Career Opportunities

assessors, assessor training and qualifications

Assessors, Assessor Training & Qualifications

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If you are looking to add Assessors to your organisation, there are lots of different things to consider. First, you need to look at the range of Assessor qualifications and decide which is best suited to your organisation’s assessment strategy. Then you need to identify who would be best to take on the role of an Assessor. Your Assessors must be occupationally competent within the area they are assessing, so that is the best place to start. Who within your organisation already has the experience and knowledge to become an Assessor, and just lacks the qualifications?

Key Roles Of An Assessor

When choosing who you are going to put forward to become an Assessor, it is important that you understand the roles they will be managing, so that you can choose the right candidate. The main things they will be responsible for are:

As you can see from these main roles, Assessors need to have great communication and organisational skills in order to work with others. Feedback is a really important part of the role, and it is important this is delivered in the correct manner.

Assessor Training

When you think about Assessor training and qualifications, these actually need to be split into two different areas. The qualifications will give an Assessor all the knowledge they need to carry out their role, but training will give them the experience and additional skills. Assessor training should be encouraged, in order to allow them to apply what they have learnt back in the workplace environment.

Think about what you need your Assessors to be able to do once they have completed their training, as this will help you guide them through the process. You need competent Assessors who:

  • Understand their roles and responsibilities in the assessment process
  • Know how to adhere to the assessment processes of your organisation
  • Are confident in having conversations with other Assessors and providing feedback

Assessor Qualifications

If you are wanting your Assessor to be able to carry out assessments both within the workplace and in learning environments too, the best qualification is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA). Your Assessor will complete the following 3 units:

  1. Understanding Principles & Practices of Assessment
  2. Assess Occupational Competence in the Work Environment
  3. Assess Vocational Skills, Knowledge & Understanding

No matter what industry your Assessor will be working in, the qualification needed is the same – the CAVA. It is the only course which will allow your member of staff to become a fully qualified Assessor, and if you choose Brooks and Kirk as your training provider we can guarantee access to learners to assess as part of the course. No other Assessor Training Provider can guarantee this, so that is even more of a reason to choose our course!

Training Combined With A Practical Assignment

Once your Assessor has completed their qualification, it is always a good idea to get them to complete a practical assessment too. This gives you the chance to see first-hand the skills and knowledge they have learnt, and how they apply this to their assessments. It is all very well completing a qualification but you need to make sure the learning has been absorbed! They need to be able to show evidence that they can apply their new skills to the job.

The sooner you can get the newly qualified Assessor to apply their skills after the training, the better. This will set them up for success when it comes to assessing learners.

If you would like any more information about the other Assessor qualifications that we provide here at Brooks and Kirk, including the Level 3 Award in Assessing Competence in the Work Environment (ACWE) and the Level 3 Award in Assessing Vocationally Related Achievement (AVRA), please contact us on 01205 805 155.

difference between teaching and assessing

What’s the Difference between Teaching & Assessing?

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If you have had a good browse through our website you will probably already be aware that we offer Assessor qualifications as well as tutor training courses. There is often some confusion between how teaching and assessing differs; so we want to bring you this blog to explain the two in further detail.

Teaching

Let’s start with teaching. This is where you pass on the knowledge and skills you have learned over the years to your pupils. It is usually carried out within a classroom or college environment. Teaching can also be given as part of ‘on-the-job’ training to learners as well. In essence, if you are teaching you are responsible for ensuring that learning is taking place. Planning is a really important part of teaching; you need to take the time to make sure your teaching is in a format that is easy to understand. Let’s not forget it’s important that it motivates your learners as well.

There are lots of different types of learners, so as a teacher you may find yourself adapting your programme to suit the needs of your pupils. You may also be required to work and help advise learners, usually in a less formal setting. In general, teachers need to have a thorough understanding of the topic they are delivering. Obviously it is vital that they can pass this knowledge onto the learners.

Communication skills are important, but not just in the form of verbal communication. Sometimes you may need to show learners something or give an example of how a problem should be solved. Always be prepared to explain topics in more than one way. This is where lesson planning really helps!

