This presentation was delivered w/c 3rd October 2016 as part of UoL's Careers and Employability Hire Me program.

1. APPLICATIONS
Lynda Crosby – Careers and Employability Delivery Manager
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

2. Objectives
• You will gain an understanding of the
application process for graduate training
schemes/placements
• Information on CV’s, Personal Statements &
Cover Letters
• Gain an awareness of the types of tests you
will be expected to complete at application
stage
• Explore ways of articulating your Skills
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

3. What’s the difference
Graduate Job Graduate Training Scheme
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

4. Entry Criteria
• Predominately employers ask
for a minimum of a 2:1 or
working towards
• UCAS points required vary 0 -
340
• Outstanding application
• Applying within the stated
deadlines
• No specific degree …. usually
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

5. Graduate Labour Market 2016
• 31% of this years (2016) entry level positions
are expected to be filled by graduates who
have already worked for their organisation
– Industrial Placements
– Paid Internships
– Vacation work/work experience
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

6. Graduate Starting Salaries
• UK’s leading graduate
employers median
starting salary of
£30,000
• Placement Average
£17,322
• 1/5th pay £35,000
• Best known pay in
excess £45,000 pa
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

7. University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

8. University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

9. APPLICATION PROCESS
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

10. Graduate Job
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

11. Graduate Training Scheme
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

12. Placements
• Registration Process
• On Line Assessments
• Situational Strengths Test
• http://nestledemosst.situationalstrengthstest.com/
• Online Numerical Reasoning Test
• Strengths Based Video Interview
• Assessment Centre
• Group Exercise
• In-tray Exercise
• Case Study Presentation
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

13. University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

14. WHAT’S INCLUDED IN THE
APPLICATION
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

15. Curriculum Vitae
• Two pages
• Personal details
• Education and
Qualifications
• Work Experience
• Interests and
Achievements
• References
• Skills
• Personal ProfilesCV Group Advice Sessions
Every Monday and Thursday
MB1101
12.00 -1.00 University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

16. Covering Letter
First Paragraph
•State the job you’re applying for.
•Where you found out about it (advert in The Guardian newspaper etc. -
organisations like to know which of their advertising sources are being successful)
•When you're available to start work (and end if it's a placement)
Second Paragraph
•Why you're interested in that type of work
•Why the company attracts you
Third Paragraph
•Summarise your strengths and how they might be an advantage to the
organisation.
•Relate your skills to the competencies required in the job.
Last Paragraph
•Mention any dates that you won't be available for interview
•Thank the employer and say you look forward to hearing from them soon.
Advice on Cover Letters
Everyday Monday – Friday
Careers Centre
1.00 – 3.00 University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

17. Personal Statement
• 300- 500 words
• You should discuss
– Reasons for applying
– Your goals
– Your preparation
– Your Skill Set
Advice on Personal Statements
Everyday Monday – Friday
Careers Centre
1.00 – 3.00
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

18. Qualifying Tests
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

19. University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

20. Situational Judgement Tests
• Typically measure
competencies
• Probably measure best
and worst answers
• An answer which moves
the scenario situation
forward – or makes it
worse
• An answer that actually
solves the problem
• Most virtuous answer
• Similar Answers
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

21. University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

22. Qualifying Questions
• At Sky we offer a range of
programmes and
opportunities for graduates.
What aspects of the Change
Delivery programme
appealed to you and why did
you choose to apply for this
specific programme? (Max
250 words).
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

23. Qualifying Questions
• Show you have a clear understanding of the
role you are applying for
• Describe how if suits your interests and
motivations
• Explain why you consider yourself to be a
strong candidate providing examples
• Use the full word count
• Check spelling and Grammar
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

24. ARTICULATING COMPETENCIES
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

25. Why do applications get rejected?
• 36% - Reject unoriginal
applications
• 21% - Errors in
application
• 29% - Underqualified
• 14% - Lack of Research
• Quantity over Quality!
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

26. Employability Skills Bingo
Resilience Team Working Communication
Time Management Problem Solving Flexibility
Self-Awareness Digital Literacy Planning and Organising
Leadership Self-Management Analysing & Investigation
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

27. Bingo
• How easy was it to find someone with these
skills?
• How easy was it to effectively evidence them?
• How many answers were good enough to be
used at on an application?
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

28. • S.T.A.R
–Situation
–Task
–Action
–Result
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

29. Summary
• Tailor each application, don’t cut and paste
• Limit the number of applications
• Read the information on the website
• Check social media for any recent
announcements
• Set up accounts and save applications
• Register with employers for job alerts
• Always check spelling and grammar
• Become Resilient
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability

30. Like us on Facebook:
/UoLCareers
Follow us on Twitter:
@UoLCareers
www.uolcareers.co.uk
Social Media
University of Lincoln Careers and
Employability