graduate job hunting strategies during the pandemic · tips for finding vacancies that are still...
TRANSCRIPT
Graduate Job Hunting Strategies during the Pandemic
Joanna Pattison and Gemma GarrettCareers Consultants
St Mary’s Employability Services
This session will enable you to:
Understand the impact of the current climate on opportunities and organisations, and how this might affect your interactions with employers
Describe some approaches to finding advertised jobs including using your network during these uncertain times
Identify some ways that you might create your own opportunities
Explain how to make your application stand out to employers
Before we get going…• How confident do you feel about finding and applying for graduate jobs during the pandemic?
The impact of the current climate on the graduate labour market
• The Institute of Student Employers (ISE) has reported that over a quarter of companies surveyed are either reducing or suspending their Graduate hiring plans.
• A recent poll by YouGov found that almost two thirds of University students approaching graduation had job applications paused or withdraw since the coronavirus with 80% of the students surveyed being concerned about finding a job post graduation
But… it’s not all bad news. Many employers are still hiring students or offering alternative opportunities.
Remember… employers are under pressure too
• Do your research – try to understand their current situation
• Be patient
• Be sensitive
• Be understanding
See: our 10 Tips for Job Hunting during the Pandemic and What recruiters want you to know about job searching during the pandemic on LinkedIn
Strategic job hunting
3 main ways to job hunt
1. Apply for advertised roles
2. Tap into the ‘hidden’ job market
3. Get creative!
1. Applying for advertised roles
Tips for finding vacancies that are still recruiting:
• Filter options by job type, then use search terms like ‘remote’, ‘online’, or ‘home’ (or even ‘covid’ or ‘coronavirus’ as some jobs board have a note on listings that have been confirmed as still recruiting)
• Sort the vacancy results by date and look for vacancies added from April onwards
• Contact the organisation to check – use this as a chance to ask Q’s to demonstrate your interest
Remember… just because an opportunity doesn’t say it can’t be done remotely, doesn’t necessarily mean it isn’t an option. So don’t be afraid to check with the employer whether this will be a possibility, if the current lockdown persists.
Company specific
Sector specific
Broad job search
Num
ber of opportunities
CareerConnect
Reed
Indeed
TargetJobs
GuardianJobs
Social Media
Broad job search
Search for: SKILLS and/or JOB TITLES
Be SMART in your search e.g.
• Proof‐reading graduateBetter thanProof‐reading
• “data scientist” Better thandata scientistBroad job
search
Find niche job boards
• veganjobs.com• w4mpjobs.org• Jobs.ac.uk• uksport.gov.uk• charityjob.co.uk
Recruitment agencies
Useful job hunting websites and Live vacancies list on Moodle
Sector specific
Some examples…Full‐time jobs for graduates
• Junior Performance Marketing Executive at Plum. Apply ASAP. Competitive salary.
• Community Manager at Game Academy. Apply ASAP. Competitive salary.
• International Graduate Marketing Executive at Luminance, London. Apply ASAP. Salary =£27,000.
• Software Engineer Graduate Scheme (Brighton or Remote working) at NETbuilder. Apply ASAP. Salary = £28,000/£20,000 (remote)
• Events Officer at Charity Finance Group (12‐18 month maternity cover contract, full‐time). Closes Thurs 4th June. Salary = £26,780.
See our live jobs list on our Careers module on Moodle
Follow companies methodically
• Follow and interact with them on social media
• Get on LinkedIn and get visible!
• See opportunities advertised as they come up.
Company specific
What if your preferred sector isn’t recruiting?
• Think about your priorities
• How can you develop the needed skills (through a job you apply to and in your own time/own way)
• Compromise – same sector, different role or vice/versa
• Keep up to date with sector developments
2. Tap into the ‘hidden’ job market
• Contacts and networking: reconnect; reach out; make people aware you’re looking for opportunities
• LinkedIn and social media: raise your profile (roles might find you!)
• Speculative applications: be proactive; try your luck!
Webinar: Using LinkedIn and Social Media in your Job Hunt. Weds 20th May, 12‐1pm
LinkedIn – Why bother?!
• Knowledge of different industries• 1000s of jobs and internships• Head‐hunters – recruiters sending invitations to apply• Awareness of your competition• Demonstrating an interest in particular organisations / sectors• Building your network
Follow organisations you’re interested in to hear about opportunities first and keep up with current topics of interest…
Speculative applications (aka trying your luck!)1. Make a list of (small/niche) organisations to target
2. Research each organisation thoroughly and tailor your approach
3. Find a named contact in the area you’re interested in
4. Introduce yourself and what you’re looking for
5. Explain why you want to work for them (show your research)
6. Spell out what you can offer (check job descriptions ‐ which skills? Give evidence you have them)
7. Ask if it’s possible to have an interview by phone or video call
8. Be patient – but don’t be afraid to follow up
Register with a recruitment agency?• The “middleman” between jobseekers and employers.
• Specialist knowledge of the industry.
• Agencies work for the employer – not for you.
• Prospects for more info & Agency Central to search for agencies by sector of interest and location.