Assessing

The main difference between assessing and teaching is that Assessors don’t pass knowledge and skills onto their learners. Assessments are more of a ‘seal of approval’. This confirms that the candidate has met the required standards in order to pass their qualification. Previously, assessments were solely carried out in the form of exams. However, this is not the case nowadays, particularly for apprentices who are learning on the job. There are lots of different methods of assessment which can be used to determine how a learner is progressing through their course.

Another difference is that if you become an Assessor you will not only be required to have a thorough understanding of the subject you are teaching, but also the formal standards. These have to be met by the candidate before you can sign off their qualification. The standards are often set out by the awarding body so it is important that you take the time to create a suitable assessment plan which covers everything they outline.

Just like with teaching, you will still be communicating with candidates. However, rather than passing on your knowledge, you will spend time gathering evidence to support that the candidate has met the required standards.

Similarities Between The Two

There is some overlap between teaching and assessing, which is why the two can sometimes be confused. When teaching students, you will also need to check that this is being understood and absorbed. Therefore as part of your teaching plan, assessments will need to be carried out periodically in order to check their learning is on track.

Both teaching and assessing also require a certain degree of planning and preparation. This ensures standards of an awarding body or organisation are adhered to.

The two main qualifications that we offer for teaching and assessing are: the Level 4 Certificate in Education & Training, and the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement. If you would like any further information on either of these courses, please feel free to contact the team at Brooks and Kirk on 01205 805 155.

invest in in house assessors

Why You Should Invest in In-House Assessors for Your Business

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If you have recently undertaken your Assessor qualification, you will probably already be aware of the benefits that this extra knowledge and skills will have on your career. You will certainly have a much better chance of being hired with an additional qualification under your belt.

If you have taken it a step further and completed your lead IQA qualification then this will give you even more opportunities. Not only will you be able to ensure consistent assessment is carried out, but you can also assess other Assessors with the organisation too. Removing the need for the organisation to hire external IQAs for this.

Requesting A Training Budget

In any workplace, it is always hard to justify the need for spending any additional budget on training. There are often lots of loopholes to go through. You may need to present how your training is going to be a good return on investment for the business. The best way to get around this is by clearly setting out the reasons your company should invest in training employees. Let’s explore some of those benefits in more detail, to help you build that case!

Benefits of In-House Assessors

It is always a good idea to start with the financial points. At the end of the day that is probably what is most important to business owners. Then you can add information about quality further on in the conversation.

Save money by increasing efficiency

If staff complete the right training, this will have a really positive impact on workplace efficiency. Mistakes and errors will be lower, and staff will need less time to get to grips with the tasks they have been allocated. By providing training and getting Assessors up to the latest standards, this will help operations run a lot more smoothly and will save money further on down the line.

Save money by reducing staff turnover

Retaining staff is important within any organisation. The main reason staff leave their roles is due to not feeling adequate or valued enough, and often they will seek a role within a rival company. The impact of staff leaving and hiring a new recruit is costly and time-consuming. By taking the time to reskill members of staff in-house, value will be added to the workforce. Quality training really shows that staff are valued, and that the organisation is dedicated to improving members of the team.

More value for money from staff

Staff who feel valued are much more likely to go the extra mile for their employers. By improving the skills that employees have, this will enable them to work to the best of their ability. As a result, the business will get much more out of your staff on a permanent basis. Upskilling staff will help them to flourish within their current roles.

Cut down costs

There is a small amount of initial investment when it comes to training staff. But, it is important to clearly list how the positives will outweigh this expense. One of the biggest benefits of having in-house Assessors is that the business will not have to spend additional funds hiring someone externally. By keeping all the training in-house, companies can save thousands of pounds each year. If that isn’t a good enough reason to invest in in-house Assessors, then nothing will be!

Exceeding industry standards

Many organisations work to the bare minimum when it comes to industry standards. Going above and beyond and exceeding these industry standards could set the business apart from the competition. By building a team of in-house Assessors who are regularly trained on the industry standards, the organisation will build an excellent reputation.

So as you can see, there are many reasons why businesses should invest in in-house Assessors; and we have only touched on several key points here! If you would like to know more about the Assessor qualifications that we offer here at Brooks and Kirk please get in touch. Our knowledgeable team are at the end of the phone (01205 805 155) or email (training@brooksandkirk.co.uk) to assist you.

