Job-hunting Workshop
Tim Reed T.M.Reed@kent.ac.uk
Careers Advisory Service
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/
Introduction
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Where to look for jobs
CV Preparation
Interview Skills
Careers Advisory Service facilities
Survival Strategies
Where to look for jobs
Careers Advisory Service
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/
Introduction
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Where to look for jobs/internships
What else you can do?
Where to look
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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
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Specialist publications www.psychapp.co.uk/
Careers Fairs
CAREERS FAIRS - 2011
www.prospects.ac.uk/links/careerfairs
Graduate Recruitment Fair-Bath-1/6/2011
The National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition-Birmingham-3/6/2011
University of Nottingham Graduate Recruitment Fair-East Midlands Conference Centre-6/6/2011
Yorkshire Graduate Recruitment Fair-University of Leeds-8/6/2011
Newcastle Graduate Recruitment Fair-Newcastle upon Tyne-13/6/2011
Spotlight on Graduates- Cardiff's Summer Fair-City Hall (Cardiff University Event)-14/6/2011
Summer Graduate Fair-ExCeL London-15/6/2011
The Graduate Recruitment Fair @ Manchester-Manchester-15/6/2011
Jobs Fair-London School of Economics and Political Science-16/6/2011
Graduate Recruitment Fair-Oxford Town Hall-23/6/2011
Where to look
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Vacancy publications
Directories
Employer brochures
Specialist publications
Careers Fairs
Job Centres & LSCs
Internet sources
Internet sources
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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 Websites
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitesmen.htm
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www.prospects.ac.uk
www.get.hobsons.co.uk/
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/
www.kentgrads.org.uk/
GRADUATE SALARIES 2010-11
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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
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Vacancy publications
Directories
Employer brochures
Specialist publications
Careers Fairs
Job Centres & LSCs
Internet
Newspapers
Job ads in the press
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/sitespub.htm
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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
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Vacancy publications
Directories
Employer brochures
Specialist publications
Careers Fairs
Job Centres & LSCs
Internet
Newspapers
Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment Agencies
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/recruit.htm
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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
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ask your friends
ask your relatives
ask your “network”
ask a careers adviser
Next Steps
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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 Service
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/
Introduction
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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?
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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?
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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?
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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
Email: J.Andrews@hotmail.com
Nationality: British
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 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: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Email, WWW etc.
Good level of spoken French.
Full, clean driving licence.
REFERENCES
Available on request
CV styles
Standard/Chronological
 Skills-based
 Computing/Online
 Media
 Legal
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/cv/cvexamples.htm
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Hints on wording
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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?
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Named company representative
Director/Manager of Personnel
Referees
OTHERS WHO REQUEST IT
eg. Recruitment agencies, Postgraduate courses,
Sponsorship/Funding bodies
Common Mistakes!
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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?
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Well-researched
Targeted
Accurate (content, speling, grammar)
Informative
Interesting
Easy to read
Enthusiastic
What about the covering letter?
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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 Andrews
33 London Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT2 8NE
1st June 2011
Ms Verity Wise
Graduate Recruitment Manager
Great Big Bank Co.
Anywhere Street
London
SW1
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
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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
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Employer’s Application Form (EAF)
Employer’s Online Application
Standard Application Form (SAF)
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Others (?)
Employer’s Application Form
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Contents – up to employer
Common concerns
(A-level grades, alternative qualifications, Nationality, Age)
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Skills-based questions – see:
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/compet/skillquest.htm
Attaching a CV
References
Online Applications
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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 ….
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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 Service
www.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
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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?
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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
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Eye Contact
Smiling
Nodding
Facial Expression
Standing
Sitting
Gestures
Tone/Volume
How do you prepare?
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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?
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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!
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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
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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?
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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
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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
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AGCAS Booklet “Going for Interviews”
Interview Skills booklet (CAS)
Reference File No. 014:
First Interviews
Assessment Centres
Interview Reports
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CAS website & Practice Interviews online
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/interviews/mockivs.htm
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Online streamed interviews
www.kent.ac.uk/careers-local/IntVid.htm
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Reference Books (eg. “Answer the Question: Get the Job”)
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Quick Query (Mon-Fri 10.30-12.30 & 2-5)
Careers Advisory Service facilities
Careers Advisory Service
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/
What is the ideal job?
The Careers Advisory Service
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Location
Staff
Opening times
Services & facilities
Specific CAS facilities
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computer-aided guidance
quick queries
careers interviews
job vacancy database
careers library
Careers Library
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Reception
Reference information
Postgraduate prospectuses
DVDs, online PCs, free careers
literature etc …..
And also:
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Newspapers
Careers booklets
Alumni careers network
Talks & presentations
Careers Presentations
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/casevents.htm
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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 & Canada
Work in Australia & New Zealand
Visit by Army
Presentation by Pearson (summer internships)
Presentation by NHS West
How to use the CAS
Begin by doing some research
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Perhaps into yourself (ideas, interests, preferences)
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Then into your opportunities (use vacancy lists & directories)
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Use IT “Ideas Generators” such as Explorer & Prospect Planner
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Attend talks/workshops/presentations etc
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Quick Query at CAS
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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 Consultancy
NHS Management
Personnel
Police
Production Management
Public Relations
Publishing
Purchasing
Retail
Self-employment
Social Work
TEFL
Teaching
Tourism
Transport
CAREERS USING HISTORY OF ART
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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
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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
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Consider obtaining work experience, internships, work shadowing!
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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
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Job-hunting Workshop
Tim Reed T.M.Reed@kent.ac.uk
Careers Advisory Service
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/