job-hunting workshop tim reed t.m.reed@kent.ac.uk t.m.reed@kent.ac.uk careers advisory service

Job-hunting Workshop

Tim Reed T.M.Reed@kent.ac.uk

Careers Advisory Service

www.kent.ac.uk/careers/

Introduction

Where to look for jobs CV Preparation Interview Skills Careers Advisory Service facilities Survival Strategies

Where to look for jobs

Careers Advisory Servicewww.kent.ac.uk/careers/

Introduction

Where to look for jobs/internships What else you can do?

Where to look

Vacancy publications www.kent.ac.uk/careers/jobs/index.htm

Directories www.prospects.ac.uk Employer brochures – eg. Mars @

www.mars.com/global/careers-at-mars/students.aspx Specialist publications www.psychapp.co.uk/

Careers Fairs

CAREERS FAIRS - 2011www.prospects.ac.uk/links/careerfairs

Graduate Recruitment Fair-Bath-1/6/2011The National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition-Birmingham-3/6/2011University of Nottingham Graduate Recruitment Fair-East Midlands Conference Centre-6/6/2011Yorkshire Graduate Recruitment Fair-University of Leeds-8/6/2011Newcastle Graduate Recruitment Fair-Newcastle upon Tyne-13/6/2011Spotlight on Graduates- Cardiff's Summer Fair-City Hall (Cardiff University Event)-14/6/2011Summer Graduate Fair-ExCeL London-15/6/2011The Graduate Recruitment Fair @ Manchester-Manchester-15/6/2011Jobs Fair-London School of Economics and Political Science-16/6/2011Graduate Recruitment Fair-Oxford Town Hall-23/6/2011

Where to look

Vacancy publications Directories Employer brochures Specialist publications Careers Fairs Job Centres & LSCs Internet sources

Internet sources Institute of Practitioners in Advertising

www.ipa.co.uk/ Chartered Institute of Marketing www.cim.co.uk Chartered Institute of Personnel & Development

www.cipd.co.uk/ Guardian vacancies www.jobs.guardian.co.uk/

Excellent Websiteswww.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesmen.htm

www.prospects.ac.uk www.get.hobsons.co.uk/ www.kent.ac.uk/careers/ www.kentgrads.org.uk/

GRADUATE SALARIES 2010-11 Arcadia £17,500 - £23,000 + 25% store discount AWE (Atomic Weapons Establishment) from £21,500 + final salary

pension Asda £23,000 Sainsbury’s £23,000 - £25,000 MI5 £23,500 + benefits - varies by function! Marks & Spencer £24,000+ Police (HPDS) £24,675 after initial training Reckitt Benckiser £26,000 - £28,000 Unilever £26,500 Civil Service up to £27,000 Lloyd’s £28,000 - £31,000 Mars £29,000 + Royal Navy £29,006 + £12,000 joining bonus ExxonMobil £33,000+ Linklaters £37,400 Aldi £40,000 - £60,000 (after 3yrs) + fully expensed Audi A4

Where to look

Vacancy publications Directories Employer brochures Specialist publications Careers Fairs Job Centres & LSCs Internet Newspapers

Job ads in the presswww.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitespub.htm

Actuaries - Money Management, Observer, Times Acupuncture - Journal of Alternative &

Complementary Medicine (m) Arts Administration - The Stage, Arts Management

Weekly, Guardian (Mon & Sat)

Where to look

Vacancy publications Directories Employer brochures Specialist publications Careers Fairs Job Centres & LSCs Internet Newspapers Recruitment Agencies

Recruitment Agencieswww.kent.ac.uk/careers/recruit.htm

FASHION - George Ellis Recruitment MUSIC - Handle Recruitment ACCOUNTANCY - Hays Accountancy Personnel SECRETARIAL - Nice People Employment Bureau STOCKBROKING - Citifocus Ltd

What else can you do?www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sk/CJ.htm

ask your friends ask your relatives ask your “network” ask a careers adviser

Next Steps Decide on the job you want Research employers Apply early Discuss your ideas if you are uncertain Change your job-hunting methods if they are

not working

How to Prepare a CV

Careers Advisory Servicewww.kent.ac.uk/careers/

Introduction

What is a CV? When is it used? What does it contain? Who do you send it to? What about the covering letter?

