Shropshire Youth What do I do with my CV?

Once you've completed your CV and covering letter, there are a number of things that you can do to enquire about job vacancies or trainee positions.

Use the internet to search for companies

You can use the internet and search websites such as Yell.com to find companies in a specific area of work and in the location you want. See the example below…

Once you've found a list of companies that you'd like to send your CV and covering letter out to, you'll need to write the address of the company in neat handwriting on an envelope and if you don’t have the manager’s name just write ‘To The Manager’ followed by the address.

Hand out your CV to employers

It's often really useful to have a walk around town and identify all the places that you'd like to work and then hand in a copy of your CV and covering letter. Make sure you practise what you're going to say before you hand in your CV. You'll need to speak to a member of staff and you could say “Hello, I’m wondering if you have any job vacancies? I have brought a copy of my CV, please could you pass this on to the manager for me? Thank you.” Also, make sure that you dress smartly whilst handing out your CVs as this will make a good first impression.

Useful tips

Once you've handed out or sent your CV to companies, make sure that you keep a list of those that you've contacted or visited by using a job diary sheet. You can ask a member of staff at Shropshire Youth for a job diary or you can download one. Be prepared that you'll probably have to contact employers by telephone a couple of weeks after you've sent out your CVs as they are often very busy and may not have had time to look at your CV yet. This will also show that you are keen to find work.