# data[].attributes.body
If you have ever considered volunteering to gain experience or to see if the change is for you, before making the leap - we can help. In the past, we have offered volunteering opportunities in the following sectors:

Ceramics

ICT

Learn Through the Outdoors

Construction

Administration

Arts & Crafts

If you have a bespoke volunteering need, then please let us know and we will see how we can help.

# data[].attributes.body
We know how much of a daunting experience interviews can be, so our employment mentors have complied the do's and don'ts of interviews...

What to DO..

Use open, positive body language including eye contact

Good posture, sit up and remember to breathe

Have a water bottle

Don't be afraid to ask for the question repeated

Don't be afraid to ask if there is anything else the interviewer would like to know

Be prepared, do your background research

What NOT to do...

Talk too much, or too little

Be late - plan your journey, don't get lost

Arrive without any information and be under prepared

Ask zero questions

Poor body language and crossed arms

Wear inappropriate clothing

_______________________________________________

During an interview, you may have a range of questions asked. These might be a mix of behavioural and competency based questions. Use the STAR method to prepare your answer for any of these questions.

Behavioural Questions

These are typically questions that try to find out how you would behave in a scenario. When answering, try to explain how you would do something, referring to past experiences about how you have done something.

Competency Questions

These are typically questions that try to find out about your skills. You may get asked 'tell me about a time you were faced with a difficult customer and how you solved the situation?' - it is important to reflect and draw influence from a scenario you have been in before.

Preparing Answers

Use the STAR acronym..

Situation - the context

Task - what you had to do

Action - what and how you did it

Result - the outcome and what difference it made

# data[].attributes.body
The Compass Community Hub has designated mentors to coach and support you to strive for your career goal. Whether you plan to start your own business, transition into full-time employment, go into full-time education or work towards your dream job, we can help. We work with partners to support you with barriers which you may be facing to help you to excel in work.

# data[].attributes.body
Communities for Work Plus (CfW+) work with 20+, unemployed individuals who live within the Merthyr area.

CfW+ are committed to engaging and supporting the following groups;

Economically inactive

Short term unemployed

Long term unemployed (12+ months)

Disabled individuals

Individuals with health conditions that may impact on their ability to work

People with low or no skills

Carers and parents.

CfW+ are based borough wide with flexible mentors based at various locations.

Contact Details:

01685 727077

C4Wmailbox@merthyr.gov.uk

Facebook

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find jobs within the local authority and neighbouring authorities.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's important to make sure you know what to expect from an interview and to prepare as best as you can.

What to expect in an interview

Whether you're interviewing for a job, training or a qualification, the interview experience will be similar.

A potential employer may not be expecting you to have done the job before, but they'll be looking for relevant experience or strengths.

This is the same for interviews for qualifications or training. They'll be looking at your education, experience and interests.

Check the details of the interview

After you have been invited to an interview, make sure the date works for you. It's important you have enough time to prepare and can manage it around your other commitments.

Before your interview, make sure to find out if it's an in-person interview, a phone interview or a video interview.

If you have a disability you might need adjustments to make the interview accessible. You can get advice from Scope on how to ask for adjustments at an interview.

Prepare for the interview

Make sure you have time to prepare for your interview. This will help you to feel more confident.

To prepare for an interview, it's important to:

read the job description carefully and understand what skills and experience the employer is looking for

do some research on the company's website

look over your CV or application form and think about what the interviewer might ask you

prepare some examples from your past experience to refer to in the interview

Practise your answers

You'll usually have some time towards the end of the interview to ask some of your own questions.

These might be about the role or company. You could think of some questions when researching the company. It's important to write these down before the interview.

Get ready for an assessment centre or presentation

You might be asked to attend an assessment centre or do a presentation.

An assessment centre usually involves completing tasks and taking part in activities.

Remember the employer is looking to see how you:

work with other people

deal with problems

communicate and contribute

If you're being asked to present or take part in an assessment centre, make sure to read any instructions carefully.

Researching the employers website will also help you to get a feel for what the employer might be looking for.

On the day of the interview

It's normal to be a bit nervous on the day of an interview.

