How to market yourself effectively Cathy Taylor, Julie Watkins Career Advisers

We will cover Context – current reform – themes Implications for nurses Neworking Marketing yourself in CVs, application forms and at interview Support from RCN

Current context Recent health care reforms: more providers, beyond traditional NHS Francis Report – focus on quality NMC re validation plans Chief nursing Officer’s – 6 Cs – importance of attitude and positive behaviours

Impact on nursing careers Employers are looking for nurses and HCAs who: Display positive behaviours Demonstrate ‘caring’ attitudes Are enthusiastic and passionate about providing high quality, dignified, care

How can you demonstrate these behaviours? Make every ‘contact’ count Pay attention to detail in your Appearance How you write – take time and effort How you speak – be positive Plan and prepare examples to demonstrate your positive attitudes

Marketing opportunities Networking CVs Application forms Interviews

‘Working’ the Jobs Fair Make a list of employers you want to see Look positive, smile and warm handshake Rehearse points to present about yourself: Brief summary of your experience Five positive things you could bring to the organisation Leave CV and all contact details Write notes and take details of people you have spoken to, make contact a few days after the event Eg specific job you are looking for, find out what’s out there, useful contacts for the future

Other networking opportunities Conferences, study and training Friends, colleagues and peers Meetings Secondments, job swops Shadowing Mentorship and clinical supervision Getting active in the RCN

Your CV can be used.... When asked to apply ‘in writing’ When a vacancy asks for one For speculative applications Apply in writing – ensure covering letter – try not to duplicate information. Tailor and add additional comments for your suitability to the role and can highlight any experience, skills you have and are relevant to the role Vacancy asks for one – some employers may ask for a CV along with the application – only send if this is asked for (NHS usually online application) Speculative applications – organisations you are interested in working for.... For example, organisations at the jobs fair – as mentioned by Cathy. There may also be an opportunity to complete shadowing to network and a way of introducing and marketing yourself.

Preparing your CV Logical, clear and concise Consistent format Chronological order Font/layout Ideally on two pages Spelling and grammar is correct

Preparing your CV Target Experience Personal profile – tailor specifically to the role you are applying for Showcase your skills – provide relevant information and your suitability for the job Experience Key responsibilities/duties Action words – Co-ordinated, Managed, Developed, Organised, Identified, Trained Past/present tense Frequently common areas which I work with members to develop are targeting your CV. This can include tailoring your personal profile specifically to the role you are applying for. Highlighting the key responsibilities and duties which may be relevant. Also try and use ‘action words’ – active positive words can add a positive impact to your CV and also an application

Explaining gaps in employment Examples can include: Voluntary work Any personal examples, interests Keeping up to date with nursing initiatives RCN events, online resources, RCN’s e-Library, nursing or health care articles Caring responsibilities

Completing your application Follow the guidelines on the form Make it easy for employers to find the information and that you tick all requirements Tailor your application to the job Personal or supporting statement section Often competency based – provide evidence of how you meet competencies

Evidence how you meet the competencies For example: I have excellent communication skills and have always been able to deal with challenging situations - such as when a relative became angry about the treatment of their mother. I was able to allay the relative’s anxiety by listening to and empathising with their concerns and arranging for them to discuss their mother’s care with the senior nurse in charge.

Completing your application Check you have provided evidence to meet the Person spec criteria and what the employer will be assessing at Application

Online Applications Different types of online applications Save on to computer and email to employer when completed Complete and save online (e.g. NHS jobs) Complete online in one-go (can’t save it) Review and check for any mistakes/spelling errors before you press ‘send’ Save or print a copy for your records Allow enough time

An interview is a performance: Like all performances, success depends on practice

Preparation Look at job description/person spec List examples from your experience which match the above Plan responses to common interview questions Prepare questions to ask Update on national initiatives Update your Portfolio

Difficult questions Scenarios – what would you do if… Consider the processes involved: Assessing the situation Taking appropriate action Following protocols and guidelines Appropriate communication Record Keeping Evaluating and learning from situation

STAR technique to provide evidence of competencies S - situation T - target A - action R - result

Eg S – patient fell out of bed T – need to maintain their safety A – call for help, assessment, treatment, record keeping, informing Dr, relatives etc R – Patient able to be helped back to bed, no injuries – learning - why did it happen, how to prevent again, looked at NICE guideline

Other forms of selection tools Presentations Personality and ability measures Role play Group exercises Written assessment – including numeracy and written exercises

Member Support Services Welfare Rights & Guidance Counselling Immigration Services Careers Peer Support MSS Tel - 0345 408 4391 mss@rcn.org.uk

Member Support Services www.rcn.org.uk/mss MSS Tel - 0345 408 4391 mss@rcn.org.uk