Step Three: Approaching an Employer

You have narrowed your options, decided on the type of work experience you want, now it’s time to find an employer or employers to approach. As a blind or partially sighted student, this might feel a little daunting. But many employers are friendly, and happy to help. Making first contact with an employer is your opportunity to make a positive impression. It is a good idea to contact more than one employer.

Family or School

Find out who at your school or college is responsible for work experience and ask them if they have any contacts with local employers. They may work with an Enterprise Coordinator or adviser who can direct you to an employer working with schools in your area.

Speak to your parents/carers, family members, or someone you trust as they may have contacts through their own networks who you can approach. In this instance it is a good idea to ask them to make initial contact with the employer. If your placement has been set up by a family member or through your school, you may already know who to contact. But it is always a good idea to check.

Either ask for the person who has set up the placement to introduce you or to pass on the right contact details. Then follow this up with an email introducing yourself, setting out some information about yourself and asking for more details about the placement.

Formal Processes

If there is a formal process in place, they are likely to have information on their website on how to apply. This will usually involve submitting a CV or completing an application form.

Direct Contact

Identify an employer you would like to work for. Find out if they run a formal on-site or virtual work experience scheme. If they don’t, then think about contacting them directly to ask if they would offer you a work experience opportunity. If you want to contact an employer you are interested in, you will need to find the right person to speak to. A good tip is to contact their general enquiries email or telephone number or look at their website in the ‘About Us’ or ‘Who We Are’ section and identifying someone to contact from what they say about their role.

Telling Employers You Are Blind or Partially Sighted

You don’t have to disclose your disability. However we would encourage you to do so as early in the process as possible. This will allow you, the employer and the school time to set up any support you may need to carry out the work placement. You can read more about disclosing here.

Top tip: It is important to remember who you have contacted. Make a note of the date you made contact so that you can follow up if you don’t hear anything back within 10 working days.

Useful Resources

Download our work experience template letter to send to potential employers. It is a good idea to adapt the letter and send it via email.

Get the template here

Our employment resources provide tips and guidance on writing CVs, application forms and interview skills, check them out here.