To feel prepared for an interview, you'll find it useful to:

give yourself plenty of time to arrive

turn off your phone so you're not distracted

check your computer and internet connection is working if your interview is online

be ready to start the interview 5 to 10 minutes before

know how to contact the interviewer in case you're running late or having technical issues

During the interview

Your interview will usually start with the interviewers introducing themselves and explaining what the role or training is.

You might be told about the structure of the interview and the types of questions they're going to ask.

Once the interview starts, you'll be asked a series of questions related to the role. Remember to answer questions using the STAR method.

Before answering a question you might want to:

ask the interviewer to repeat the question or explain further if you do not understand

write down the question or refer to your notes if you need to

think about your prepared examples and choose the best example to give

Make sure you're ready to ask your own questions that you prepared earlier.

At the end of the interview, you might want to ask when you'll hear back from them.

After the interview

You might want to follow up after the interview with an email or phone call unless you know when you'll hear back.

If you were successful and you're offered the role, congratulations!

Before accepting the role, you might want to:

ask for confirmation of the offer in writing

confirm a start date and let them know if you have a notice period

ask about work patterns or arrangements

let them know your salary expectations if you've not already discussed it

What to do if you do not get the role

It's normal to feel disappointed if you do not get the role after an interview. Remember that it's common to attend a few interviews before being offered a role.

It might be useful to reflect on some of the harder questions you were asked. This can help you improve for next time.

You can also ask the interviewer for feedback on how it went and where you could have done better.

You might find it useful to speak to a careers adviser about how to improve in interviews and secure a role.
Speak to a careers adviser

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Interview advice | National Careers Service

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's important to make sure you know what to expect from an interview and to prepare as best as you can. Whether you're interviewing for a job, training or a qualification, the interview experience will be similar. A potential employer may not be expecting you to have done the job before, but they'll be looking for relevant experience or strengths.

# data[].attributes.body
CV Template: Create a Free CV in Minutes

Perfect CV Builder and more

150+ professional CV examples for jobs in the UK for 2024

# data[].attributes.body
50+ Compelling cover letter examples for UK job seekers 2024!

Cover Letter Builder | ResumeCoach

Create a Perfect Resume | Free Resume Builder | Resumaker.ai

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Why you need a CV

A CV is your first chance to promote yourself. A good CV might get you a job interview.

You usually need a CV to apply for a job or to give to an employer you'd like to work for.

Tips for writing your CV

Employers get lots of CVs to look at and have to decide quickly who they're going to interview.

When you write your CV, remember to:

use a clear font like Arial, Times New Roman or Calibri in size 11 or bigger

always use the same style throughout

use headings and bullet points to make it easier to read

be clear and to the point

get someone else to read it to double check your spelling and grammar

Information you need for your CV

Start with the job advert for the role you're applying for so you can look at the job description, essential criteria and the company details.

If the job you're applying for does not have a job description, you can look at our job profiles to see what skills you'll need and the typical things you'll do in that job.

You should write your CV to match the job and company you're applying for to improve your chances of getting an interview.

Sections for your CV

Your CV should include a section for your contact details, an introduction, your education history, your work history and references.

Contact details

You need to let employers know how to contact you if they want to offer you an interview.

You should include your name, phone number, email address and a link to your work network profile, if you have one, such as LinkedIn.

You should not include your age, your date of birth, whether you're married or your nationality.

Introduction

This is a few short lines that sum up who you are and what you hope to do. It should go just under your name and contact details.

Make your introduction sound like you're the right person for the job.

Education history

You can add this after the introduction if you're early in your career or do not have much work experience.

If you have a lot of work experience, you might want to change the order and show off your work history and experience first.

Whatever order you choose, you'll need to include the:

names of your qualifications

name of the school, college or university where you studied

dates you attended

Work history

You should include details of any work placements, volunteering and paid jobs you've had. List the most recent experience first.

You should include:

the employer name

the job title

the dates you worked there

what you did, usually 2 to 3 lines using the STAR method

Gaps in your work history

It's normal to have some gaps between jobs and work experience when life events happen.