10 interview tips

10 Interview Tips to Make a Good Lasting Impression

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If you have put your time to good use during this second lockdown you may well have reskilled and gained an Assessor qualification to add to your portfolio. After all of that hard work, firstly congratulations! Secondly, we want you to know that we are here to help you on your way to climbing that career ladder. Creating a good first impression is one of the most important things when it comes to interviews, so here are some of our top tips on preparing for your interview.

Arrive early

There is nothing worse than turning up to an interview late, in a stress and feeling flushed. You will not perform optimally if your head is all over the place, and to be honest you will spend the entire interview trying to make up for the fact that you were late. On the other hand, don’t arrive too early otherwise you may look too keen! Aim to get to your interview around 10 minutes early to give you time to find your way to the building.

Smile and relax

A bit like when you are answering the telephone, remember to smile during your interview. This is particularly important if the interview is being carried out via Zoom as the interviewer will not be able to read your body language easily. Smiling also means that you will naturally ooze confidence and feel more relaxed during your interview.

Dress smart

Even if your interview is going to be via video call, you still need to dress as if you were going to a physical interview in an office environment. It is really hard to not over-do it though, so if you are unsure of what to wear it may be best to find this out before the interview itself. Smart-casual is always a good middle ground if you aren’t sure. The way you present yourself shows how professional you are, and whether you are someone who pays attention to detail.

Try to relax

Interviews are always going to be unnerving times, but one really great tip we have is to sit up straight and try to relax your body language. If you are relaxed you will be able to express yourself better. Dropping those anxious shoulders will help to release tension that is stored within your body.

Take the time to listen

Remember that your interview is a conversation – you need to be able to listen carefully to the questions you are being asked, as well as answering them. Talking over the top of your interviewer is just rude and will not leave a good lasting impression. Listen and adapt your responses to what you are being asked, rather than answering the question you wish you had been asked.

Wait until it is your turn

Similar to the point above, don’t jump in and answer a question before the interviewer has even had the chance to finish what they are saying. It is completely natural to talk a bit too fast if you are nervous, but moving into the conversation too quickly can make you look unengaged and as if you are wanting to get the interview over and done with.

Manners are important

Just because you are stressed and anxious doesn’t mean that you should forget your manners. If you are offered a glass of water before your interview by the receptionist, take the time to thank them. It isn’t just the interviewer that you are trying to impress, you need to be able to fit in with everyone in the company. You could have all the skills required on paper, but if you don’t show that you are a nice person, your interview will not go well.

Research the company

One of the first questions that you will probably be asked during your interview is ‘tell us about what you know about the company’. If you haven’t spent time carrying out some research in advance you may as well walk out of the interview there and then. Knowing facts about the company will highlight why you want to work for them, and will show that you are interested.

Have examples to support your CV

Your CV will be short and concise, detailing the experience and skills you have which are relevant to the role that you are applying for. The interview is an opportunity to expand upon your CV and back up your skills with examples. There is often a question about problem-solving and working within a team, so think about examples of how you have shown these skills in real-life situations.

Touch on your personal values

It is great having the skills and knowledge for the role, but the idea of an interview is to also get an understanding of you as a person. The interviewer needs to know if you are going to be able to fit in with the team. Of course this doesn’t mean you should start talking politically, but talk about why you are passionate about your career and what this job would mean to you if you were to be successful.

Whatever your ideal job is, hard work and determination always pays off. You have made an excellent start by studying for an extra qualification, and that in itself speaks volumes. Good luck with your interview, whether it is conducted via phone or face-to-face. Just keep smiling and relax, you can only do your best. If you need any more help feel free to drop us an email – training@brooksandkirk.co.uk.

career that doesn't stop in a pandemic

A Career That Won’t Stop in a Pandemic

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The pandemic has certainly brought with it a lot of unease and worry for employees. The initial furlough scheme meant that many people were being paid for not working, which seemed like a great thing to begin with. However, with the scheme ending many businesses had to make staff redundant. Employees who have been negatively affected by the pandemic are looking to future-proof their careers, and what better way to do that by becoming a qualified Assessor?

