Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some repeatedly asked questions regarding career coaching, career advice and help getting a good job.

  1. Why is it necessary to have a professional-looking CV?
  2. I am a graduate with little work experience in my chosen field. How can I improve my CV to appear relevant to the roles I want to apply for?
  3. How can I improve the number of vacancies I apply for as I am struggling to find enough roles in my chosen industry that are relevant?
  4. Where can my experience take me?
  5. What are some of the biggest mistakes job seekers make in interviews?
  6. What should the jobseeker do after the interview?
  7. I attend school but I would also like to set myself up as self-employed. How do I go about this?
  8. I have a disability/long term health condition; what help is available to me?

1.Why is it necessary to have a professional-looking CV?

A professional CV makes you stand out from the crowd, especially against candidates with similar skills, qualifications, and experience, it should create opportunities for you. The importance of a well-written CV cannot be underestimated. As the best person, your CV needs to reflect that and KBC career coach will support you to create this.

2. I am a graduate with little work experience in my chosen field. How can I improve my CV to appear relevant to the roles I want to apply for?

To gain much-needed experience apprenticeships and internships are excellent. Volunteering positions are more easily secured than an internship and are a way to increase your employability. Make the most of utilising KBC career coach, career fairs, recruitment networking events and employer talks or lectures.

3. How can I improve the number of vacancies I apply for as I am struggling to find enough roles in my chosen industry that are relevant?

Don’t wait for a job to magically appear. Apply for jobs online and be proactive about getting out into the world and see what you find. Remember it is quality over quantity! Take your time to complete application forms, ensuring your CV is tailored for the role. Utilise the experience of your KBC career coach.

4. What can I achieve with experience?

You can gain new skills and test out a career choice through having work experience, especially in a competitive job market. You can do this through volunteering, accessing work placements and internships. Your KBC career coach will help you in sourcing suitable experience or identifying transferrable skills you may have.

5. What are some of the biggest mistakes job seekers make in interviews?

  1. Not spending enough time on the cover letter/introductory email
  2. Not customising your resume
  3. Failing to do research ahead of the interview
  4. Spending too much time networking online only
  5. Casting too wide a net
  6. Not practicing for the interview ahead of time
  7. Showcasing your responsibilities instead of results
  8. Wasting resume space
  9. Focusing on starting salary
  10. Freezing come negotiation time

(According to Glassdoor)

6. What should the jobseeker do after the interview?

  • Say thank you
  • Follow up
  • Do a quick analysis
  • Keep applying to other jobs
  • Do not ghost other interviews

(Forbes)

7. I currently work but I would also like to set myself up as self-employed. How do I go about this?

There are five million self-employed people in the UK right now, contributing £305 billion to the national economy. Engaging with a KBC career coach you can look at the advantage and disadvantages of being self-employed and how to put a plan in place.

You can register with HMRC as a freelancer or sole trader.

https://www.gov.uk/set-up-self-employed

Being both self-employed and employed, and you will pay tax through both PAYE and Self-Assessment.

8. I have a disability/long term health condition; what help is available to me?

Research from greatwithdisability suggests that 76% of students are reluctant to be open about their disability or long-term health condition. With the support of a KBC Career Coach, we can look at your career and self-employment options and how to find solutions to difficult and challenging questions.