Graduate job hunting tips

Rosanne RieleyCareers Adviser

Job Hunting Tipsfor Graduates

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Where are you in your job search?

GRADUATION ________________________________________________

JOB 

Making applications

No idea what to do

Interviews

Aim of session

To suggest ways and resources to help move you forward in your job search

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1. Where to Start?

Assess what you want and what you can offer

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Think about what it is you want from a job/career?

What can you offer an employer?

CreativityDetermination

(self-discipline, motivation, planning)

EmpathyFinding

informationInnovation

Logical thinkingNegotiationNetworkingWorking with

othersPractical skills

(research methods/ software/lab techniques)

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3. What can you do with your qualification?Find out about types of jobs

Jobs related to your subject

Jobs not related

www.prospects.ac.uk

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I haven’t got a clue what I want to do!

Prospects Planner — University of Leicester

Windmills Programme

Look at what other graduates do:

Graduate destinations — University of Leicester

National destinations- Prospects What do graduates do?8

4. Research the Market Employers and Vacancies

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Where are they?

Employers

Types Large employersSmall and medium

sized enterprises (SME’s)

SectorsPrivatePublicVoluntary (Third

Sector)

Graduate employer listingsProspects Directory,HobsonsGET DirectoryGTI Target seriesThe Times Top 100

Employers

Commercial DirectoriesKelly’s DirectoriesKompassYellow Pages

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Vacancies – The Visible Job Market

University of Leicester Jobs on-line http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/sd/careers/vacancies/jobsonline

www.milkround.com Prospects FinalistProspects Graduate

www.prospects.ac.uk/links/graduate Employer’s own websitesLocal and National Press

www.thepaperboy.com Professional Associations and BodiesSpecialist Journals

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Vacancies - The Visible Job Market

Graduate Recruitment Fairs and eventsCareers fairs – Prospects website Recruitment websites or Job Boards

E.g. www.monster.com www.totaljobs.com Recruitment Agencies www.rec.uk.com Job Centre Plus www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk

Graduate Work Experience/internships

The University of Leicester's Internship Programme (TULIP) — University of Leicester– 6 month paid internship employed within the university. Start Sept/Oct

KTP – Knowledge Transfer Partnerships – Opportunity to manage projects 10 weeks – 3 years. Projects between graduate, an organisation and an university

KTP - Accelerating Business Innovation also advertised on www.jobs.ac.uk

Graduate Internships cont…..

Graduate Gateway – Must be living in Derbyshire, Leicestershire or Nottinghamshire, 26 week period working on business assignment. Opportunities during Autumn & Spring

Loughborough University - Working with business

‘Graduate Talent Pool’ – Government initiative, range of paid & unpaid internships

Graduate Talent Pool: graduate internships | Home page

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Graduate internships cont…

HEFCE Graduate Internships Graduate Work Placements — University

of Leicester

Graduate STEP – 8-week summer internships

Step - Nurturing Talent - Graduate Step

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Working AbroadInternational job online |

Latest international graduate jobs | Prospects.ac.uk – International Graduate Jobs

The Homepage for NASES National Association of Student Employment Services – Country specific information and guides

Country specific information – Prospects website

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The Hidden Job MarketFact – Not all jobs are advertised!

Speculative submissions

Networking

5. Make Effective ApplicationsFocus on quality not quantity !

CVCovering LetterApplication Form

Competency-basedStatement by

ApplicantAptitude Tests

Find out employer Requirements

Skills

Knowledge

AttributesDo you match

their requirements and are you able to provide evidence?19

6. Impress at InterviewPreparation is key!

Telephone Interview

Face to Face Interview

Assessment Centres

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7. Review and Reflect

Monitor applications

Obtain Feedback

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Track your applications

Company Name

Position Applied for

Deadline Date

Date Sent Outcome

Action

8. Consider Alternatives

Non graduate schemes and other jobsPart-timeFixed term/temporary contractsVolunteeringSelf employmentFurther Study and training e.g

Professional/skillsGap YearWorking in own country

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9. Keep MotivatedGetting a job takes time & effort!

Under going period of transitionOrganise your activities and structure your

timeLearn from each experience and move onTry and remain optimistic and positiveSeek help and supportDoing something is better than nothing!

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10. Make a Plan of ActionBe proactive not inactive!

Assess where you areAssess where you want

to beSet goals/objectivesTake action

Activity – in 2’s discuss any action you will now take

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Summary - Job hunting check list

Be self- aware - Have developed clear ideas about your strengths, skills, interests and motivations as well as practical needs

Be opportunity aware - Explore different types of jobs and options and systematically weigh up the pros and cons

Make a planResearch and draw up a list of contacts,

vacancies and employers you are going to apply to and their requirements

Focus on making quality applicationsReview

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10. Further help and supportwww.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment - General

website

www.le.ac.uk/graduatesuccess - Available from 5th July 2010 – Graduate Success Guide

Career Development SupportCV and Application Feedback Guidance ConsultationsInterview Coaching

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