Rise in Technology

With businesses having to adapt to new digital technologies, this also means that some job roles will have changed. Evolving skill requirements only makes it harder for many people to rejoin companies, even if the economy does recover. There is also the looming fear of future job cuts that are a constant worry for those who are lucky enough to still be employed. In the 2008 recession, long-term employment remained high for years and this is something that is in the back of many people’s minds.

Become an Assessor

We have already looked into why a new career in lockdown is the best way to expand your horizons. There has never been a better time to try something new and work in an industry that is rewarding and challenging at the same time. The one real advantage of becoming an Assessor is that as qualifications will always exist, there will always be a need for people to assess them.

Once you have gained the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), you will be a fully qualified Assessor. This means that you will be able to assess learners both within their workplace (COVID-dependant!) and in their learning environments (virtually for now).

Career Options

There are lots of different career paths you can go down once you become a newly qualified Assessor. You could begin by shadowing an experienced Assessor before you go solo in order to get some experience under your belt. Alternatively, you could look into making yourself an even better prospect to potential employers by becoming an End-Point Assessor. Better still, you could take your next step in professional development with the Level 3 Award in Education and Training. This is the first step towards becoming a teacher in adult education, which again is a pandemic-proof career.

Going Freelance

If you are happy with just becoming an Assessor, and don’t fancy any extra studying there is also the option to become a freelance Assessor. This means that you will have ultimate control of your career, and the freedom to do exactly what you want. Some freelance positions are short-term, and are designed to cover holidays or maternity leave, but others can be longer-term. Even just getting a foot in the door to begin with is a good start, particularly given the current situation.

If you would like any more information on how to become an Assessor and pandemic-proof your career, please contact the team at Brooks and Kirk and we will be more than happy to help. Call us on 01205 805 155 or email training@brooksandkirk.co.uk.

a new career in lockdown

A New Career in Lockdown

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Losing your job can be devastating enough, let alone when it happens in the middle of a global pandemic. We are hearing many stories of people being furloughed at the start of the pandemic,  and then finding out months later that they have been made redundant overnight. The important thing to remember if you find yourself in this awful situation is that you are not to blame. You haven’t been made redundant because of anything you have done, it is just as a result of the awful situation that we are living through at the moment.

Turning it into a positive

Getting a new job during lockdown may not be possible, so you might want to expand your horizons slightly. Have you ever wanted to completely change your career and become an Assessor, for example? Now is the perfect opportunity to retrain for a new career while you have some spare time on your hands. Did you know that there is also the option to become a freelance Assessor as well as a full-time Assessor? That would give you even more freedom as you would be your own boss.

Pandemic resilient careers

The best thing about becoming an Assessor is that you have a lot of options. For example, it is quite easy to make horizontal career moves. Once you have gained the CAVA qualification and also have occupational competence, you can assess within an industry you choose.

Teaching and tutoring, along with jobs in the medical & social care industries are said to be the most resilient industries at the moment. There is always a need for Assessors within Health & Social care, and there are always going to be learners going through apprentices who need assessing. Whether you are looking to become an NVQ Assessor or an End-Point Assessor, both options offer a fairly high level of job security moving forward.

You have the time now

Learning and training are often put on the back burner in our everyday lives. By the time you have finished a long day at work, the last thing you want to be doing is spending your evenings studying. Rather than burying your head in the sand following a redundancy, try and put a positive spin on it. Now is the opportunity you have to invest some time in yourself. Work out what you really want from your career, and start training for a new career. You might not ever get a chance like this again, so grab it with both hands and transform your life.

Tips if you are considering a career change

It may seem very daunting looking into the future of your career during such turbulent times. However, it can be really helpful to reassess your career goals and work out exactly where you want to be in 5 years time. The pandemic has taken away many things for us, but one thing it has given us is time. Time to reflect on what is really important in life, and what we want out of life. Here are some top tips for those considering a career change:

1. Think outside the box

Rather than just researching job opportunities within your current field, now could be the time to do something completely different. Is there a job or role you have always wanted to do but not been qualified for? Or do you need to add to your CPD record in order to make yourself a more attractive prospect for potential employers? With all this time on your hands, start learning today!