What is a CV?

One of many ways to apply Your marketing tool A4 – sized Flexible & targeted Stylized: Chronological/Skills-based Different in other countries

http://www.prospects.ac.uk

http://www.eurograduate.com/planning.asp

When is it used?

As the main tool for on-spec applications When requested by an employer In support of other application information Never without a letter via email as attachment When your Referee needs more info

What does it contain?

Personal details Academic background Work Experience Interests & achievements Additional information References

John Andrews (5/11/89)33 Union Street, Manchester, M6 3AE. Tel. 0161 351 4039 Nationality: British

Email: J.Andrews@hotmail.com Mob: 07727374619

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

2008 - 2011 University of Kent at Canterbury BA (Hons.) Economics and Accounting 2:1.

Final Year Subjects: Economics, Business Law and Taxation

Project: "Economic Consequences of the Decline in the Kent Mining Community".

2006 - 2008 Manchester Community College.

A Levels: Mathematics B, History B, Economics C. AS Level: Geography D

2001 - 2006 St. John’s Boys School, Manchester.

8 GCSEs (grades A*-C) including Mathematics, English and French.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Summer 2010 Tourist Information Office, Canterbury.

Helping tourists, working in Bureau de Change, booking theatre and concert tickets.

Summer 2009 Canterbury City Council.

Accounts Clerk in Treasurer’s office. Dealing with enquiries, using computerised systems.

2008 - present Simple Simon’s Public House, Canterbury.

Bar work throughout the year serving food and drinks to customers and cashing up.

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS

Secretary of the Accounting Society, involved booking speakers.

Organised a charity fun run for Rag Week – raised £150.

Enjoy competitive sport and play for the University football team.

Other interests include current affairs and studying the Stock Market.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

IT Skills: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, WWW etc.

Good level of spoken French.

Full, clean driving licence.

REFERENCES

Available on request

John Andrews (5/11/89)33 Union Street, Manchester, M6 3AE. Tel. 0161 351 4039 Nationality: British

Email: J.Andrews@hotmail.com Mob: 07727374619

EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS2008 - 2011 University of Kent at Canterbury BA (Hons.) Economics and Accounting 2:1

Final Year Subjects: Economics, Business Law and TaxationProject: "Economic Consequences of the Decline in the Kent Mining Community".

2006 - 2008 Manchester Community College.A Levels: Mathematics B, History B, Economics C. AS Level: Geography D

2001 - 2006 St. John’s Boys School, Manchester.8 GCSEs (grades A*-C) including Mathematics, English and French.

WORK EXPERIENCESummer 2010 Tourist Information Office, Canterbury.

Helping tourists, working in Bureau de Change, booking theatre and concert tickets.Summer 2009 Canterbury City Council.

Accounts Clerk in Treasurer’s office. Dealing with enquiries, using computerised systems.2008 - present Simple Simon’s Public House, Canterbury.

Bar work throughout the year serving food and drinks to customers and cashing up.

ACTIVITIES AND INTERESTS Secretary of the Accounting Society, involved booking speakers. Organised a charity fun run for Rag Week – raised £150. Enjoy competitive sport and play for the University football team. Other interests include current affairs and studying the Stock Market.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATIONIT: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, WWW etc. Good level of spoken French. Full, clean driving licence.

REFERENCESAvailable on request

CV styles

Standard/Chronological Skills-based Computing/Online Media Legal

www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm

Hints on wording

Avoid personal pronouns - No “I’s” Start with verbs wherever possible Use short sentences & concise phrases Focus on accomplishments Refer to specific projects with quantifiable results Use personal power words

Personal power words created instructed analyzed produced

negotiated designed calculated maintained

administered controlled reviewed observed

consolidated delivered founded increased

studied invented supplied detected

programmed recommended distributed

developed solved prepared installed selected

arranged formulated solved started

Who do you send it to? Named company representative Director/Manager of Personnel Referees OTHERS WHO REQUEST IT

eg. Recruitment agencies, Postgraduate courses, Sponsorship/Funding bodies

Common Mistakes! Too long Untargeted Disorganised Contains errors/missspellings Not accomplishments focused Error examples

www.createyourcv.co.uk/CMS/191_CV-Bloopers!.asp

CV Nightmares

“Received a plague for salesman of the year.”

