Amanda Wilson: From Student Opportunities to Bargain Hunt

We love to hear from our alumni, and last year Amanda got in touch to tell us about her experience of applying for Bargain Hunt! When Amanda isn’t searching for bargain, you can find her working at York St John on a very different type of application…

Introducing Amanda

What did you study at YSJ and what year did you graduate?

I studied the Management and Leadership Degree Apprenticeship. I started the degree course in January 2019 and proudly graduated in the Minister in November 2023.

Why did you choose this course?

I chose this course because after working in business for so many years, I thought learning the theory around management and leadership would give me a better understanding. I also thought it would help me grow my skills and further develop my knowledge. I thought my work would help the degree course, but actually the degree course helped my work more! I thought I was good at organising until I did the degree, so it taught me how to juggle work and assignments to the next level.

What is your current role at YSJ and what do you like best about it?

I work as a Student Opportunities Coordinator in The Student Opportunities team. I work with employers to secure great opportunities for our students and graduates. This includes part-time work, volunteering, internships, work experience and graduate roles. I also work with academics to arrange internships on campus, and support events to bring employers on campus to meet our students.

I like working with students to help them find part time jobs in York and building relationships with local employers. I like to see students grow their confidence, especially those who we help throughout their time with us: from starting an on-campus internship, to the end when they can see what skills and experience they have gained.

A photo of graduates walking away from the camera on their way to York Minster. They are wearing black academic robes and mortar boards, and a dark blue and teal hood, edged in gold.

Finding a bargain

Why did you apply for Bargain Hunt, and how many times did you apply before you got through?

I applied for Bargain Hunt because I had been watching it a lot whilst my dad was unwell. We thought it would be good for something to do together with my mum, and she is very knowledgeable about antiques. I actually applied twice, it just shows you need to be persistent!

What was the application process like, and how long did it take?

It was a lot longer than I imagined, they get over 100 applications a day! I had to complete a 6 page form, and then a 20 page form with long questions such as:

  • Who will be the leader?
  • What would be your buying strategy?
  • What do you collect?

The final part of the application was a 2 minute video audition, then another online interview – all completed over a short period of time.

What was your favourite thing about applying for Bargain Hunt?

My family coming together to support me. My dad held the words to the script for the audition video, my teenage sons filmed the audition tape, and did the editing. I realised whilst applying for Bargain Hunt that I work best under pressure. We only had a short time to pull the video together, and I realised that a 2 minute video takes a lot longer than 2 minutes to make, especially whilst also balancing work and normal life!

What was filming with your Mum like?

My mum, Janet, is an energetic 77 year old, and she was like a whirlwind around the fair on the day. I soon realised that she wasn’t the best team player as she wanted to buy lots of the items she had chosen! But in the end we both laughed so much that it didn’t matter what we picked.

Amanda and Janet are pictured in their red Bargain Hunt jackets looking at an item on a table. They both look engrossed in the item and are talking to each other. Behind and around them are other antique items.

What was the best bit about filming your bargain hunting?

Meeting the lovely BBC film crew: they were so personable and really wanted you to do well. I thought the programme would be more scripted, but I loved that I had to ad-lib and think of quick answers on my feet. It was great also to meet the other teams taking part, who were keeping quiet on their buying tactics.

What was the best bit about filming the auction?

The auction was brilliant! There was such a great buzz of energy at the auction house in Beverley with the live audience watching us. The film crew told us to be really loud and energetic at auction, but mum went extremely quiet.  It was nerve wracking watching your buys either make or lose money, whilst filming live in front of an audience.

Outside of Bargain Hunt, what sort of antiques do you usually buy?

I love collecting old watches, and yes I am a bit of a cat woman – I collect pottery cats. I like pottery cats with abit of flare and character, rather than your traditional cat!

Applications come in all shapes and sizes

Did your experiences working at YSJ or studying with us prepare you for Bargain Hunt in any way?

Yes on the time management side. Working and doing a degree at the same time taught me to be vigilant and organised with my time, which helped me to find time for the Bargain Hunt application.

Also, in my daily job I have to negotiate with employers, so it really helped with negotiating with sellers on the day.  You will have to watch to see how that went!

Was this the longest application process you’ve ever completed?

I have done some long job applications in the past, but it was a long application process to go on Bargain Hunt. It surprised me that just collecting china cats or being a Bargain Hunt fan wasn’t enough!

What advice would you share with anyone wanting to apply for Bargain Hunt?

Totally go for it, but remember your answers, as they do repeat themselves like what strategy do you have, how will you spend your money etc. Think outside the box for your video audition, the BBC likes lively, energetic applicants.

Amanda and Janet walk along with two of the show presenters.

What advice do you have for alumni facing daunting job application processes?

Having 2 teenagers and working, I am very good at organsing my time, sometimes it means saying no to some social activity, but it’s worth it in the end. For Bargain Hunt, I just looked at what they asked me, and broke it down. With the 20 page questions, I broke them into smaller chunks, as it’s hard to do a long application form all in one session. I also don’t worry about the next stages, like being invited for an interview, until I have been invited. This means you can concentrate on what you have control over, and makes me more focused.

As I work with Graduates with the internships we source on our team, I know very well that job applications are daunting! The job application process can be a whole job in its own right, but just break down each task as it happens. Breaking the whole process of applying for a job down makes it less intimidating and helps you manage  your time better. A rough guide is to break it down into:

  • The application stage
  • The interview stage
  • The presentation or task you might need to complete
  • The job offer and its timescale
  • Post-offer, what questions might you ask or tasks will you need to do

I personally believe that taking your time, and working on each answer methodically is the best way to complete a job application. Intertwine your answers with what they are looking for on the person specification. Applying for anything (TV or job) can be stressful. A good application that has been put together carefully, detailing your strengths and shows clear evidence from studying and work experience will help you succeed in gaining that job you have always wanted. For alumni completing application processes, write your application in Microsoft Word or similar first, rather than straight onto the employers application page. This will mean you can change the content easily. It will also allow you to get someone to check over your application for spelling and grammar.

Has taking part in such an interesting opportunity changed you in any way? And what lessons did you learn from this?

I realised how great my mum is how supportive she has been to me.  It has also changed me; it’s given me more confidence in myself. Since getting through to Bargain Hunt, I’ve been more positive, and open to new ideas and hobbies that will make me grow. After writing our short script for Bargain Hunt and it being very funny – this is something I would like to look into further. The people in the office, say I am funny so this would be great to expand and maybe take a new hobby in the comedy field.

Having all the kind reactions from telling my work colleagues and friends about Bargain Hunt has made me believe in myself more, although I am worried about how I will come across on the telly! I have learnt that you need to make the most of your life, and if you fancy trying something new, then go for it!

A photo of Amanda and Janet posing for the camera together inside a marquee. They're both wearing their red bargain hunt zip up jackets.

You can find out how Amanda and Janet got on by watching their episode on BBC iPlayer. For more information about your lifelong career support, please visit our website.

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