2. Set yourself a personal mission

It can be easy to lose motivation when you are looking for a new role, and knowing where to start researching can also pose a challenge. The best way to narrow down your search is to think about what you really want from your career. Do you want to make an impact on people’s lives by becoming an Assessor? Or do you want to improve your knowledge, skills and behaviours? Once you have worked out your mission, you can start to see what roles align with this.

3. Embrace the unknown

Look, we know this is easier said than done (particularly for those of us who are not risk-takers). Define what success looks like for you, and not just when it comes to a career. What really sets the fire going inside you? What things challenge and motivate you? Sometimes these feelings are more important than how much money you take away at the end of the month. A rewarding job can make a much bigger impact on your life.

We hope this has helped to give you some ideas and motivation if you are looking for a new career in lockdown. The team at Brooks and Kirk are still contactable over the next month, so if you have any questions about any of our courses please call us on 01205 805 155.

your journey to becoming a qualified assessor

Your Journey to Becoming a Qualified Assessor

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In the UK there is a high demand for qualified Assessors, so there has never been a better time to start working on achieving that Assessor qualification. There is always a demand within the health and social care industry for Assessors, and this is only going to increase in the current climate. In order to become a qualified Assessor, the first thing you need to do is gain the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA for short).

Let’s have a quick look at the CAVA qualification in more detail, and some of the other distance learning courses that you might want to consider taking too in order to enhance your skills further.

The benefits of the CAVA qualification

Becoming an Assessor is a great opportunity to work with learners on a regular basis, and develop a working relationship as you help them progress through their course. As well as job satisfaction, the salary prospects for becoming a qualified Assessor are not to be dismissed. Salaries can reach as much as £35K!

The main aim of the Level 3 CAVA is to help you understand the underlying principles of assessment. With this knowledge and skills, you will be able to assess vocational skills and occupational competence of your learners. Throughout the course, you will learn and be assessed on a wide range of activities including observations of assessments, discussions and practical tasks. As well as the academic learning side of things, being involved in on-the-job practical experience means that you will be well on your way to setting yourself up for employment.

Other beneficial courses

After you have completed the Level 3 CAVA, Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) courses are the next natural progression. They are a step-up from Assessor courses, so if you are looking to take your career further they are a good choice. Here are some of the main IQA courses which we recommend:

Level 4 Certificate in Leading the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Practices and Processes

The course title is definitely a lengthy one, but this is essentially the lead IQA qualification. It is the most highly regarded of the IQA qualifications, and will give you the skills required to quality assure qualifications. Upon completion, you will be able to manage the entire quality assurance process.

Level 4 Award in the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes and Practices

This qualification consists of two units: Understanding the Principles & Practices of Internally Assuring the Quality of Assessment, and Internally Assure the Quality of Assessment. Both of these units will give you the skills and knowledge required to provide quality assurance of assessments, as well as assessment decisions. The main difference between this qualification and the Level 4 Certificate is that it does not qualify you to be the centre lead or quality nominee.

Level 4 Award in Understanding the Internal Quality Assurance of Assessment Processes & Practices

This is the most basic IQA course, and will not qualify you to internally quality assure assessment. It is a theory course that is delivered entirely online, and is great if you are wanting to add to your CPD record.

The benefits of becoming a qualified Assessor

After completing either the CAVA qualification or an IQA course, you will be able to gain employment within an assessment role. As well as progressing your career, there will also be more opportunities for you to take a sideways career move into a different industry. The guiding principles of assessment often remain the same, no matter what the industry.

We touched on career progression too – people often enrolled on the CAVA course are wanting to make their assessment position within a company official. By gaining an Assessor qualification, it can help you climb the career ladder and work towards that next promotion.

We can help you

Here at Brooks and Kirk we provide all of the qualifications that we have discussed within this blog post. We provide high levels of support to all of our learners, and are always on hand to help. If you would like any further information on any of the courses that we provide, feel free to call us on 01205 805 155, or drop us an email – training@brooksandkirk.co.uk.