“As indicted, I have over five years experience of analysing investments.”

“I am loyal to my employer at all costs …. Please feel free to respond to my CV on my office voice mail.”

Cover letter: "Thank you for your consideration. I hope to hear from you shorty!"

What is a good application?

Well-researched Targeted Accurate (content, speling, grammar) Informative Interesting Easy to read Enthusiastic

What about the covering letter? One side of good quality A4 paper Formal/conventional layout Addressed to a named person State position applied for & where advertised Explain why applying Convince the reader of your interest & suitability (egs!) Give dates when available/can start Sign off “Yours sincerely” (if sent to named person)

John Andrews33 London Road

CanterburyKent

CT2 8NE

1st June 2011Ms Verity WiseGraduate Recruitment ManagerGreat Big Bank Co.Anywhere StreetLondonSW1

Job Reference Number 12345 (state this if it is mentioned in the advert)

Dear Ms. Wise

I am writing in response to your advertisement in “Prospects Finalist" for Graduate Trainees and enclose my CV for your consideration.

I first became interested in retail banking through talking to a Kent graduate, currently in the second year of your Management Training programme, at the University Careers Fair. Since then, discussion with my careers adviser and with management staff at my local branch has confirmed my decision to aim for a career in this field.

Through my degree course, I have been able to develop my interest in business together with my numeracy skills. While at University, I have also been able to utilise my skills in working with people through a variety of vacation jobs. My work at the Tourist Information Office was valuable in teaching me the importance of ascertaining customers’ needs and providing clear and accurate information.

I will be available for interview if required at your convenience. I can be contacted at my college address (above) and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours Sincerely

John Andrews

Further Information Careers Advisory Service website

www.kent.ac.uk/careers/applicn.htm CAS booklet “Making Applications” AGCAS Booklet CAS Reference Files (013 series) Example CVs (013) Quick Queries at the CAS Reference Books (eg. CVs for Graduates) DVDs “Your Job’s online” & “Looking Good on Paper”

Application methods

Employer’s Application Form (EAF) Employer’s Online Application Standard Application Form (SAF) Curriculum Vitae (CV) Others (?)

Employer’s Application Form

Contents – up to employer Common concerns

(A-level grades, alternative qualifications, Nationality, Age)

Skills-based questions – see:

www.kent.ac.uk/careers/compet/skillquest.htm Attaching a CV References

Online Applications Same as paper applications May include a test Better forms Some poorer forms Steps Electronically scanned CVs Text-only internet CVs Web CVs See www.kent.ac.uk/careers/onlineapps.htm

Recap – you now know about ….

Different application methods When they are used What they should contain What makes a good application Who you send them to Covering letters Further info from the CAS

Interview Skills

Careers Advisory Servicewww.kent.ac.uk/careers/

How not to interview

Candidate: fell and broke arm during interview said he didn’t finish secondary school

because he was kidnapped and kept in a wardrobe in France

brought a large dog to the interview asked “Would it be a problem if I am angry

most of the time?”

How to interview

What would be good to do at an interview?

Introduction

What is an interview? Using non-verbal communication How do you prepare? How should you dress? How to deal with difficult questions! What questions should you ask? CAS facilities.

What is an interview?

Interaction - with questions - to get a job or a place on a course

1:1 1:2 1:3 1:4 1:!???! Panel; Group; 20min; 40min etc…., Face to face/on the telephone Your chance to meet a representative of the

organization you have applied to Stressful!

Using non-verbal communication

Eye Contact Smiling Nodding Facial Expression Standing Sitting Gestures Tone/Volume

How do you prepare? Re-read employer information Re-read your application Prepare some questions to ask Remind yourself why you find this

career/employer attractive Plan how you will travel Dress neatly and smartly

How should you dress?

Conformity is the rule Suits Harrods Men/Women Do’s & Don’ts Consider the employer!

How should you dress?

Mock interview

Ask two questions: Tell me about what interests you What is your single greatest achievement?

How to deal with difficult questions!