3. Get creative!
• What else could you do?
• Is there anything you’re already doing (or thinking about doing)?
• Share ideas in the chat box!
Some ideas…
Set up a blog or write for others?Reviews, blog posts, social media, etc (e.g. for organisations/causes you're interested in)
Start your own project? Enter competitions? Build your portfolio
Reconnect with and grow your online network
Volunteer your services to a charity or a a freelancer? (e.g. www.do‐it.org)
Develop your commercial awareness?(e.g. through TED talks, research, online events for networking)
Freelance? Promote your services for a fee (e.g. on sites like UpWork, Freelancer, Fiverrand PeoplePerHour)
See our ‘Careers Advice during the Lockdown’ for more ideas
Making your applications stand out
Essential to a good CVTailor it!
• Start with the job description and person specification
• Identify all the skills/attributes/experience required for the role
• Think about your best examples of when and how you’ve applied the skills they’re looking for (Evidence)
• Address as many requirements as you can, mirroring the language used in the job description
Think of it like a dating agency! You won’t get a ‘match’ if what can be seen on your CV doesn’t correspond with what they say they are looking for.
CVs: what to includeName and contact details
Personal profile (optional)
Education (reverse chronological order – starting with degree)
Employment History or Work Experience (reverse chronological order)
Volunteering (optional)
Achievements, Positions of Responsibility, Interests (all optional)
Skills (note: ‘hard’/technical skills – NOT ‘soft’/transferable skills)
References / References available on request
Include ‘job’ title, employer, dates (from
and to)
What might that look like on your CV?EDUCATIONBA Film and Screen Media, St Mary’s University, Twickenham Sep 2017 ‐ presentModules include: [2‐3 modules, if relevant to the job you’re applying to]• Worked in a team of four on a group presentation, contributing and listening to ideas, respecting others’ opinions, undertaking own research and arranging a practice session
• Delivering clear, persuasive and evidence‐based arguments during weekly class discussions, regularly achieving good feedback from peers and lecturers
WORK EXPERIENCERetail Assistant, JD Sports Jan 2019 ‐ Aug 2019• Interacted with wide range of customers in a friendly and professional manner; dealing with queries knowledgably and efficiently; and reading non‐verbal cues to judge when extra help was required
• Applied initiative to solve problems, including helping a parent to calm a distressed child; proactively re‐ordering low stock; and flexibly moving between departments at busy times
• Confidently interacted with a wide range of people, adapting communication style accordingly and receiving positive feedback from supervisors
EDUCATION
BA Film and Screen Media, St Mary’s University, Twickenham Sep 2017 ‐ present
Modules include: [2‐3 modules, if relevant to the job you’re applying to]
• Worked in a team of four on a group presentation, contributing and listening to ideas, respecting others’ opinions, undertaking own research and arranging a practice session
• Delivering clear, persuasive and evidence‐based arguments during weekly class discussions, regularly achieving good feedback from peers and lecturers
WORK EXPERIENCE
Retail Assistant, JD Sports Jan 2019 ‐ Aug 2019
• Interacted with wide range of customers in a friendly and professional manner; dealing with queries knowledgably and efficiently; and reading non‐verbal cues to judge when extra help was required
• Applied initiative to solve problems, including helping a parent to calm a distressed child; proactively re‐ordering low stock; and flexibly moving between departments at busy times
• Confidently interacted with a wide range of people, adapting communication style accordingly and receiving positive feedback from supervisors
Numbers help quantify the scale of your activity or achievements (e.g. team of 10; event for 50 people; interviewed 25 people; etc)
Use the bullet point to unpack how you applied the skill
Active verbs to describe how you undertook your duties (e.g. Delivered… Analysed…
Negotiated… Organised…; etc)
Outcomes demonstrate you applied the skills effectively(e.g. exceeded targets by 10%;
raised £500; etc)
Support from your Careers Service
• Book a confidential 1‐2‐1 appointment:› Email [email protected] with details of your
availability
• Visit our websites:› Careers module on Moodle:
https://mymodules.stmarys.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=23921
› Graduate Club website: https://mymodules.stmarys.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=24752
Be kind to yourself• Allow yourself to feel frustrated.
• Set achievable goals – e.g. find 3 jobs of interest today.
• Think broadly and flexibly.
• Be methodical and use your time strategically.
• Don’t do it alone! We are here to help.
Time for questionsUseful links related to the questions raised:
• UK Council for International Student Affairs (UKCISA): https://www.ukcisa.org.uk and 020 7788 9214 (open 1‐4pm, Mon‐Fri)
• Finding jobs in SMEs:› Advice: https://luminate.prospects.ac.uk/how‐to‐prepare‐graduates‐for‐jobs‐with‐smes
› Job sites: www.workinstartups.com
› Company directories: https://www.uksmallbusinessdirectory.co.uk/ (also look on LinkedIn for companies in your sector of interest!)
• Making strong applications: our resources can be found here.
How do you feel now?• How confident do you feel about finding and applying for graduate jobs during the pandemic?