1. Wider employability: where and how to look for jobs Jim Bird Lecturer and Senior Admissions Tutor FOHS #employthebest

2. © University of Southampton 2007 CREATING #employthebest

3. Health professionals have a reputation….

4. #employthebest CREATING AN IMPACT YOU #employthebest

5. RECOGNISE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY What point are you starting from? From your time in FOHS, what are your competencies and transferable skills?

6. #employthebest Ability to evaluate complex information Make reasoned arguments Strong IT / time management skills Research methods and analysis Effective team working Practice based problem solving skills Personal values at core of practice Skills and attributes developed include:

7. #employthebest Commercial awareness Positive attitude Leadership Risk taking/enterprise A “foundation of positive approach” - using numerical skills effectively - using language effectively - using IT effectively Attributes most sought after by employers

8. #employthebest Self management / self motivated Fully committed to the values of the employer, offering the right personal values, attitudes and behaviours Collaborative / team working Addressing and solving problems Customer focus Attributes most sought after by employers 1

9. #employthebest Cultural sensitivity Integrity of character and behaviours Political and economic awareness Resilience (to stress) Flexibility to (often rapid) change High quality communication skills Attributes most sought after by employers 2

10. Benchmarking for your degree (or similar) Higher Education Academy www.heacademy.ac.uk → resources → employability student profiles Quality Assurance Agency www.qaa.ac.uk → subject-guidance → degree-benchmark-statements #employthebest http://www.heacademy.ac.uk/resources/detail/employability/employability-student-profiles http://www.qaa.ac.uk/ASSURINGSTANDARDSANDQUALITY/SUBJECT-GUIDANCE/Pages/Honours-degree- benchmark-statements.aspx

11. #employthebest BIG QUESTIONS WHAT DO I WANT TO DO? SOMETHING OLD… NEW? WHAT DO I ENJOY? WHAT ARE MY REASONS? SHORT-TERM LONG TERM EXPEDIENCY PLANS ?

12. #employthebest Getting a job! Where to look! 1 NHS: www.jobs.nhs.uk www.nhscareers.nhs.uk UNIVERSITY: LBR opportunities PhD opportunities HEALTH FACILITIES: Notice boards Independent + NHS PRESS: Local / regional

13. #employthebest Getting a job! Where to look! 2 WEB: Independent sector Other statutory / commercial Charitable / thirds sector AGENCIES PROFFESIONAL JOURNALS OWN NETWORK WORD OF MOUTH

14. Direct to the organisation Quick and direct route to an employer or manager Helps you know if you match the employer Puts you in charge of the job searching May uncover opportunities that are not advertised or may not have existed  Letter may not be answered #employthebest Speculative letters – avoid ‘cold calling’

15. #employthebest Dear Sister Jackson / Mrs Jackson Ref: Vacancy enquiry I am enquiring about possible future employment in a women's health environment and would be very grateful if you could consider me for a future Staff Nurse position. In September I will be graduating from the University of Southampton with a Bachelor of Nursing Honours degree and Registered Nurse (Adult) status. I have been fortunate to have substantial experience in relevant placements during my training, including gynaecology, a recovery suite and a ‘well women’ service in the community. My final placement will be in an acute medical admissions unit, which will enhance my management experience of acutely ill patients. In addition, I currently work a few hours each week as a Health Care Assistant for NHS Professionals in Hampshire, which helps consolidate my training and broaden my experience. Speculative letters – avoid ‘cold calling’

16. #employthebest From early on in my training, I realised that I gained greatest satisfaction from supporting women needing nurse led care when receiving health care, or enhancing their physical well being. In particular I have developed interest in using evidence to increase access to cancer screening services for women with learning difficulties; some of my academic work has focussed on this important area of care. I am very keen to develop my skills and future practice in this field, and contribute to high quality and progressive nursing practice. I realise that you are not currently advertising vacancies, but would be most grateful if you would consider advising me when a suitable post becomes available. I enclose a current curriculum vitae for your perusal and would ask if you might keep it on file in the hope of a future vacancy. I can make myself available any time to visit informally if you think this might be helpful. Thank you so much in anticipation of a future, favourable response. Yours sincerely Sarah Smith BN(Hons.); RN. (pending) Enc: Curriculum Vitae

17. Consolidation of training? Supported transition to ‘first post’? Promotion / career development prospects? Flexible hours? Convenient location / parking? Job security? Personal / professional challenge? Travel? Self employment? Salary? Continuing learning? #employthebest Your priorities for ‘first post’ jobs?

18. Extensive placement experience in a range of NHS Trusts and geographical locations Passion and aptitude for the profession Proven willingness to learn New ideas – evidence / research aware A proven good team member Professionalism #employthebest Don’t be shy! You are offering……. 1

19. Strongly appropriate / evidenced personal values, attitudes and behaviours Reliability and self discipline Resourcefulness Flexibility Integrity Exemplary standards of care #employthebest Don’t be shy! You are offering……. 2

20. Research the post fully, visit if possible Note how to apply, closing date and time Record reference no. and contact details CV, application form or both? If visiting note access, parking, catering, security, facilities, ‘the feel’ Cover letter to named person? Always keep full copy of the completed application and job advert #employthebest Job advertisements

21. Employability week Career Destinations All professional and representative bodies www.jobs.nhs.uk Register now! Academic tutor / professional lead / mentors Bird, J. & Borrego, M. (2010) Nursing and Midwifery Careers Uncovered. 3 rd Ed. Trotman #employthebest Resources

22. Present yourself as someone you would employ! Jim Bird Lecturer and Senior Admissions Tutor FOHS #employthebest Thank you! Do enjoy and get the most out of this week