Give yourself time! The “No, but …” technique Reflect/Deflect Tell them research is needed Allow yourself not to know the answer Prepare for “obvious” questions

Prepare for obvious questions

Why are you applying to us? Why have you chosen IT/marketing etc.? What makes you suitable for this job? Tell me more about your relevant skills. What other jobs are you applying for? Where do you see yourself in five years? Why did you choose your current employer? Why are you leaving your present employment? What have you got out of your job? What do you do in your spare time? What do you get

out of it?

What should you ask? See booklet! Do ask a question! Keep it brief Ask about the work itself, not pay/perks Prepare them in advance Tell them something they don’t know!

Research both employer & job

CAS library – files, booklets, leaflets Company internet site(s) Other internet sites – search engines Directories – eg. Willings Press Guide Quality newspapers – finance section May not find much re. small firms

CAS facilities AGCAS Booklet “Going for Interviews” Interview Skills booklet (CAS) Reference File No. 014:

First InterviewsAssessment CentresInterview Reports

CAS website & Practice Interviews online www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/mockivs.htm

Online streamed interviewswww.kent.ac.uk/careers-local/IntVid.htm

Reference Books (eg. “Answer the Question: Get the Job”)

Quick Query (Mon-Fri 10.30-12.30 & 2-5)

Careers Advisory Service facilities

Careers Advisory Servicewww.kent.ac.uk/careers/

What is the ideal job?

The Careers Advisory Service

Location Staff Opening times Services & facilities

Specific CAS facilities

computer-aided guidance quick queries careers interviews job vacancy database careers library

Careers Library

Reception Reference information Postgraduate prospectuses DVDs, online PCs, free careers

literature etc …..

And also:

Newspapers Careers booklets Alumni careers network Talks & presentations

Careers Presentationswww.kent.ac.uk/careers/casevents.htm

Making Successful Applications Working in the UK Tour Of The Careers Advisory Service Presentation by Chartered Insurance Institute Presentation by MATCHTECH Group Canterbury Christ Church University Postgraduate Teaching Event Choosing A Career Interview Skills CV Workshop Presentation by Deloitte Presentations by BUNAC:

Work in USA & CanadaWork in Australia & New Zealand

Visit by Army Presentation by Pearson (summer internships) Presentation by NHS West

How to use the CASBegin by doing some research

Perhaps into yourself (ideas, interests, preferences)

Then into your opportunities (use vacancy lists & directories)

Use IT “Ideas Generators” such as Explorer & Prospect Planner

Attend talks/workshops/presentations etc

Quick Query at CAS

1:1 careers interview

Options available

Advertising

Armed Forces

Arts admin

Broadcasting

Central & Local Gov’t

Computing/IT

Finance

Fire Service

Guidance/Counselling

Info Management/Museums

Journalism

Law

Marketing/Sales

Management ConsultancyNHS ManagementPersonnelPoliceProduction ManagementPublic RelationsPublishingPurchasingRetailSelf-employmentSocial WorkTEFLTeachingTourismTransport

CAREERS USING HISTORY OF ART Archivist Arts Administrator Auctioneer/Valuer, Fine Arts Editorial Assistant Exhibition Organiser Heritage Manager Heritage Officer/Interpreter Historical Buildings Inspector/Conservations Officer Lecturer, Art History (HE/FE) Librarian, Special/Academic Magazine Journalist Museum/Art Gallery Curator Museum Education Officer Museum/Gallery Conservator/Restorer Museum/Gallery Exhibitions Officer Picture Researcher School Teacher www.prospects.ac.uk

SURVIVAL STRATEGIES Be clear about your area of career interest Regularly review media and vacancy ads re. your area of career interest Discuss your career ideas with as many people as possible Plan a strategy for your job-hunting and applying (& review it regularly) Keep your CV up-to-date Consider obtaining work experience, internships, work shadowing! Maintain a record of the applications you have made Network with everyone you can Consider starting a network of other graduate job-seekers Use Recruitment Agencies Attend Career Fairs Employ creative job-hunting techniques as well as conventional methods Identify your own key selling points and tell the employers you apply to about

these

Job-hunting Workshop

Tim Reed T.M.Reed@kent.ac.uk

Careers Advisory Service

www.kent.ac.uk/careers/