IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE In an emergency requiring evacuation, you are requested to use the emergency exit route identified RHYBUDD DIOGELWCH PWYSIG Mewn argyfwng pan fo angen dianc o’r ddarlithfa, gofynnir i chi ddefnyddio’r allanfa argyfwng penodedig

Careers Session Sesiynau Gyrfaoedd Helping answer your questions Cymorth i ateb eich cwestiynau

AIM & LEARNING OUTCOMES AIM: To enable students to complete application forms effectively LEARNING OUTCOMES: By the end of this session, students should be able to: Construct an inventory of their skills and qualities and understand how to apply this as evidence when completing application forms Recognise the importance of language, presentation and impact when completing application forms Distinguish between good and poor practice in the completion of application forms

DO YOUR RESEARCH Find out about the organisation Find out about the job Identify what the employer is looking for

WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR Analytical Skills Decision making skills Enquiry and research skills Ability to solve problems Independent judgement Imagination and creativity Numeracy Ability to use IT Logical Argument ‘Self Skills’ self management confidence self-awareness Flexibility/adaptability Ability to work in a team Ability to communicate (Listening, writing, speaking) Specialist subject knowledge Ability to relate subject to wider context

WHAT EMPLOYERS ARE LOOKING FOR: LEARNING POINTS Some experiences may provide excellent evidence for several skills Good examples of skills/attributes can come from any aspect of your life and from formal or informal roles Clarify your examples by trying them out on a friend Choose carefully - you may have to discuss your evidence in some detail at interview If in doubt - book a Quick Enquiry appointment with a Career Consultant

FINDING EVIDENCE - EXAMPLE A part-time job in a call centre could provide evidence of: Personal Organisation; balancing job with study Time Management; punctuality, timekeeping, working to deadlines Decision-making; prioritising calls, dealing with problems Interpersonal Skills; communicating, telephone skills, listening ICT: working with the call centre systems Teamwork: working with others, peer motivation

GOOD AND COULD DO BETTER! How far does this answer/ satisfy the question? Does the person back up statements with evidence? Does this answer look as if it had been thought about and planned? Presentation GoodPoor

A SIMPLE STRATEGY FOR ANSWERING SITUATIONAL QUESTIONS

STAR APPROACH Situation or Task Describe the situation that you were in or the task that you needed to accomplish. You must describe a specific event or situation, not a generalized description of what you have done in the past. Be sure to give enough detail for the interviewer to understand. This situation can be from a previous job, volunteer experience, or any relevant event. Action you took Describe the action you took and be sure to keep the focus on you. Even if you are discussing a group project or effort, describe what you did - not the efforts of the team. Don't tell what you might do, tell what you did. Results you achieved What happened? How did the event end? What did you accomplish? What did you learn?

Give an example of a problem you have solved using your communication skills. What did you do and what was the result? Situation or Task A feature of the Degree in … is participation in a group project set by academic staff. The project is then presented for academic and peer evaluation and a group mark is awarded. On one occasion a fellow team member was considered not to be contributing fully to the process thus jeopardizing team dynamics and our final result. Action you took Having noticed the situation, I conferred with colleagues as to the best approach to take. I suggested taking responsibility for approaching the individual. I enquired about difficulties with the workload and also tried to find out whether there were any underlying personal difficulties … Results you achieved My approach was appreciated and indeed there were some underlying personal factors involved. An arrangement was made to provide the individual with a workload that suited his individual strengths. The group dynamic changed, communication improved and the group achieved a good mark. In retrospect I can now acknowledge/respect the importance of setting ground rules.

DIFFICULT QUESTIONS Describe a situation where you met with opposition - How did you handle it? What are the most difficult experiences you have had in the last 5 years, and what have you learnt from them? Describe the best/worst decision you ever made and what you learnt from it What are your main strengths? What is your biggest weakness?

PERSONAL STATEMENTS Please outline your reasons for applying for this post. Describe in detail any work experience, skills etc you have which are relevant to this job (referring to the person specification for this post) or any project or voluntary work that you feel is relevant.

PERSONAL STATEMENTS - STRUCTURE To help with structure, consider the following: 1. Why are you applying for this course/job. What is your motivation? 2. What do you think you can bring to it? e.g. Academic choices/options to date, research/dissertation Work experience Voluntary work Skills gained through all aspects of life Personal qualities 3. Summary – and how the course/job fits into your longer term career plans

PERSONAL STATEMENTS - TIPS  Must address all points in person spec  Address each point in a clearly themed paragraph: -state how you meet/relate to the requirement -provide concrete examples as evidence -a sentence that shows reflection adds depth  Show enthusiasm for the role and company  Summarise how your skills match the post  Show that you have done your research

APPLICATION TIPS Think about what the employer is looking for Select evidence which matches their needs Choose examples with positive outcomes Address the actual question, not what you would like it to be Give measures of achievements if possible Try not to rely on common examples e.g. prioritising academic workload If there are defined sections for you to present information, check for word counts; draft your information first

FOR CAREERS INFORMATION Call into the Careers and Employability Centre, 2 nd Floor, Student Support Centre, 50 Park Place Open 9.00am–5.00pm Monday-Friday, no appointment needed Information on how to start your career planning, work experience, job types, applications, interviews and more PCs and study spaces available, no need to book Friendly staff to answer your questions

FOR FURTHER HELP Attend employer presentations and career events to get career/ company specific advice Watch DVD: Your Jobs On Line Make an appointment to see your Careers Consultant, via the on-line Booking System:

Website links The Cardiff Award information on CVs, application forms, interviews…………. Watch other students’ stories Find out about the job market for graduates Subject specific and generic information Questionnaires and exercises to help you find focus Deciding what to do Considering your options Finding Work Experience Applying for Jobs

GOOD LUCK!