You can read our advice on how to explain gaps in your work history.

Short work history

If you're applying for your first job, you can focus on skills you've learned through projects, work experience or volunteering.

You can also include your interests and hobbies that show some of the skills you have. For example, if you're a captain of a sports team, this demonstrates leadership and organisation skills.

References

You might want to include a section about references if there is someone who has agreed to give you one. This could be your current or previous employer, a teacher or someone respected in your community.

However you should not put someone else's contact details on your CV. Instead, you can say that 'references are available on request'.

Speak to an adviser if you need help

It's ok to feel overwhelmed or confused about how to write a CV, especially if you do not have a lot of work experience.

A careers adviser can help you work out what your CV should say and get you on the path to your dream career.
Speak to a careers adviser

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
A CV is your first chance to promote yourself. A good CV might get you a job interview. You usually need a CV to apply for a job or to give to an employer you'd like to work for. Employers get lots of CVs to look at and have to decide quickly who they're going to interview.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Recruiters only spend eight seconds looking at your CV so you've got to be sure it stands out for all the right reasons. Find out how to write a CV and discover tips that will help ensure your application is progressed to the interview stage

What is a CV?

A CV, which stands for curriculum vitae (a Latin phrase meaning 'course of life'), is a document used when applying for jobs. It allows you to summarise your education, skills and relevant work experience enabling you to successfully sell your abilities to potential employers. Alongside your CV employers may also ask for a cover letter.

In other countries, such as the USA and Canada, CVs are known as résumés. These documents tend to be more concise and follow no particular formatting rules.

How long should a CV be?

A standard CV in the UK should be no longer than two sides of A4. Take a look at our example of a chronological CV for inspiration.

That said one size doesn't fit all. For example, a school leaver or recent graduate with minimal experience may only need to use one side of A4. Although not used as often, a three-page CV might be needed for those in high-level roles or for people who have gained a lot of experience or worked in multiple jobs over the last five to ten years. For example, some medical or academic CVs may be longer depending on your experience. While it's important to keep your CV concise you should also avoid selling your experience short.

When writing a CV save space by only including the main points of your education and experience. Stick to relevant information and don't repeat what you've said in your cover letter. If you're struggling to edit your CV, ask yourself if certain information sells you. If it doesn't cut it out. If it's not relevant to the job you're applying for delete it and if it's old detail from ten years ago summarise it.

What should I include in my CV?

Contact details - Include your full name, home address, mobile number and email address. Your date of birth is irrelevant and unless you're applying for an acting or modelling job you don't need to include a photograph. If you have a professional networking profile, website or online portfolio link to it within your contact details.

Profile - A CV profile is a concise statement that highlights your key attributes and helps you stand out from the crowd. Usually placed at the beginning of a CV it picks out a few relevant achievements and skills, while expressing your career aims. A good CV profile focuses on the sector you're applying to, as your cover letter will be job-specific. Discover how to write a personal statement for your CV.

Education - List and date all previous education, including professional qualifications. Place the most recent first. Include qualification type/grades, and dates. Mention specific modules only where relevant.

Work experience - List your work experience in reverse date order, making sure that anything you mention is relevant to the job you're applying for. Include your job title, the name of the company, how long you were with the organisation and key responsibilities. If you have plenty of relevant work experience, this section should come before education.

Skills and achievements - This is where you talk about the foreign languages you speak and the IT packages you can competently use. The skills that you list should be relevant to the job. Don't exaggerate your abilities, as you'll need to back up your claims at interview. If you've got lots of job-specific skills you should do a skills-based CV.

Interests - 'Socialising', 'going to the cinema' and 'reading' aren't going to catch a recruiter's attention. However, relevant interests can provide a more complete picture of who you are, as well as giving you something to talk about at interview. Examples include writing your own blog or community newsletters if you want to be a journalist, being part of a drama group if you're looking to get into sales and your involvement in climate change activism if you'd like an environmental job. If you don't have any relevant hobbies or interests leave this section out.

References - You don't need to provide the names of referees at this stage. You can say 'references available upon request' but most employers would assume this to be the case so if you're stuck for space, leave this out.

