job seeking strategies - lunchtime sessions 2012
DESCRIPTION
TRANSCRIPT
Job seeking strategies
John McMenaminEmployability and IT Consultant
Career Development Centre
Objectives
This session will help you to:• understand the different routes into
employment• find and research jobs and employers
Getting started
• What job do I want?• What have I got to offer?• What jobs are out there?
Deciding what you want
Skills, interests and values• What are you good at?• What is important to you?• What are you willing to do?
Targeting companies
• Business activity• Size• Training • Prospects• Culture
• Travel• Location• Salary• Benefits• Security
Current climate
• Weak global economy– UK unemployment 8.4%, highest since 1994– Unemployment for 16-24 is 22.3%
• 2012 graduate recruitment, situation flat - no likely improvement from 2011
• Competition is tough - employers state that those with work experience more likely to be successful
• Early application to a wide range of employers is essential ONS (Jan 2012), High Fliers (Dec 2011), AGR (Jan 2012)
What’s out there?
• Large graduate recruiters• Small to medium sized enterprises
• Private sector• Public sector• Voluntary sector
• Self employment
Iceberg principle
75%
The open job market
Advertisedposts
The hiddenjob market
Direct approachesNetworking
25%
Open job market
• Local and national press• Jobcentre Plus• Internet• Recruitment fairs• Recruitment agencies
Useful websites
vacancies - www.westminster.ac.uk/careersvacancies vacancy sources by subject or sector –www.westminster.ac.uk/study/current-students/support-and-facilities/career-development-centre/finding-work3/finding-work2
www.prospects.ac.ukwww.targetjobs.co.ukwww.totaljobs.comwww.milkround.comwww.monster.co.uk
www.insidecareers.co.uk
www.fish4.co.uk www.jobserve.com
ww.jobs.guardian.co.uk
Finding the hidden jobs
• Networking• Work experience through temping and
volunteering• Speculative applications• Cold calling - in person, by phone
Networking
• Family and friends• Clubs and associations• Tutors and careers consultants• Previous employers• Professional associations• Alumni Association
Speculative applications
• Do your research• Target named person, with a relevant role in
the organisation• Develop a persuasive, targeted CV and
covering letter• Follow up with a phone call• Ask for further contacts• Be persistent
Further information and guidance
Career Development Centre services:• 20-minute quick queries:
CV, covering letter, application form advice• 45-minute individual guidance interviews:
detailed career guidance, mock interviews
Resources:• CV Guide• Videos and DVDs• Free sector-specific and general careers publications
Contact us
Harrow Campus
Room EG.15Maria Hewlett Building
Nearest tube: Northwick Park
Central London
1st Floor Cavendish House101 New Cavendish StreetLondon, W1W 6XH
T: 020 7911 5184E: [email protected]
www.westminster.ac.uk/careers
In summary
• Know what you have to offer and what you want• Know what’s out there• Develop your network• Plan your campaign• Review it regularly
and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance