Toolkit
How does our Toolkit work?
In the sections below you will find guides and videos to aid you through some of the more intimidating parts of the employment and training journey. Each guide can be downloaded to your phone, tablet or computer so you can have them ready as a reference or reminder – wherever you are! Every job asks for a CV, covering letter or application form, and then every job wants an interview. So, why not seize the opportunity to really sell yourself!

Let’s get started!
What is a CV?
CVs demonstrate your skills and experience. It’s often the first impression that an employer gets of you so it’s important to know what to include and how to use it. You can be really creative with the design – as long as it’s easy to read! Remember to have a PDF version so it can be opened on all devices. You can download our CV Top Tips below. You can also check out the video of Zoe – she chats you through what a CV is, how to use it and key things to consider in just five minutes!
What is a Covering Letter?
A covering letter is where you sell yourself and demonstrate why you’re the best person for the job, showing lots of enthusiasm and personality. It’s best to keep it to just one page of A4, so you’ve got to be short and sweet. You can be creative with this too! Remember to have a PDF version so it can be opened on all devices. You can download our Covering Letter Top Tips below which provides guidance on what to think about, important formatting pointers and what to include.
Why do I need to fill in an application form?
Often organisations or companies ask you to fill in their own application form. This is so they can standardise all the responses and they’re easy to compare. They will often ask for the same information as a CV like your past work experience. It is very likely they will ask you to write a statement detailing how your experience shows you’re the best person for the role. It can take a bit of time but don’t let it put you off a role! You can download our Application Form Top Tips below.
What do I need to do for an interview?
Interviews can be really nerve-wracking. They are often the part that people find the hardest about applying for a job. The real trick is to prepare really well so you feel ready and confident. Think about why you want the job, the questions which might come up and examples of your skills which you can talk about. They want to get to know you, and it’s also a chance for you to get to know them! You can download our Interview Dos and Don’ts along with Preparing Your Answers to help your preparation. You can also watch Lucille’s video where she gives you 9 quick tips for interviews. You’ve totally got this!
Download > Job Interviews Dos and Don’ts
Download > Job Interviews – Preparing Your Answers
Why is body language important?
Body language makes up over 50% of the way we communicate. This is important in interviews where you want to make sure you’re sending the right message, looking engaged and enthusiastic. Certain body language can also help us to feel more confident. Here are some top tips from one of our mentors!
Body Language Top Tips
How do I keep up my motivation?
Motivation can be hard to keep up when we’re looking for work, not fulfilled by our job or taking on training. Sometimes it can be difficult to keep putting yourself out there and dealing with the uncertainty of whether you’ll be successful or not. We can often feel quite alone where we’re deciding what we want to do or achieve. This is really natural.
Here’s 5 top tips to get and stay motivated!
Motivation Top Tips
I have trouble making eye contact in interviews, what's your advice?
Eye contact can be really tough – am I making too much eye contact, too little? In an interview, eye contact can help create rapport and trust between yourself and an interviewer. It also signals that you are interested and enthusiastic which is important – they want to hire someone who wants the job. We know that sometimes making eye contact can seem intimidating. So, here are some top tips so you can practise beforehand and feel more confident when you’re in an interview.
Eye Contact Top Tips
RELATED NEWS & ARTICLES

WE’RE HIRING: Capital Project Manager
Read more >
Greenway is closed on Bank Holiday Monday
Read more >
Glencoyne Square Summer Special
Read more >
Get Stuck in to Southmead!
Read more >Southmead Development Trust's Values
Positivity
Regardless of the challenge
Integrity
Being true to our word
Excellence
Going above and beyond
Welcoming
Respecting everyone
Entrepreneurial
For the long term good of our communities