Jo Lake - Head of Employability Philippa Elford – Employability Co-ordinator Sport & Health Sciences Preparing for employment – job searches and applications

Areas to Cover Part 1 - Preparing to find work. – Graduate job market. – What works for you? – Job search top tips … – Situations vacant. Part 2 – Applying for vacancies – Research, research, research! – Tailoring. – Application process. – Covering letters.

Graduate job market There are over 13 million graduates in the UK. In 2015 there were only about 19,700 graduate jobs available. For every job there are on average 60 applications. Employers want more than a good degree. Just because you’re a graduate it doesn’t guarantee you a job !

What works for you? What kind of work do I enjoy? What motivates me? What kind of culture would I thrive in? Where can I be flexible? What do I ultimately want to do? What will I bring to an organisation? TASK: Spend five minutes thinking about these questions and share with the group.

Job search top tips … 1.Know the sector you’d like to work in. 2.Research organisations you’d like to work for. 3.Review your PDP if you have a ‘skills gap’ address it! 4.Start to draft your CV and covering letter. 5.Review your digital footprint. 6.Practice responses to common interview questions. 7.Have a plan!

Where can I find vacancies? UnderGround Social media – LinkedIn, Twitter Careers fairs, alumni events, conferences Websites: – – – Indeed, Glassdoor, Reeds Leisure Opportunities CIMSPA National Governing Bodies County Sport Partnerships Sports Coach UK Careers in Sport Sport England UK Sport Jobs.ac.uk

Hidden vacancies Up to 60% of vacancies in the UK are not advertised. Speculative approaches can work. Networks – personal, family, professional. Personal referrals and internal promotions account for 50% of all hires.

Resources to help you … Abintergro: ure/ Career assessment tools - what works for me: What roles are in the sport, health and fitness sector?: How to use LinkedIn professionally: orials/Tutorial.aspx?id=332 Managing your digital footprint: orials/Tutorial.aspx?id=337 Using social media in your job hunt: orials/Tutorial.aspx?id=333

Applying for vacancies 1.Research, Research, Research! Understand the organisation Understand the role 2.Tailor your application. 3.Know the application process. Application form or CV?

1. Research, research, research! Organisation – Website – LinkedIn Profiles (organisations and individuals) – Twitter Dissect the job description, person specification and any other information.

Task: Skills lifeboat / Understand the Role Split into groups of 5 or 6. Look at the job description information supplied. In your group: 1.Decide the top three skills that the employer is looking for in a prospective employee and why. 2.What sort of skills, attributes, knowledge and experience would you draw on to evidence you have those skills.

2. Tailor your application Your application or CV needs to: Demonstrate how your skills, attributes, knowledge and experience (SAKE) would make you a ‘perfect fit’ for the company. Goal: To be invited for interview.

We don’t have an hour but lets take a break …

3. Application Process 95% of employers will use application forms. Some organisations may ask for a CV. Taking time to build your CV is a good way to keep a record of your: – Skills, Attributes, Knowledge, Experience (SAKE) – Accomplishments – Makes it easier to complete an application.

Creating your CV !!! The not so definitive CV !!! The ‘perfect’ CV template does not exist Each CV is individual to you CVs needs to be tailored to each opportunity Address general good practice

Traditional / Chronological CV (based on

Skills Based / Functional CV (based on

What to include? Always include: – Personal details – Education – Employment History – References You may wish to include: – Personal statement/summary – Hobbies/interests – Links to social media

Skills, Attributes, Knowledge & Experience In addition to your degree, CPD courses etc … Don’t forget your other attributes: Enthusiasm Initiative Time management Decision making Communication Listening Negotiating Integrity Honesty Flexibility Problem solving Creativity Team working Positive attitude

Conveying your message Use action verbs! Quantify your successes Accomplished Achieved Coached Controlled Defined Drafted Evaluated Facilitated Identified Increased Influenced Instigated Managed Planned Successfully

Task – CV Pitfalls In pairs, or small groups, identify the pitfalls on the CV 22 to find!

Points to Remember

Appearance Clear and easy to understand – Use of font – Size of font – Use headings, bullet points & white space – Maximum of two sides of A4 Do not title your CV, ‘CV’

Spelling & Grammar Don’t rely on spell check! Know the difference between: Your / you’re Its / it’s There / their / They’re Affect / effect

Keeping [on] track Keep a record of all your jobs, volunteering & courses Reflect on your experiences Identify the skills you can demonstrate Make the most of your time here

Practicalities Don’t rush, give yourself enough time – refine & distil Staple pages together If posting, use a hard backed envelope Never send a CV without a covering letter …

Covering Letters Always accompany a CV or job application Tailored – Applying for an advertised position – Speculative approach

All Covering Letters Another chance to stand out from the crowd Support your ability to do the job Entice the reader to read your CV Research, Research, Research! – Make sure you are addressing your letter to the correct person – Products / services – Tailor

All Covering Letters Cont’d If you have addressed the letter to a person: – Dear Mr Smith, use yours sincerely If you have addressed your letter to: – Dear Sir/Madam, use yours faithfully

Covering Letters Advertised Positions Include a heading with the position you are applying for In response to your advert in/on for the role of … please find enclosed my CV/application for consideration Highlight 3 or 4 key strengths matched to the vacancy I would be happy to provide further information at interview

Covering Letters Speculative Format as before Need to undertake more research – Find out the ‘type’ of vacancy normally advertised – Make sure you really understand whether you ‘fit’ – Be clear why you are attracted to the company Refer the reader to your CV Even more important to tailor / spark interest

Resources to help you … CV builder Cover letter builder

Summary Prepare to find work: – Know what works for you. – Have a plan. Applying for vacancies: – Research the sector, the organisation and job. – Tailor your application or CV. – Don’t forget a covering letter.

Contact us e: Come and visit the underground team KCB 563 Book an appointment to go through your CV or discuss your direction, interview practise etc.