Guide on Contacting Employers

Taking the First Step

You should contact the employer yourself, rather than asking a parent, carer or family member to do it for you.

It might feel daunting at first, but contacting an employer yourself shows that you are:

Confident and willing to have a go
Taking responsibility for your placement
Developing your communication skills
Showing initiative

Don't worry if you feel nervous – this is a new experience for many students.

Being prepared will make it much easier.

Before you contact an employer

Make sure you:

🔎 Research the employer – visit their website and find out what they do.

📅 Know your work experience dates.

📝 Know what you would like to gain from the placement.

📞 Decide whether phone, email or visiting in person is the best way to make contact.

✍️ Prepare what you want to say or write.

👨‍👩‍👧 Ask a family member to practise a phone call with you or proofread an email/letter before you send it.

📞 Contacting an Employer by Phone

Before making the call, have a pen and paper ready so you can write down names, telephone numbers or any instructions.

Start by introducing yourself

“Hello, my name is ______ and I am a Year ___ student at ______ School/Academy. I am looking for a work experience placement. Please could I speak to the person who deals with work experience?”

When you are put through, introduce yourself again and explain what you are looking for:

“Hello, my name is ______. I am a Year ___ student at ______ School/Academy and I am looking for a work experience placement from ______ to ______. I will be ___ years old at the time of the placement.”

Explain why you have chosen them

Try to show that you have researched the employer and explain why their business interests you.

For example:

“I understand that you are a local IT company specialising in web design. I am interested in a career in this area and have some experience of WordPress because I build websites at home. I would really like to develop my knowledge and skills in a working environment.”

What happens next?

The employer may:

Say they can offer you a placement.
Ask you for more information.
Ask you to speak to someone else.
Ask you to email your details.
Ask you to call back at another time.
Say they are unable to offer a placement.

Don't be disappointed if the answer is no. Employers may have restrictions, be fully booked or simply be unable to accommodate a student.

If they ask you to contact them again, make a note of when and how to do this. If they need to contact you, make sure you give them the correct name, phone number and/or email address.

📧 Contacting an Employer by Email or Letter

An email or letter gives you time to think carefully about what you want to say.

Your message should include:

1. Introduce yourself

“I am a Year ___ student at ______ School/Academy. I will be completing my work experience from ______ to ______ and have chosen to find my own placement. I am writing to ask whether you would be able to offer me a work experience placement.”

2. Explain why you are interested

Tell them what interests you about their organisation and the type of work they do.

For example:

“I have always enjoyed gardening and regularly help to maintain my family's garden. I have experience planting, watering and pruning plants and would like to develop my knowledge of plants and learn more about maintaining gardens and lawns.”

3. Show that you have done your research

Mention something specific you have found out about the employer.

For example:

“I have researched your business and understand that you are a family-run company with a small team. I think working in a smaller team would be a good opportunity for me to develop my confidence and communication skills.”

4. Tell them about relevant skills or interests

Think about your school subjects, hobbies, clubs or previous experience.

For example:

“I have a particular interest in Art and Design and enjoy creating designs and developing ideas. I would be interested in using these skills during my placement.”

5. Finish politely

Thank the employer for taking the time to read your message and let them know how they can contact you.

Before pressing send...

Check it!

Have you spelt the employer's name correctly?
Have you checked your spelling and grammar?
Have you included your work experience dates?
Have you explained why you want to work with them?
Have you included your contact details?
Have you attached anything they have asked for?
Has someone proofread it for you?

🚶 Contacting an Employer in Person

Some employers may be happy for you to visit them and ask about work experience.

If you decide to do this:

👔 Dress smartly – school uniform is absolutely fine.
🕐 Choose your timing carefully – avoid visiting when the business is likely to be extremely busy.
🙂 Be polite and friendly.
👤 Ask if you can speak to the manager or person responsible for work experience.
📝 Take a pen and paper so you can make notes.
📄 Consider taking a short letter or your contact details to leave with them.
🗣️ Prepare what you are going to say before you arrive.

Remember...

You don't need to be an expert at contacting employers.

Be polite. Be prepared. Be yourself.

Every employer you contact is an opportunity to practise your communication skills and build your confidence – even if they can't offer you a placement.

⭐ Top Tip

The first call or email is often the hardest. Once you've done it, the next one will feel much easier!