidence

Confidence is important in every part of your life, but it is especially important in interviews. Learn about five easy steps you can take to feel more confident.

Interviews

Like we said, preparation is key and this article talks you through how to prepare for an interview. It gives ten interview tips to help you impress the employer and explains two different interview styles. There’s also a handy link to an interview tool.

Interview Tool

This tool gives you the opportunity to try an interview. You get 15 multiple choice questions to answer. Once you’ve answered all the questions you get feedback on what you did well and what you could improve on.  Take the chance to learn from the feedback and try the tool again.

Now you’re ready.  Good luck and don’t forget to check www.apprenticeship.scot for lots of great apprenticeship opportunities.