9 Steps to Boost Your Chances of Securing Work Experience
Securing work experience, a work placement, or an internship can be a challenging task. It takes dedication and perseverance to find an organisation or business that is willing to take you on board to gain the experience you need.
To increase your chances of success, you need to put yourself out there and express your interest. Directly approach employers and plan your approach to get your foot in the door. This takes initiative and most importantly taking action.
Let’s discuss 9 actionable steps to secure work experience.
- Reach Out to Your Networks
Networking is extremely beneficial when looking for work experience as it can create current and future opportunities. Begin networking with everyone you know and engage in discussions to convey your enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
2. Do Your Research
Write down a list of industries, organisations, and workplaces that interest you in gaining work experience. Search the internet for information about these businesses and check out their website to gain knowledge about their operations. They may have a careers page listing jobs available and contact details. Make contact to find out who should speak to about potential work experience/intern programs.
3. Use Social Media
Don’t forget the power of social media. Companies often post job ads on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn. Professionals on LinkedIn post articles and information about what’s going on in today’s business world (including positions and internships).
Create a LinkedIn account to showcase your professional profile, like a digital resume. Follow professionals and companies relevant to your field of interest to stay up-to-date and ahead of others.
4. Write Down Your Call Script and Make the Calls
After completing your research, you need to be prepared to make phone calls. Be prepared and ensure you are clear on what you are going to say before you make your call. Write down your call script with the key points you wish to convey*.
Depending on your needs, your call could be to find out who the correct person is that you need to speak to, or whether they have any internships or work placements available and express your interest.
5. Listen and Take Notes
Ensure you have a pen and paper handy when making phone calls so you can write down notes from the call. You may be given a phone number, email address or the name of the person you need to speak to.
If it’s a large organisation, you may speak to several people before you reach the right contact. If that’s the case, and you need to speak with someone else within the same organisation, start again with your call script.
6. Follow Up with an Email
If you are struggling to get a hold of someone on the phone, or, you’d like to show you’re genuinely interested in the opportunity and committed to the process, send an email as well.
An email will reiterate your interest and remind the company of your application. It also demonstrates professionalism and effective communication. (So make sure it’s formal, professional and articulates your message, without spelling errors.)
7. Tailor your Cover Letter and Resume
The workplace you are calling will most likely want to see your resume. So it’s crucial to have your resume up-to-date and create a cover letter tailored to the organisation you wish to apply for.
8. Maintain your Motivation and Positive Attitude
It’s important to smile and enjoy every call as it’s the beginning of your professional learning experience.
Don’t take things personally or let rejection affect your confidence. It could take multiple phone calls before you find anything. Don’t give up and keep making the calls, because who knows, your next call could be the one!
Always be polite and thank them for their assistance, regardless of the outcome.
Stay in communication with your teacher or your support system around you. Update them on your progress and seek guidance if needed.
9. Prepare for an Interview
Always be prepared for a possible interview especially if you’re actively seeking an internship. They may ask you interview-style questions on the phone or conduct a phone screen interview. They could even ask you to come in for an interview.
It may feel daunting to reach out to employers, especially when it involves making phone calls to organisations and people you’ve never spoken to, however, the benefits of securing work experience are worth it. These steps will lead you to success if you’re determined.
Remember, to secure work experience, it’s up to you to take action, and proactively reach out to employers and express your interest.
For more information on the necessary steps to increase your chances of success in securing work experience, including phone call, voice mail, and email scripts*, check out Keyba Careers Crash Course “Navigating the World of Work.”
This course offers practical insights into the world of business, empowering you to navigate, build networks, enhance your communication skills, and engage effectively in the workplace.
Course content includes:
Lesson 1. Understanding Business and a Healthy Workplace Environment
Lesson 2. Connect to Thrive: Communication and Networks
Lesson 3. How to Get Work Experience
Also included is a PDF Booklet – a recap of this crash course: Navigating the World of Work.
