Preparation for.... Assessment Centres

Some of you may be asked to attend an ‘assessment centre’. What is it? Basically it’s an extended interview that could involve a number of tasks... from group work to psychometric tests. Don’t be put off by it, they can generally be a good experience and a good opportunity to impress your peers as well as the interviewers!

More on what to expect is laid out below...

Why have I been invited to an assessment centre?
Congratulations! The fact that you have been invited to an assessment centre indicates that you have been successful in meeting the screening criteria for the position that you have applied for, which is the next step in the recruitment process. Employers value this method of interviewing as it gives them a broad indication of you ability and suitability to the role.

What is an assessment centre?
An assessment centre typically consists of a range of tests and exercises that are designed to assess those characteristics and behaviours (competency areas) that are essential to job success. A centre usually lasts between ½ and 2 days, depending upon the level of the role you have applied for.

How do I prepare?
Here are some good starting points:

• Take the time to research the organisation
• Prepare any questions that you might have (if you get stuck, refer to page 19 of the GradGuide for some ideas...)
• Ask the organisation for a more detailed view of what they are looking for. It may help you determine you fit. I.e. person specification, key competency requirements and any practice tests available. Do this well in advance and don’t be afraid to ask.
• Think carefully about your own strengths and development areas in relation to the role. Use the STAR model as a guide.
• Always get a good night’s sleep the night before!
• Find out where you need to be exactly and give yourself plenty of time to get there. (Maybe even do a test run to measure the time).
• Think about your journey home. If you have a long way to travel, consider public transport – assessment centres can be tiring!
• If you have any disabilities or special requirements, contact the organiser in advance

For further information about preparing for an interview, check out this article.

Ok, so they are some of the basics. Now we’d like to share with you some examples of the types of activities you could expect to encounter at an assessment centre. It is not likely that you will face all of these exercises, rather a mix that will be planned to suit the role you are applying for:

A. Psychometric tests
These are used to measure inherent characteristics with regards to ability//aptitude and personality.

1. Ability and aptitude tests

• These tests will look to asses various areas including:

- Verbal communication skills
- Reasoning and spatial awareness

• The tests contain problems or tasks that have right or wrong answers
• You will be set a time limit.

Use your time effectively and take advantage of any practice tests available.

Try not to be nervous. This all sounds a little scary but they will not put you under as much pressure as your finals did!

If you wish to explore this topic further; there are a number of paperbacks available which may help. Search for Kogan Page series, as these can be particularly useful.

2. Personality questionnaires
These focus on an individual’s style of working. Typically you might have to answer questions about the extent to which you like to plan ahead, how outgoing you are etc.

• They measure preference and not ability
• There is no set time limit
• There are no right or wrong answers.

Just answer the questions honestly, and not in a way you believe the organisation wants you to be.

Relax, and be yourself with this one.


B. Group exercises
These are used to assess how well you work with others, building relationships, negotiation and communication.

• As a group you might be presented with a topic and given a short period to prepare for a discussion. 
• Topics can vary and might focus on a particular scenario that you might encounter in the role you are applying for.
• Individual briefs may indicate that you will need to take on a particular role within a team.

Hint: Do not assume i.e. the organisation is not necessarily looking for someone to be a dominant leader.
Tip: Participate as fully as possible and focus on the objective or task that the group as a whole has been set.


C. Presentations
Something many of you will be familiar with from uni... In these exercises, you will be given a particular issue or problem to analyse and then be asked to present your views to a panel. (Even this is not likely to be as intimidating as a lecture theatre full of other students!)

Two examples of how this might be given to you:

• The presentation title is given in advance of the centre so that you can rely on your own resources and research the topic.
• You might have a limited amount of time, on the day, to analyse an issue and prepare a presentation.

Hint: Your communication skills, ability to structure, analyse and recommend solutions are typically assessed.


D. Interviews
There are different types of assessment interview. You will most likely be able to find out before the assessment centre exactly what type of interview you are going to take part in.
Typically these are 1:1 and the person interviewing you will probably be taking notes to help them revisit your answers. Try not to let this put you off! It is quite common.

Hint: Telephone interviews may happen before the assessment centre.
Tip: Prepare equally for these, and keep all your notes of examples in front of you.

1. Competency based interviews
Competency-based interviews are the most commonly used interview formats as assessment centres. They need you to be able to provide real-life examples to match the criteria they are looking for in the role and behaviours.

