1. Maximising employability
Planning your career and demonstrating your
worth to employers

2. Aims of the session What is employability?
To be more aware how you can match your skills to job specifications
To provide an update on what is required for a C.V. and good practice examples
To complete a careers/employability action plan.

4. What is employability? MMU Definition
“The development of skills, abilities and personal attributes that enhance students ability to secure rewarding and satisfying outcomes in their economic , social and community lives”
Its is more than simply finding a job, employability is about achieving ongoing success in your future.

5. Employability, why? Is an FD enough? Feedback from employers
Competitive job markets
Making your CV work for you

6. What makes you employable?
Skills
Attitudes &behaviours
Teamwork and interpersonal
Problem solving
Time management
Good, all round communicator
Decision Making
Analysis
Positivity
Networking
Professionalism
Planning
Opportunity orientated

7. Which type of CV?
The Prospects website and National Careers Service website have suggestions for models of CV
Chronological
Skills-based
Academic
The National Careers Service link has C.V. builder:

8. Targeted CV or application
Job Spec TA
My skills, experience, qualities
Experience in a Key Stage 1 Classroom
Previous successful experience of assisting teaching in a classroom setting
Experience of working closely with a class teacher
Knowledge EYFS
Knowledge of positive discipline and understanding of the relationship between self -esteem and successful learning
A highly motivated individual who demonstrates initiative and who aims for very high standards
A commitment to the Inclusion of all children
Good communication skills
A sense of humour
Reliability
Flexibility
Appropriate qualification to at least NVQ Level 2 or 3
??????

9. Targeted examples Job Spec Statement content
The effective use of educational processes.
Analysis of activity undertaken with children
Demonstrate interest in teaching
Describe personal qualities / interpersonal skills
I enjoyed the responsibility of working with my own group and the challenge of managing individual needs and group dynamics. This required skilled, sensitive and strong communication skills…

10. What makes a strong supporting statement
What to think about?
How to plan/ present content
Why you are applying for the job, e.g. interest, career aims
How your work and studies are preparing you for the role i.e. what you are learning and how this is developing your skills: try to make links between subjects where relevant and think about the requirements of the person spec.
Transferable work experience/ relevant interests
Personal qualities and what all the above will bring to the role
Link examples of your work to the competencies in the person spec
Use positive language and power words
Have effective structure and flow
Don’t duplicate and make every word count

11. How to “skill up”
Make the most of your studies, reflect on the skills you acquire or enhance.
Use your work experience and observations
Know your strengths and aptitudes
Extra curricular courses
Volunteering
Employment
Gap years, summer projects etc….
Networking

12. Careers /Employability Action Plan
National Careers Service – Action plan package:
Will take about 30 mins to complete.
Job profiles:

13. Further resources: MMU Careers Prospects:
Prospects:
Higher Education courses and information:
Dept for Education:
I-could website:

14. College Careers team First floor library
To book an appointment or to speak to a Careers Adviser:
Call into floor 1 (Room L103)
Ring