This document provides job hunting tips for graduates. It outlines 10 steps for an effective job search: 1) assess your strengths and what you can offer employers, 2) research job options related and unrelated to your degree, 3) learn about your career prospects, 4) research employers and vacancies, 5) make effective applications focusing on quality over quantity, 6) prepare for interviews, 7) review and get feedback on applications, 8) consider alternatives like further study if needed, 9) stay motivated through the process, and 10) make an action plan and take steps toward your goals. Additional resources for support are also listed.
2. Where are you in your job
search?
Making
applications
GRADUATION ________________________________________________
JOB
No idea Interviews
what to do
3. Aim of session
To suggest ways and
resources to help move you
forward in your job search
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4. 1. Where to Start?
Assess what you want and what
you can offer
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6. What can you offer an employer?
Creativity Logical thinking
Determination Negotiation
(self- Networking
discipline, motivati Working with
on, planning) others
Empathy Practical skills
Finding (research
information methods/
Innovation software/lab
techniques)
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7. 3. What can you do with your
qualification?
Find out about types of jobs
Jobs related to
your subject
Jobs not related
www.prospects.ac.
uk
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8. I haven’t got a clue what I want to
do!
Prospects Planner — University
of Leicester
Windmills Programme
Look at what other
graduates do:
Graduate destinations —
University of Leicester
National destinations- Prospects
What do graduates do?
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9. 4. Research the Market
Employers and Vacancies
Where are they?
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10. Employers
Types
Graduate employer
Large employers listings
Small and medium Prospects Directory,
sized enterprises Hobsons
(SME’s) GET Directory
GTI Target series
Sectors The Times Top 100
Employers
Private
Public
Commercial
Voluntary (Third Directories
10 Sector) Kelly’s Directories
11. Vacancies –
The Visible Job Market
University of Leicester Jobs on-line
http://www2.le.ac.uk/offices/ssds/sd/careers/vac
ancies/jobsonline
www.milkround.com
Prospects Finalist
Prospects Graduate
www.prospects.ac.uk/links/graduate
Employer’s own websites
Local and National Press www.thepaperboy.com
Professional Associations and Bodies
11 Specialist Journals
12. Vacancies - The Visible Job
Market
Graduate Recruitment Fairs and events
Careers fairs – Prospects website
Recruitment websites or Job Boards
E.g. www.monster.com www.totaljobs.com
Recruitment Agencies www.rec.uk.com
Job Centre Plus
www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk
13. Graduate Work Experience/
internships
The University of Leicester's Internship
Programme (TULIP) — University of Leicester–
6 month paid internship employed within the
university. Start Sept/Oct
KTP – Knowledge Transfer Partnerships –
Opportunity to manage projects 10 weeks – 3
years. Projects between graduate, an
organisation and an university
KTP - Accelerating Business Innovation also
advertised on www.jobs.ac.uk
14. Graduate Internships cont…..
Graduate Gateway – Must be living in
Derbyshire, Leicestershire or
Nottinghamshire, 26 week period working on
business assignment. Opportunities during
Autumn & Spring
Loughborough University - Working with
business
‘Graduate Talent Pool’ – Government
initiative, range of paid & unpaid internships
Graduate Talent Pool: graduate internships | Home
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page
15. Graduate internships cont…
HEFCE Graduate Internships
Graduate Work Placements — University of
Leicester
Graduate STEP – 8-week summer
internships
Step - Nurturing Talent - Graduate Step
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16. Working Abroad
International job online | Latest
international graduate jobs |
Prospects.ac.uk – International
Graduate Jobs
The Homepage for NASES
National Association of Student
Employment Services – Country
specific information and guides
Country specific information –
Prospects website
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17. The Hidden Job Market
Fact – Not all jobs are advertised!
Speculative
submissions
Networking
18. 5. Make Effective Applications
Focus on quality not quantity !
CV
Covering Letter
Application Form
Competency-based
Statement by
Applicant
Aptitude Tests
19. Find out employer Requirements
Skills
Knowledge
Attributes Do you match
their requirements
and are you able
to provide
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evidence?
20. 6. Impress at Interview
Preparation is key!
Telephone
Interview
Face to Face
Interview
Assessment
Centres
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23. 8. Consider Alternatives
Non graduate schemes and other jobs
Part-time
Fixed term/temporary contracts
Volunteering
Self employment
Further Study and training e.g Professional/skills
Gap Year
Working in own country
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24. 9. Keep Motivated
Getting a job takes time & effort!
Under going period of transition
Organise your activities and structure
your time
Learn from each experience and move
on
Try and remain optimistic and positive
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Seek help and support
25. 10. Make a Plan of Action
Be proactive not inactive!
Assess where you are
Assess where you want to
be
Set goals/objectives
Take action
Activity – in 2’s discuss
any action you will now
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take
26. Summary - Job hunting check list
Be self- aware - Have developed clear ideas
about your strengths, skills, interests and
motivations as well as practical needs
Be opportunity aware - Explore different types
of jobs and options and systematically weigh up
the pros and cons
Make a plan
Research and draw up a list of contacts,
vacancies and employers you are going to apply
to and their requirements
Focus on making quality applications
26 Review
27. 10. Further help and support
www.le.ac.uk/studentdevelopment - General
website
www.le.ac.uk/graduatesuccess - Available from
5th July 2010 – Graduate Success Guide
Career Development Support
CV and Application Feedback
Guidance Consultations
Interview Coaching
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