For more help and advice on how to create a CV and to find CV templates, see example CVs.

How do I format a CV?

The layout of your CV also has an effect on its success. Keep in mind the following tips when crafting your CV:

Avoid titling the document 'curriculum vitae' or 'CV'. It's a waste of space. Instead let your name serve as the title.

Section headings are a good way to break up your CV. Ensure they stand out by making them larger (font size 14 or 16) and bold.

Avoid fonts such as Comic Sans. Choose something professional, clear and easy to read such Arial, Calibri or Times New Roman. Use a font size between 10 and 12 to make sure that potential employers can read your CV. Ensure all fonts and font sizes are consistent throughout.

List everything in reverse chronological order. Then the recruiter sees your work history and most recent achievements first.

Keep it concise by using bullet points. This type of CV layout allows potential employers to skim your CV and quickly pick out important information first.

Double check your margins - Having white space around your CV will make it easier to read and look less cluttered. Aim for 2.5 centimetre margins all the way around. Don't be tempted to make these smaller to fit more in.

Name the document when saving - Don't just save as 'Document 1'. Make sure the title of the document is professional and identifies you, such as 'Joe-Smith-CV'.

Save with a .PDF file extension - This ensures it can be opened and read on any machine. Unless of course the job advert states differently (for example, it may ask you to provide your CV and cover letter as a Word document).

How do I write a good CV?

Use active verbs when possible. For example, include words like 'created', 'analysed' and 'devised' to present yourself as a person who shows initiative.

A good CV doesn't have any spelling or grammar mistakes. Use a spell checker and enlist a second pair of eyes to check over the document.

Avoid generic, over-used phrases such as 'team player', 'hardworking' and 'multitasker'. Instead, provide real-life examples that demonstrate all of these skills.

Tailor your CV. Look at the company's website and social media accounts, look to see if they've recently been mentioned in the local press and use the job advert to make sure your CV is targeted to the role and employer.

Create the right type of CV for your circumstances. Decide whether the chronological, skills-based or academic CV is right for you.

Make sure your email address sounds professional. If your personal address is inappropriate create a new account for professional use.

Don't lie or exaggerate on your CV or job application. Not only will you demonstrate your dishonesty to a potential employer, but there can be serious consequences too. For example, altering your degree grade from a 2:2 to a 2:1 is classed as degree fraud. Take a look at this advice and guidance on degree fraud for students.

If posting your CV online don't include your home address, as you could be targeted by fraudsters.

Always include a cover letter unless the employer states otherwise. It will enable you to personalise your application. You can draw attention to a particular part of your CV, disclose a disability or clarify gaps in your work history.

Employers understand that candidates have lives and responsibilities beyond the world of work, so don't automatically assume that a gap in your education or employment history will take you out of the running.

Another thing you shouldn't do is ignore a gap in your CV.

Acknowledging a period of time spent out of education or work is a bit of a balancing act. You need to make the recruiter aware, without going into too much detail (you'll get the chance to do this in your cover letter - Read our example cover letter explaining a gap in your CV.)

Briefly mention (in the appropriate section) the reason for the gap (with dates) be that a gap year, illness, caring for a relative or redundancy and rather than going into too much detail, instead list the transferable and relevant skills/qualifications gained during this experience.

You could mention:

details of online courses or Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) you've undertaken or webinars or online events you've attended

the acquisition of new skills, such as learning a language or learning to code

volunteering work

charity work - perhaps you got involved with fundraising or raising awareness of a particular organisation.

new hobbies such as starting to vlog, picking up a sport, learning to cook or setting up a community book club.

Remember - you'll need to relate these to the job you're applying for so focus on the skills these activities taught you and how/why they'd be useful.

Where to put this information depends on the activities. Volunteering or charity work can be included under the 'Work experience' heading. The online courses and additional qualifications you've gained can go in the 'Education' section while any new skills you've learned need to be housed under 'Skills and achievements'. If any new hobbies are relevant to the role you're applying for place these in the 'Hobbies and interests' section.

Where can I get help with my CV?

If you're a student or recent graduate and you'd like help putting together a CV, then you can get professional advice from your university careers service.

