Career Opportunities (Getting that Job!)   WEDNESDAY @ THE AUDITORIUM 1.30 – 2.30 pm Career Opportunities (Getting that Job!) Malcolm Thompson

Post Graduation Numbers Graduating In Employment further study Working and Studying Unemployed Other 2870 19.8% 61.2% 12.6% 4.5% 1.9% Destinations of HND Graduates Retail and catering Associate Professionals, Technicians Engineering and Building Professionals Childcare, Health, Education Other 20.1% 11% 10.4% 7.9% 50.5% Source: What do graduates do? Higher Education Careers Services Unit (HECSU) 2013

What skills do employers want? . What skills do employers want? They place a high level of importance on: interpersonal skills: diplomatic, flexible, open-minded, emotionally intelligent; communication and listening: communicate confidently, effectively act on decisions commercial awareness: a sound knowledge of business environments problem-solving and strategic thinking: analyse and overcome numerous obstacles, managing staff, anticipating change numerical skills: manage or work with budgets in some capacity; IT literacy - technology increasingly important in business sphere. strong organisation and time management ability - multiple projects, involving a variety of colleagues, deadlines will be tight

The CV – Competing for ATTENTION (acknowledgement: http://www. bbc. co The CV – Competing for ATTENTION (acknowledgement: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-15573447) (acknowledgement: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/getajob/cvs/Pages/default.aspx) Typically 60 applicants for every low-skilled job, 20 for every skilled job. Half of the candidates are suitable for the role (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) Therefore important that: your CV “catches the attention” of the recipient It is well laid out the spelling and grammar are accurate Increasingly, a digital copy of a CV is requested. May be a search for key words e.g. job description The covering letter and CV is the total package – your golden opportunity to sell yourself to employer Your covering letter will be seen before your CV, therefore important it makes an impact. PUT MODESTY ASIDE AND SHOW SELFCONFIDENCE

Acknowledgement: CV Plaza. Career advice and resources

Acknowledgement: Bruce Woodcock University of Kent Careers

Work Sheet What can I “ bring to the table” i.e. what Unique Selling Points do I have? What Work Experience do I have?

WORK EXPERIENCE! WORK EXPERIENCE! WORK EXPERIENCE! DO NOT SAY; I don’t have any Work Experience! Your experience of job roles and responsibilities will have allowed you to demonstrate qualities of; Dependability and reliability Flexibility , initiative, co-operation, conscientiousness, being approachable Your technical skills will include; network design and performance, trouble – shooting, project development, project management, team working PROJECT YOURSELF If you work experience is a little thin, highlight your education and training. Include employer, dates of employment, job title and your main duties. give examples of the skills you used and what you achieved.

What Next? Work experience application Complete your HND! Should I 'top up' to a degree? It depends on the career path you wish to take! To apply for a graduate scheme or graduate-level job, you'll usually need to complete a degree (which is why most HND graduates decide to 'top up‘). Work experience application Job search

…… and in Summary Decide which path you are going to take! Search out, plan, prepare THANK YOU