University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

APPLICATIONSLynda Crosby – Careers and Employability Delivery Manager

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Objectives

• You will gain an understanding of the application process for graduate training schemes/placements

• Information on CV’s, Personal Statements & Cover Letters

• Gain an awareness of the types of tests you will be expected to complete at application stage

• Explore ways of articulating your Skills

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

What’s the difference

Graduate Job Graduate Training Scheme

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Entry Criteria

• Predominately employers ask for a minimum of a 2:1 or working towards

• UCAS points required vary 0 - 340

• Outstanding application• Applying within the stated

deadlines • No specific degree …. usually

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Graduate Labour Market 2016

• 31% of this years (2016) entry level positions are expected to be filled by graduates who have already worked for their organisation– Industrial Placements– Paid Internships– Vacation work/work experience

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Graduate Starting Salaries

• UK’s leading graduate employers median starting salary of £30,000

• Placement Average £17,322

• 1/5th pay £35,000

• Best known pay in excess £45,000 pa

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

APPLICATION PROCESS

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Graduate Job

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Graduate Training Scheme

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Placements• Registration Process

• On Line Assessments

• Situational Strengths Test• http://nestledemosst.situationalstrengthstest.com/

• Online Numerical Reasoning Test

• Strengths Based Video Interview

• Assessment Centre• Group Exercise• In-tray Exercise• Case Study Presentation

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE APPLICATION

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Curriculum Vitae• Two pages• Personal details• Education and

Qualifications• Work Experience• Interests and

Achievements• References• Skills• Personal Profiles

CV Group Advice SessionsEvery Monday and ThursdayMB110112.00 -1.00

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Covering LetterFirst Paragraph

• State the job you’re applying for. • Where you found out about it (advert in The Guardian newspaper etc. -

organisations like to know which of their advertising sources are being successful) • When you're available to start work (and end if it's a placement)

Second Paragraph• Why you're interested in that type of work

• Why the company attracts you

Third Paragraph• Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the

organisation.• Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job.

Last Paragraph• Mention any dates that you won't be available for interview

• Thank the employer and say you look forward to hearing from them soon.

Advice on Cover LettersEveryday Monday – FridayCareers Centre1.00 – 3.00

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Personal Statement

• 300- 500 words• You should discuss– Reasons for applying– Your goals– Your preparation– Your Skill Set

Advice on Personal StatementsEveryday Monday – FridayCareers Centre1.00 – 3.00

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Qualifying Tests

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Situational Judgement Tests• Typically measure

competencies• Probably measure best and

worst answers• An answer which moves the

scenario situation forward – or makes it worse

• An answer that actually solves the problem

• Most virtuous answer• Similar Answers

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Qualifying Questions

• At Sky we offer a range of programmes and opportunities for graduates. What aspects of the Change Delivery programme appealed to you and why did you choose to apply for this specific programme? (Max 250 words).

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Qualifying Questions

• Show you have a clear understanding of the role you are applying for

• Describe how if suits your interests and motivations

• Explain why you consider yourself to be a strong candidate providing examples

• Use the full word count• Check spelling and Grammar

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

ARTICULATING COMPETENCIES

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Why do applications get rejected?

• 36% - Reject unoriginal applications

• 21% - Errors in application

• 29% - Underqualified• 14% - Lack of Research

• Quantity over Quality!

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Employability Skills Bingo

Resilience

Team Working

Communication

Time Management

Problem Solving

Flexibility

Self-Awareness

Digital Literacy

Planning and Organising

Leadership

Self-Management

Analysing & Investigation

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Bingo

• How easy was it to find someone with these skills?

• How easy was it to effectively evidence them?

• How many answers were good enough to be used at on an application?

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

• S.T.A.R–Situation–Task–Action–Result

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

Summary

• Tailor each application, don’t cut and paste• Limit the number of applications• Read the information on the website• Check social media for any recent announcements• Set up accounts and save applications• Register with employers for job alerts• Always check spelling and grammar• Become Resilient

University of Lincoln Careers and Employability

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