5 reasons to become assessor

5 Reasons You Should Take an Assessor Qualification

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With everything going on at the moment, a change in career may be exactly what you are looking for. If you are passionate about learning, an Assessor qualification could be the next step for you to take. The main role of an Assessor is to observer learners in their workplace, providing support and guidance throughout their apprenticeship. You will be responsible for collecting evidence and assessing their abilities before signing off their qualification.

Many people choose to become an Assessor as they want to help others achieve their full potential. Here are some other reasons to take an Assessor qualification:

1. Professional development

Continued professional development is important in order to improve the skills and knowledge that you have. The varied role of an Assessor will mean that no two days will be the same. Whether you are recording achievements, running through evidence or marking work, you will soon develop a wide range of skills. You will be regularly communicating with your learners, and time management is also important when running your own diary.

That isn’t to say once you become an Assessor you are stuck with that career choice. Many of the skills that you will acquire are transferable to other roles, either within the education sector, or even management roles.

2. Flexible working hours

One of the main attractions of becoming an Assessor is the flexibility that the role provides, and how it can make more time for you. Whether you are returning to employment after having a child, or you simply desire that work-life balance that a full-time role can’t provide, becoming an Assessor may be the best choice for you.

If you have a read through our day in the life of a childcare Assessor blog, you will soon see that becoming a freelance Assessor can give you so much more freedom. You can visit learners anywhere, at any time, fitting them in around your schedule. The role is very varied. You may find yourself on the road visiting learners a couple of days a week, and then spending the rest of the week writing up the assessments.

3. A new role with new challenges

Sometimes a change is as good as a break. If you have got to the stage where your full-time office job is no longer satisfying then maybe becoming an Assessor is something you should consider. One of the great things about being an Assessor is that you can still stay in the sector that you know, understand and have experience in. However, you will probably find it is a much less stressful job.

4. Progression at work

If you are wanting to stay within the organisation you currently work for, but are working towards a promotion, an Assessor qualification can help. These days, employers are focused on developing the skill set of their staff so that they can bring more of their services in-house. By adding an Assessor qualification to your CV, this will definitely help to impress your boss!

5. Meeting new people

As well as flexibility being one of the main reasons people choose to become Assessors, you will also meet people from all walks of life. You will build strong relationships with your learners, and watching them as they progress through their course is a very rewarding process.

It isn’t just learners who you will be interacting with on a regular basis though, you will find your path will also cross with other Assessors. This is a fantastic way to network and build up your reputation within the industry.

How to become a qualified Assessor

After reading through this blog, if you are swayed towards becoming an Assessor you may be wondering what the next steps are. In order to become an Assessor, you need both an Assessor qualification and occupational competence. The best qualification you can take is the Level 3 Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA) as this will allow you to assess learners both within their workplace and in learning environments.

If you would like any further help with starting your journey as an Assessor, the team at Brooks and Kirk are always on hand to help answer any questions you may have. Give us a call on 01205 805 155 or email us – training@brooksandkirk.co.uk

second interview

Second Interview Questions and Answers

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We hope you are enjoying this mini-series around finding a new job. With times being difficult at the moment, we wanted to share with you some guidance on writing your cover letter and telephone interview tips and tricks. Giving you the very best opportunity to land your new role within these challenging times. Now for the next blog, we are going to run through some of the most popular second interview questions and answers to help you get prepared.

The main thing people worry about with the second interview is how much more they are going to be asked. Surely everything was covered within the first interview? The way you prepare for the interview will probably be the same, but the second interview is essentially the stage where you have to separate yourself from the other candidates.

The employer wants to know why they should hire you over someone else just as qualified for the role. Other key members of the team may also be invited into the second interview so they can see how you will fit in. They will also help with the shortlisting process.

Typical second interview questions

What are the main skills you think are required for this role?

This is the time for you to flourish. You have been invited back for a second interview, which speaks volumes in itself, so now is your time to set yourself apart from the other candidates. Referring back to the job description is always a good idea here, and give examples of how you have implemented the skills they are looking for.

Name the reasons why you don’t want this job

This is often asked to put you on the spot during an interview. A normal interview question, turned completely on its head just to try and confuse you. You should approach this one with caution, and use it as an opportunity to ask the employer about any reservations you have with the role.

