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5. Making the most of work experience including SWOT and PEST analysis

Employers value all forms of work experience: how can you get the best out of whatever

you have done?

We know how highly employers value work experience at any level and it is essential that in a job interview you can articulate what you know about your past employers’ businesses, how they were organised and the issues facing them. You also need to be able to demonstrate how work experience has developed your own skills This leaflet explains how self-reflection can help you get the most out of your work experience. It includes an introduction to SWOT and PEST analysis to give you a way of analysing your work experience in more detail. The topics covered are:

Different work experience sectors General questions about the company or organisation Different levels of management in the company or organisation Any personal development, experience or key achievements brought about through

working SWOT and PEST Analysis

The leaflet concludes with self assessment questions.

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Making the most of work experience including SWOT and PEST analysis

Many students and recent graduates spend time working in businesses or in voluntary organisations filling part-time yet substantive jobs, undertaking formal internships or merely gaining informal work experience. A number of these roles, especially the part-time jobs, represent quite basic positions within the organisations concerned; however, they still offer a valuable opportunity to develop both commercial awareness and personal career awareness. The experience gained can then form a valuable resource to help with applications for jobs related to more long-term career goals and to draw on at interviews. For each position held it is recommended that you should maintain a work experience record that covers areas such as:

the industry or sector involved;

the company or organisation;

the management of the company or organisation;

your personal development, experience and key achievements whilst working at the organisation.

Some points to consider under each of these headings are given below:

What sector does the organisation operate in and how is that sector being impacted by the recession, changing market conditions or technology?

Is the sector generally expanding or declining?

Have there been any recent major developments in the sector?

What are the key risks, threats or opportunities facing the sector?

Is it a global or international sector and how does this impact on individual organisations within the sector?

What kind of business is it? Who owns it?

What are its mission and values?

What are its main products or services and does it have any unique selling points?

How is the organisation performing, how impacted is it by recession or changing market conditions?

Is its market share expanding or contracting, who are its key competitors?

How do others (customers, suppliers, competitors, general public etc.) perceive the organisation? Has it received any recent media coverage (good or bad)?

What industry or sector were you involved in?

Can you answer these questions about the company or organisation?

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Is it an owner-managed business with direct day-to-day control being exercised by that owner?

What is the management structure?

How effective is that structure and the management generally?

Have you seen good or strong leadership, if so in what context?

Are management relations with staff good or bad, do employees feel valued?

Are recruitment, personal development and general HR policies good?

Are management receptive to ideas put forward by staff?

What skills did you develop or enhance, can they be transferred to other roles?

What were your biggest learning points or greatest achievements?

Did you achieve any personal goals whilst with the organisation?

What were your experiences of teamwork, good or bad?

Name one key thing you would do if you were the Chief Executive of the organisation.

Would you do anything differently if you could repeat your time at the organisation?

Have you set any new goals as a result of your work experience?

Two useful tools to use when evaluating an organisation are:

The SWOT Analysis (Evaluate Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats)

The PEST Analysis which looks at the key issues facing an organisation: Political and Legal Issues Economic Issues Social, Cultural and Demographic Issues Technological Issues

A SWOT analysis can also be done at a personal level.

Can you describe the management of the company or organisation?

What personal development, experience and key achievements occurred whilst you were working at the organisation?

SWOT and PEST analysis