You are likely to be asked follow-up questions; focussing on whom, why, what, when and how.

2. Structured biographical interviews
The interviewer asks questions around education and work history of the candidate, focussing on key achievements.

3. Situational interviews
These are interviews in which the interviewer proposes a hypothetical situation to the candidate and asks them what they would do in the circumstances. These sorts of questions might also appear as part of a competency based interview.


E. In-tray or In-box exercises
Here you will be assessed on how well you can; prioritise, spot links between and deal with items that have been presented to you.

The most common scenario is that you are either covering for or taking over from a colleague who has had to leave their role in a hurry and left a number of things unfinished. The items vary from important and.

Hint: There are no right or wrong answer, but it’s important to think logically about what might be more appropriate.


F. Written exercises // case study
Generally centred around one topic the written exercises or case studies contain a number of source documents that you are then asked (as a candidate) to use in order to play a role.

These are a test of your reasoning ability and how well you are able to argue a case.


G. Role play
Role plays are most often 1:1 simulations of a real-life situation that might arise in the role. For example; customer complaints.

They typically assess the candidate’s ability to follow procedure, build relationships and gain agreement on solutions.

These exercises are deemed the most ‘artificial’ of all the assessment centre exercises. Just try your best to embrace the character you are playing and behave as you would in a similar situation in the workplace.


Is there anything I should do during the assessment centre?

• Listen carefully.
• If one exercise does not go well – don’t worry, you will be assessed on how well you do over all exercises.
• Use planning time well. Think through your ideas, and don’t panic!
• Be aware of non-verbal body language such as eye contact and facial expressions.
• Try not to make assumptions and second guess what the assessors are looking for.
• Ask questions as you go along. Ask for clarity when you need it.

Phew! I’ve completed the last exercise, is it all over now?
The simple answer is... ‘No’! There are still some things you can do...

• Ask for feedback. This will enable you to identify any problems or particular successes that can help your development for future performance.
• Take some time to reflect on the exercises that you have just completed. Have you learnt anything about yourself and that that you work you might be able to use in another situation?
• The assessment centre is a two-way process. It is an opportunity to sell yourself, find out as much about the company as possible as much as it is them finding more about your abilities. Do you really want this job!

Finally, good luck!

Impression management - matters!

Giving the right first impression at an interview can be a make or break situation. With the competition rife in the graduate job market this year, it's important to get ahead and understand what employers will be looking for in you.

The latest post from our corporate team at Right Management discusses some simple do's and don'ts...

Your non-verbal communication can make all the difference between securing a new job – or not. Knowing how to manage body language for your first face-to-face interview is as crucial as perfecting your CV(written, visual, or video).

Employers look for certain cues relating to
1) status: authority, confidence, and competence
2) warmth: empathy, approachability, and likeability.

If you learn how to balance and unconsciously display these traits, you will have mastered the ability to have a positive influence on others’ business decisions.

As important, don’t forget about managing your image in the virtual world of social media. Best advice: do not post hostile or politically incorrect comments on Facebook, Twitter, or any other social media sites. Smart phones are privacy-invasion culprits as well. Apparently, iPhones and iPads 3Gs continuously collect information about their users’ whereabouts. Do you want your boss – or mom – to know that last evening you visited an after-hours gentlemen’s club?

These days, when it comes to privacy, all bets are off.

For more information on how best to present yourself at an interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010. Additionally we are now collating information to make our 2011 guide bigger and better, have you some experiences you would care to share? Get in touch with Beth who'd love to talk more to you.

Improving your market value

We interviewed two of our consultants recently to see what advice they could give on improving your market value. And what we mean by market value? Well, how to sell your best skills and qualities of course! The information here provides you with an insight into some of the tricks of the trade...

What key advice would you offer in terms of how an individual can improve their market value?


Be clear about the target market you are aiming to improve your value in. Identify what that market is looking for by researching the industry, competitors and then ensure they are in a position to offer both technical skills and experience accordingly

Think of yourself as a product that needs to be continually upgraded. Ensure you are equipped with industry recognised qualifications and or certifications which are currently being sought by the market (your customer).

Is it important to have a structured approach to improving your market value?

Absolutely, anyone who is considering a career move or searching for a potential candidate will adopt a proactive structured approach. A clear understanding of your key strengths and potential development needs will help to improve the planning of the approach, show a potential employer self awareness as well as demonstrate what “you bring to the party!”