Find out more

Written by Jemma Smith, Editor

Prospects · May 2023

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how to write a good CV and discover handy CV tips to ensure job success.

# data[].attributes.body
At the Compass Community Hub, we liaise with local employers and charities to offer volunteering and work placement opportunities with the goal of extending your CV, improving your experience and moving you closer to your career goals.

Our volunteering and work placement opportunities are tailored to the individual needs and purpose, with a Progression Officer guiding and supporting you through the whole process and experience.

# data[].attributes.headline
The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme

# data[].attributes.subject
The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme

# data[].attributes.body
The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme offers apprenticeships in any sector ranging from Level 2 to Degree Level. An individual would receive full mentoring support throughout the duration of their apprenticeship. The Aspire Shared Apprenticeship Programme offers both the apprentice and host company a unique experience in order to maximise the apprentices journey.

Contact: aspireMT@merthyr.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.body
The SPF funded Aspire QuickStart Programme is a subsidised 6-month supported employment programme that will help develop a participant's skills and confidence. The programme aims to help those furthest away from the labour market to get motivated within the world of employment, experiencing fantastic training opportunities along the way.

Contact: aspireMT@merthyr.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.headline
Children Looked After - Pathway to Work Programme

# data[].attributes.subject
Children Looked After - Pathway to Work Programme

# data[].attributes.body
The Children Looked After - Pathway to Work Programme is funded by Merthyr Tydfil CBC and the SPF Levelling Up Fund. The Pathway to Work Programme provides employment, mentoring, training and educational support for Children Looked After & Young Care Leavers aged 14-25. The Pathway to Work QuickStart initiative offers secure, subsidised employment for a 6-month period in any sector that suits the needs and aspiration of the participant.

Contact: aspireMT@merthyr.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.body
Ewch Amdani! Go For It! is a project that supports school age children ages 11-16/18 with their future goals and dreams. The programme gives children a taste of real-life skills, and it will introduce them to a variety of opportunities and how they themselves can achieve anything, they want to.

Contact: aspireMT@merthyr.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.body
Starting a business is an exciting and rewarding time, so if you’re working on a new idea and need advice to get up and running, Business Wales provides information, expert guidance and fully funded support for those looking to start a business in Wales.

Here at Business Wales, we also host a range of workshops to help you on your way to starting a business. Our live workshops have advisors on hand so you can ask questions and get a response in real time. Our Starting and Running Your Own Business workshops cover marketing, finance, branding, market research and HMRC.

Connect with Business Wales to find out more.

ttps://businesswales.gov.wales/

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Welcome to Business Wales - Information, guidance and support for businesses in Wales.

# data[].attributes.body
Through the College Merthyr Tydfil there are many access routes into further education:

Full Time Courses

Full Time | The College Merthyr

Part Time Courses

Part Time | The College Merthyr

Apprenticeships

Apprenticeships | The College Merthyr

Personal Learning

PLA's | The College Merthyr

University Courses

Higher Education | The College Merthyr

If you need any support and guidance through any of these routes, please contact the Compass Community Hub.

# data[].attributes.body
The South West Wales Reaching Wider Partnership aims to increase participation in higher education by people from underrepresented groups and communities in South West Wales with a specific focus on people who live within the bottom 40% of the Welsh Index of Multiple Deprivation, care experienced young people, and carers.

Home - Reaching Wider

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
This national programme, funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), aims to increase higher education participation from under-represented groups by raising educational aspirations and skills, and creating innovative study opportunities and learning pathways to higher education.

Reaching Wider Partnerships include all higher and further education institutions in Wales. We work with local authorities, employers, schools and third sector organisations to improve the education outcomes of our learners.

"Being on a university campus made me think about my future and career."

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
This national programme, funded by the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW), aims to increase higher education participation from under-represented groups by raising educational aspirations and skills, and creating innovative study opportunities and learning pathways to higher education. Reaching Wider Partnerships include all higher and further education institutions in Wales.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to prepare a micro teach for interview

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Discover how you can create a Mirco Teach for your Further Education teaching interview.