Closing the gap towards the labour market as a student: Gert Christens Coördinator PSYNET Association University & Schools for higher education Antwerp Student Services Artesis Hogeschool Antwerp

Background –Application Process has evolved favorably –Human capital has become even more important for businesses and government –Priorities of applicants  CHANGED - The Work-life match is increasingly important - Rational aspects less important – Additional training and Lifelong Learning

Feedback trade and industry –Graduates present themselves poorly when they apply for jobs –Poorly prepared –They seem not very motivated –Unrealistic expectations : - Salary - Responsibilities - Job evolution

Features of the Training program – Public-Private partnership – Not only giving information – Active participation of the students Covering letter Curriculum Vitae Based on a real vacancy - provided by the private partner Real interview - recorded on camera and showed afterwards and discussed

Pitfalls for graduates –Applying is a selection situation - The winner takes it all –Too much finish second –Your personality is a major asset or disability –Sympathy and antipathy may play –The time of the application process is a fraction of the time you spent in higher education

Search Strategies Find out what job you really want Be critical but not too critical High start does not mean a successful career Use a search strategy Many jobs are not in the system – networking

CV & covering letter Time you receive may be limited Importance of reference persons If possible use the Internet to show what you can (attachments,website,portfolio) Show that you've invested time for that job Cover letter and CV should fit together.

The interview Your objectives -Talking about your abilities and the strengths of your personality - Focus on the perspective of the company What to avoid - Draw attention to your professional or personal weaknesses - Too much focus on the interviewer's questions about negative characteristics of yourself y

Solliciteren Voordracht HIVT The behavior based interview Predictability of your behavior? They will not automatically believe you Concrete elements of what you've done are important for the interviewer

The interview The beginning of the interview is very crucial - avoid negative subjects A good first impression (even with the reception staff!) Show that you know what you want That you know the company Never talk negative about others 80% of communication is non-verbal –Eyecontact!

Behavior based interview preparation –5 minutes presentation –Seek out your good qualities –Into concrete examples –To increase your credibility