Key issues Employer attitudes –flexibility/creativity –over/under qualified –too little experience Knowledge of job market Self-confidence Identifying skills and selling points Ageism

Benefits of employing mature students Greater customer credibility Flexible attitude Ability to multi-task Realistic goals Determination to succeed Confident socially Better attendance record Less likely to have maternity leave Less likely to move elsewhere quickly Patient Tolerant

Skills sought by employers (in order of preference) Team working Good communication skills Motivation and enthusiasm Flexibility Customer orientation Business awareness Initiative and proactivity

One employer’s view “Encourage older graduates to sell themselves effectively. They are likely to have more skills than younger candidates and this should be highlighted to employers.” (Communications company)

Selling your skills Be specific Back up with evidence Quantify where possible Make sure they’re relevant

Presenting your experience Be positive Work experience Voluntary experience Life experience Personal qualities Relevant skills

Your CV Relevant Specific Consistent Prioritised

CV basics Personal details Work experience Education Specific skills Leisure interests References

Choosing a career Graduate career directories Prospect Planner Discussion with a careers adviser Think about your –skills –values –past experience –needs –constraints

Generating ideas Spider diagrams Job clusters Blue-skying Find out destinations of alumni from your course Careers library Ask other people about their jobs Scrutinise job adverts

Sources of vacancies Graduate career directories Careers centre noticeboard/vacancy files Recruitment consultancies Web (search via eg. Trade press Local and national papers Professional bodies Job centres

Creative job hunting 50% of jobs not advertised Often used to target SMEs Good way to market yourself Useful way of gathering information and generating contacts Networking/build good relationships

Job search techniques Speculative letters/CVs Work-shadowing Voluntary work Lower level with enormous potential Look back to your original sector for jobs that need a degree