What would you change about this company?

This question is designed to make you think about your long term role within the company. How can you help them grow and achieve their targets? Again, your previous research of the company will come in handy here. Highlight any opportunities that you have noticed – is there a way they can expand their market share, for example?

What is your salary expectation?

A tough question to answer, but you will be asked it whether you like it or not! Be honest and give a figure that you feel you are worth. If you are wanting slightly more than advertised on the job description, or towards the higher end of their figure, then justify this. What extra skills and experience can you bring to the company that are going to be valuable to them?

What notice period are you required to give?

This is quite a straightforward question, and shows that the employer is seriously considering giving you a job offer. Make sure you have looked at your current contract and know exactly how much notice you are required to give.

There is no point in lying and saying you have two weeks, as you will end up in trouble with both your current and prospective employer. Factor in any outstanding holidays and commitments you have too. You may want to give yourself a week off before starting the new job so you can prepare yourself properly.

Final things to think about

Be prepared to have a completely different interviewer for your second interview. They may not have been passed all your information from the first round, so treat it as if they know nothing about you.

The interview questions we have included are not an exhaustive list, and you may well be asked things that are more industry-specific within the second interview. As long as you have prepared in the best way possible, you will fly through it. Remember, they liked the first impression you gave so that has to be a positive thing!

how to write a cover letter

How to Write a Cover Letter

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Following on from our recent blog where we wrote about our top 10 tips for finding a new job, we thought it might be useful to run through how to write a good cover letter to help you secure that interview. Whilst writing a CV is essential when it comes to applying for jobs, a cover letter is just as important. It is the one chance you have to really sell yourself, and persuade the interviewers to meet you in person. Here is our step-by-step guide for writing a cover letter.

Do your Research

Just like you take the time to research the company you are interested in when you are looking for a new job, this needs to be clear within your cover letter too. Think about what the company does; who their competitors are; who their target customers are; what the role involves; and the skills required to carry out the job. Once you have this information, tailor your cover letter to these points. Make sure you match up your skills to what the employer is looking for.

Formatting your Cover Letter

The general rule of thumb is that your cover letter should be one page of A4 maximum. It should be well-written, grammatically correct, and concise. Busy organisations don’t have the time to read through pages of waffle when they are looking to employ someone. You need to make sure your cover letter says everything that it needs to, in an engaging way. Use a font that is easy to read and try to break up your text using paragraphs.

Addressing your Cover Letter

It is important that you remember a cover letter is still a letter, and should be written in such a way. It should be addressed to the person dealing with the applications (this will usually be found somewhere in the job advert). You should also be able to find this information on the company’s website if it is not visible on the advert.

Structuring your Cover Letter

This part is open to interpretation really; there are no set rules as to how you should structure your cover letter. The most important thing is to make sure that you highlight how you meet each part of the job specification, and the skills that you have which make you a perfect candidate. Here is a rough guideline for the structure, just to give you an idea:

  • Open the letter with why you are getting in touch. This should be short, to the point, and explain which role it is that you are applying for.
  • The second paragraph should go into detail about why you are the right person for the job. Remember your CV contains all your academic information so just expand on the important qualifications here.
  • The third paragraph should highlight what you can bring to the table. If you are successful in your application, how will you help to grow the business? What are your career goals and aspirations? It is a good idea to include examples of how you have improved within your current role here.
  • The fourth paragraph needs to remind the employer why they should meet you in person. Reiterate why you are interested in the role, and why you would be the right fit. By adding a sentence along the lines of ‘I look forward to meeting with you to discuss my application further’, this helps to show you would like to meet the employer for an interview.

Closing your Cover Letter

Signing off your cover letter is very important. You don’t want to get this part wrong after putting all that effort into the rest of the letter. If you know the name of the hiring manager, sign off with ‘Yours sincerely’ (make sure it is a small ‘s’). If you don’t know their name, sign off with ‘Yours faithfully, both followed by your name. You can always leave a gap to add your signature too if you want to make the cover letter a little more personal.

We hope this has helped to give you some ideas for writing your cover letter. Feel free to have a browse through our other blogs for useful tips when it comes to applying for a new job.

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