University Students
Many applications for the undergraduate and graduate market are formal programmes that will assess at different stages your skills to do the role. These can include subject or technical knowledge for a particular role, but in addition employers are looking for the transferable skills that will make you employable and they will look for these in your application, in assessment centres, and at interview.
Researching the role and the company will help you understand the skills and qualities an employer is looking for. This is equally important for a part time role, for work experience or graduate applications.
You need to understand how you can provide evidence of these, from your studies, any work experience and your extracurricular activities and how you will present yourself.
Please book here if you would like a career guidance conversation about this topic which will be by telephone or Skype. Any further support will be agreed at the end of this consultation.
There are many opportunities available for graduates and undergraduates, but many take considerable time and effort and start early. The autumn term is a good time to start looking at what’s out there and the timelines and application process. Spring week opportunities for first year undergraduates often close around December (some earlier) for placements in the following Easter vacation.
Similarly, for paid internships and graduate applications, many employers commence the recruitment process as early as September, so if you are interested in a sector, role or specific employer you need to be looking at the start of your academic year. Sign up for employer alerts, register with them, or follow using social media and that will help make sure you don’t miss the deadline.
That said, you are at university to study and you will want the best result you can, so you will need a balance.
Please book here if you would like a career guidance conversation about this topic which will be by telephone or Skype. Any further support will be agreed at the end of this consultation.
The CV you write will very much depend on your stage of study or employment, and who you are writing it for. As an undergraduate or graduate you may wish to consider either a chronological or skills based CV, seeing which works best for you. At this stage it is also best to try and produce a one-page CV.
Consider employability skills, the company, their values and competencies and reflect these in your CV, providing relevant evidence from your subject skills, extracurricular and experiences. You will need to tailor your CV to each application.
Use of technology plays an increasingly large part in recruitment and selection and very much so for formal work experience schemes, internships and graduate applications. Thinking carefully and presenting your skills and qualities that suit the role will lead to authenticity and confidence in your application. Again, research carefully the employer competencies.
As a career professional it may be more relevant for you to present a short summary of experience and consider a skills-based approach to your CV, with each one being tailored specifically to the role and company.
Please book here if you would like a career guidance conversation about this topic which will be by telephone or Skype. Any further support will be agreed at the end of this consultation.
What can you do at interview to be best prepared?
Interviews will come in many forms. How do you impress over the telephone? How can you prepare for a webcam interview and the increasing use of AI to screen candidates? These differing formats have become increasingly relevant in formal work experience schemes, internships and graduate applications.
When you make it through the screening process to the face to face meeting how can you be prepared enough to enjoy your interview and make this a two-way process? Would you like to discuss key tips or book a mock interview?
Do you understand use of the STAR technique, or how to handle those ‘curve ball’ questions?
Please book here if you would like a career guidance conversation about this topic which will be by telephone or Skype. Any further support will be agreed at the end of this consultation, including mock interview practice.
At any stage of your education or career you may want to add and develop skills beyond the job or curriculum on offer to you. These opportunities exist at all stages of your education and career with lots of free online courses available globally (e.g. moocs). So, whether you are a school student interested in developing digital skills, or a new graduate wanting to find out more about coding, or an undergraduate with an interest in marketing, consider what is available to you and importantly it will help you stand out from the crowd. This is equally relevant to those returning to work who may want to update skills and if you are considering changing careers.
Alternatives and paid for formal programmes include how to choose the right masters degree, or your route to professional accreditation.
Please book here if you would like a career guidance conversation about this topic which will be by telephone or Skype. Any further support will be agreed at the end of this consultation