how to market yourself effectively cathy taylor, julie watkins career advisers
TRANSCRIPT
How to market yourself effectively
Cathy Taylor, Julie Watkins
Career Advisers
We will cover
Context – current reform – themes Implications for nurses Neworking Marketing yourself in CVs, application
forms and at interview Support from RCN
Current context
Recent health care reforms: more providers, beyond traditional NHS
Francis Report – focus on quality NMC re validation plans Chief nursing Officer’s – 6 Cs –
importance of attitude and positive behaviours
Impact on nursing careers
Employers are looking for nurses and HCAs who:
– Display positive behaviours – Demonstrate ‘caring’ attitudes– Are enthusiastic and passionate about
providing high quality, dignified, care
How can you demonstrate these behaviours?
Make every ‘contact’ count Pay attention to detail in your
Appearance How you write – take time and effort How you speak – be positive
Plan and prepare examples to demonstrate your positive attitudes
Marketing opportunities
Networking
CVs
Application forms
Interviews
‘Working’ the Jobs Fair
Make a list of employers you want to see
Look positive, smile and warm handshake
Rehearse points to present about yourself: Brief summary of your experience Five positive things you could bring to the organisation Leave CV and all contact details Write notes and take details of people you have spoken to,
make contact a few days after the event
Other networking opportunities Conferences, study and training Friends, colleagues and peers Meetings Secondments, job swops Shadowing Mentorship and clinical supervision Getting active in the RCN
Your CV can be used....
When asked to apply ‘in writing’
When a vacancy asks for one
For speculative applications
Preparing your CV
Logical, clear and concise Consistent format
Chronological order Font/layout
Ideally on two pages Spelling and grammar is correct
Preparing your CV Target
Personal profile – tailor specifically to the role you are applying for
Showcase your skills – provide relevant information and your suitability for the job
Experience Key responsibilities/duties
Action words – Co-ordinated, Managed, Developed, Organised, Identified, Trained
Past/present tense
Explaining gaps in employment
Examples can include: Voluntary work Any personal examples, interests Keeping up to date with nursing initiatives
RCN events, online resources, RCN’s e-Library, nursing or health care articles
Caring responsibilities
Completing your application
Follow the guidelines on the form Make it easy for employers to find the
information and that you tick all requirements
Tailor your application to the job Personal or supporting statement section
• Often competency based – provide evidence of how you meet competencies
Evidence how you meet the competencies For example:
• I have excellent communication skills and have always been able to deal with challenging situations - such as when a relative became angry about the treatment of their mother. I was able to allay the relative’s anxiety by listening to and empathising with their concerns and arranging for them to discuss their mother’s care with the senior nurse in charge.
Completing your application
Check you have provided evidence to meet the Person spec criteria and what the employer will be assessing at Application
Online Applications Different types of online applications
• Save on to computer and email to employer when completed
• Complete and save online (e.g. NHS jobs)• Complete online in one-go (can’t save it)
Review and check for any mistakes/spelling errors before you press ‘send’
Save or print a copy for your records Allow enough time
An interview is a performance:Like all performances, success depends on practice
Preparation Look at job description/person spec List examples from your experience which
match the above Plan responses to common interview questions Prepare questions to ask Update on national initiatives Update your Portfolio
Difficult questions Scenarios – what would you do if… Consider the processes involved:
– Assessing the situation– Taking appropriate action– Following protocols and guidelines– Appropriate communication– Record Keeping– Evaluating and learning from situation
STAR technique to provide evidence of competenciesS - situation
T - target
A - action
R - result
Eg
S – patient fell out of bed T – need to maintain their safety A – call for help, assessment, treatment,
record keeping, informing Dr, relatives etc R – Patient able to be helped back to bed, no
injuries – learning - why did it happen, how to prevent again, looked at NICE guideline
Other forms of selection tools
Presentations Personality and ability measures Role play Group exercises Written assessment – including
numeracy and written exercises
