You may have noticed that we like using Twitter to generate advice on Guardian Careers. Take our #twitterjobchallenge from earlier this year, where we invited job seekers to try and catch an employer's attention using a tweet. It generated some interesting responses - and useful advice too.
"In this week's Careers Talk podcast we're going to be exploring work experience. Got any stories or tips to share?"
Turned out you had loads of tips - your stories were pretty good too - and we ended up crowdsourcing some cracking work experience advice. So good, we have decided to pool all of those tweets into this blog.
Andy Halls: @ajhalls1
Take a notepad, no matter what industry you're in. There's always going to be something to write down. Don't ask twice.
Rowan Foster: @rowan_foster
Some basics I've seen people forget: turn up on time, get off your phone, look interested, ask for work, smalltalk.
Rita-Sue Meintjes: @RSMeintjes
I say do your homework & know the company, show enthusiasm no matter what comes your way. Make a good impression & network!
Pete Rollins: @pete87_
Always say yes! Be it shadowing a client visit or simply going to lunch, opportunities arise around every corner #workexp
Jemma Houghton: @jemmahoughton
Turn up early, with a smile, be enthusiastic, complete your deadlines & be respectful of peoples' working styles :)
David Winter: @davidawinter
3 tips: observe, socialise, volunteer... #workexp
(And for more detail...)
1. Observe: notice everything that goes on around you. Learn how things work. #workexp
2. Socialise: Talk to everyone. Invite people for lunch/coffee. Ask them about their experiences & get advice. #workexp
3. Volunteer: Look for opportunities to be helpful. Ask if you can take responsibility for something. #workexp
Rachael Hurst: @rachaelveronica
Become part of the team - go for after-work drinks and get involved with office banter. They will think of you as one of them.
Samson Dada: @samsondada
Take as many opportunities to have lunch with your colleagues. Try to meet senior members of staff if possible. #workexp
AJ Harland: @AJH_Worksupport
Try using alternative methods of media to connect with businesses, engage them via twitter to open doors for work exp
EnfieldWorkEx: @EnfieldWorkEx
Attitide. attitude, attitude - be friendly, be interested, be willing to learn and work.
Oxford Careers: @OxfordCareers
Ask questions: observing a teacher is no different to being at school. Asking why they chose their strategy is the valuable bit. #workexp
Cem Yildiz: @MyScriptQuotes
#Workexp #Tip If you find yourself with nothing to do don't just sit there! Ask around, if you do a good job they'll ask you again.
#Workexp #Tip Make yourself approachable, don't sit there looking nervous - make some teas, get to know the people around you and SMILE!
David Shindler: @daShcoaching
#workexp #tip Reverse mentor - what can you do other people can't? Offer support whatever their level eg social media
Maddy Potts: @MaddyPotts
Make yourself indispensable so that after you've left they think, 'It'd be a lot easier if they were here all the time...'
Joseph Stashko: @JosephStash
Re: work experience, bring chocolate or cake on your last day - they *will* remember you :)
Please do continue to send your tips to us via Twitter (we're @GuardianCareers), and add the #workexp hashtag. You can add your thoughts in the comments below too.
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