How to get the job you want Presented by UWE Careers

Workshop outline 9.30Introductions 9.50Preparing to apply 11.00Break Marketing yourself 12.15Preparing written applications 12.45Lunch 1.15Interview skills 4.00Finish

Basics Feedback Form

Introductions 1.Name 2.Current job 3.One thing you want to gain from the day 4.Any specific concerns?

Preparation, preparation, preparation To increase your chances of success you need to: Take the time to do it right Review and reflect on what you have to offer Understand what UWE and other employers are looking for

Preparing your application – first steps Step 1 Find out as much as possible about the job you are applying for internally or externally Discuss in pairs what you will read/do to prepare your application

Where to find out more Competency framework & job specification External/internal website e.g. department/HR Vision and Mission includes links toVision and Mission UWE’s Strategic Plan and new projects Vice Chancellor updates/UWE BulletinVice Chancellor Future and Focus updatesFuture and Focus Service aims and objectives Briefings e.g. Access Agreement 2012/13 Visit the company/department/faculty Talk to/shadow/observe people – is this possible/realistic?

Step 2 Understand the meaning of competencies Understand the competencies/criteria UWE and other recruiters typically will want you to meet

Competencies that UWE/employers want to see 1.Leadership and motivation 2.Planning and organising 3.Commercial awareness 4.Delivering excellent customer service 5.Continuous improvement, innovation and change 6.Communication and influencing 7.Ability to develop yourself and others 8.Teamwork and collaboration 9.Technical competence 10.Enthusiasm and flexibility Draft competency framework External jobs may differ – always check

Identifying competencies You need to identify examples of competencies Ideally examples should come from your work but you can draw on personal experience To produce a good application and successful interview you need to have a portfolio of examples to draw on Exercise In pairs identify examples of when you have demonstrated at least 3 of the competencies e.g. trained a new staff member (LM); contributed to team meetings (CI)

Coffee 15 mins

UWE Application Form Personal details, education etc Competencies: you will be asked to give a recent example demonstrating each one Other relevant skills & experience: this is the place to detail your skills and experience in addition to the competencies and show why you are suitable for the position and your motivation OUA application formapplication form

How to write examples of competencies You need to structure specific, clear and concrete examples for each competency. Avoid answers that describe how you generally behave e.g“ I always deliver excellent customer service” CAR technique can help you structure clear, succint examples

C.A.R. Challenge Actions Result

How do I use this in my answer? C (15% ) set the scene - what was the challenge/what were you trying to do/achieve? A (70%) How did you do it? What did you contribute? How did your contribution make a difference? Make sure you refer to skills you used. R (15%) What was the outcome? What did you learn from this?

Now try the CAR technique In new pairs tell someone about a time you…… Organised a party Booked a holiday Went shopping for something expensive Bought a new mobile phone Organised travel to visit a friend

Competency evidence Choose one or two of the UWE competencies Write out your best example(s) of when you demonstrated these competencies using the CAR approach Note: Consider times when you faced a challenging task/project,or you were trying to achieve something specific, but don’t overlook your day to day work

Share your examples In pairs share your examples Ask your partner some questions e.g. “what else did you do?” “What difference did you make?” How well does the written information describe the actual situation? Is there enough detail? Give positive feedback Help to identify the competency the examples relate to.

Feedback What did you discover about yourself? Go back to your skills grid to see if you can change anything

What makes a good application? Most important aspect of a good application is to provide clear, succint, concrete examples of competencies Or state how you would demonstrate the competence if you don’t have an example Use a variety of examples, avoid repetition Ideally word perfect spelling and grammar but not critical for UWE short listing Cover all the criteria: competencies, relevant skills and experience

Guidelines If applying for more than one job focus competency examples on your main preference Use the “other skills” section to add more Use bullet points, sub headings for clarity 1-2 page summary maximum If job description is generic get more information to really tailor your application. Any questions on the form contact a Change team member in HR or One University Admin mailbox

Summary Draw up a list of the competencies and other selection criteria Identify your best matching examples which can be from within work or outside Do not undersell yourself Do not waffle – be specific (use CAR) Use “action” words Deal with experience gaps positively Use online resources e.g. My FutureresourcesMy Future Keep a log of evidence from your current work Revisit your last performance and development review

LUNCH

How do I succeed in interviews? Little things can make a difference for example making contact before and following up after the interview Assume the panel know nothing about you and provide enough detail to be convincing Don’t undersell yourself Show personality, enthusiasm, positive attitude Smile and firm handshake Demonstrate your unique selling points (USP) Focus on your achievements to provide specific evidence of strengths, skills, and qualities relevant to the job role Preparation is the key factor – allow plenty of time the week/day before the interview

How can you prepare effectively for an interview? Draw a group picture of what you need to do to prepare and how to make a good impression

Prepare for the interview Similar to the preparation at the application stage 1.Research the faculty/department 2.Review the job/person specification 3.Read your original application 4.List evidence of your relevant experience, knowledge and skills – use CAR 5.Think about questions you might be asked 6.Think about questions to ask

Anticipating questions Exercise In small groups consider and list: types of questions you might be asked at interview what are the priority areas/competencies the interviewers will want to focus on? use the One University Administration competency headings to guide you Feedback

How to handle interview questions ‘How you say it’ - your body language, tone of voice, manners and general approach is as important as what you say Convey confidence and enthusiasm Don’t be afraid of silences for “thinking time” Illustrate answers with concrete examples Avoid negativity What if you can’t answer or dry up? Tailor your answers to generic questions Thorough preparation is the key to doing a good interview – if it helps take prompt cards with you

Interview practice exercise Break into groups of 3/4

Interview practice - review How did it feel actually doing it? What did you learn about yourself? Comments from observers Any questions it raised?

After the interview Reflect on your experience What went well? Which questions were difficult? Ask for feedback from employers Repeat rejections? Speak to a career consultant about how to improve your preparation for next time

Professional Image Imagine yourself on the day of the interview… Consider first and last impressions: –How will you enter the room? –What are you wearing? –How will you leave it?

What questions should I ask?

Resources to support interviews Careers resources on: and in E-Zone opposite Core 24 Tips for handling nerves ent/interviews/tip.asp 1-1sessions can be booked via

Pulling it all together Competencies Clear, succint concrete examples Anticipate questions Interview practice and feedback Research job, role and Dept/Faculty Get the job you want

And finally…. “One thing I will do as a result of today’s session…..” Please remember to complete evaluation form – we really value your feedback!