What aspects are often overlooked by individuals when assessing their value in the market?

Often individuals overlook their transferable skills and focus on their current role in their current organisation. Worth considering the last 5 years and previous experiences which have similarities to a role in a different market. For example graduates forget the huge amount of planning, organisational and team working skills they bring with them from their time at university when applying for their first role.

Individuals overlook the huge amount of information available through research as explained above and rely mainly on narrow sources of information such as job websites.

What are the essential dos and don’ts of improving your market value?

Essentially it is important to not only focus on developing your technical skills and look for opportunities to apply these as employers will be interested in specific experiences you have had applying these skills and these build your credibility. Don’t rely on just having the theory or knowledge – experiences are a more reliable indicator of what you bring to the market.

Interpersonal and other non-technical skills and competences are just as important. There is little point being a technical genius in your field if you are unable to work with others, communicate effectively, plan and make effective decisions for example. Make sure you are developing yourself in these areas and can demonstrate these with examples at interview.

Make yourself known in the industry –network with those who have a good reputation and get introduced to the those who have influence in the industry.

Ensure you are aligning yourself with the needs of the wider job market and not just the requirements of your organisation. Speak up at appraisal/development meetings to ensure you are getting the development you need to keep you current.

Finally use online networking to expand your knowledge, improve your research and increase your reputation through recommendations from those in the know

What methods or tools would you use to benchmark your remuneration package?

Use salary comparison websites, speak to colleagues in the industry/similar role, network with HR contacts and ask for input via online networking sites such as LinkedIn to assist you when moving sectors/position to benchmark your remuneration package,


For more information on creating the perfect CV and preparing for interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

A crucial job search strategy

We've said it before... And we'll say it again... Network, network, network!!!

Do you want to work for a certain company? One approach – what most employers expect these days – is to submit your CV online. But, no surprise, it will fall into an applicant pool of thousands. You also can try contacting the hiring manager. However, if you do not already have a personal connection, this dramatically reduces the odds of actually speaking with him or her. “Who you know is as important as what you know” is a particularly powerful truism in our current market. Building – and leveraging – your network can mean all the difference between finding your next job and becoming a perpetual candidate.


For more information on building a CV and being professional, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

A little bit of light relief

It may not feel like anything for those of you still working hard to land your dream graduate job, or just a job in some cases! But the news today of the fall in unemployment figures is really significant. Ever the optimists at Right Management, with this news comes a sense of hope. Are things really on the up?

Well, the FT reported that the [surprise] increase in full-time employment was the largest since May 2007. We'd say that is pretty positive news. This is of course contradicts all previous predictions that youth unemployment (16-24 year olds) would hit an all time low.

Whilst it is still important to be mindful not to sit back and relax (just yet) expecting a job to land in your lap, it is encouraging. So, please keep looking, keep adapting your CV, keep sending your speculative letters and outshine the competition! If you get a job next, then these figures could just keep on growing...


For practical hints and tips on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

In the spotlight: LinkedIn

It's a firm favourite of Right Management's and our individual clients come to us for advice on how best to make the most it... For you, we give you a streamlined version of the practical steps to get started.

Why use LinkedIn? It's simple, online networking (as we have discussed here many times!) has become an important tool for any job seeker. There are currently hundreds of millions of active users of online networking sites so, despite some sites hyping themselves up as being the total answer to your job seeking problems, it should be a vital part of your overall strategy.

Ten steps to LinkedIn success.

1. Let's start with the obvious - create an account!
2. You need a comprehensive profile. Tips include: publish your 30-second commercial, upload information about your skills and experiences, add key words to grab attention, change the public profile URL to your name so that you appear in Google searches, add a photo (but not one of you with your mates on a night out! Keep it professional) and remember that privacy is still important so be careful not to divulge too much personal information, except maybe for a business phone number.
3. Invite people to join your network - think more along the lines of building professional contacts, this should not be an extension of your Facebook profile.
4. Ask for recommendations - this is valuable as it can help validate your authenticity.
5. Search LinkedIn's job postings.
6. Join groups - this can range from professional associations or past (or future) employers.
7. Be proactive - approach potential networking contacts by using the search facility to find people in your area of work who you may need to know!
8. Check out applications, accounts and settings - you can add a blog to your profile, connect your Twitter feed and even share presentations... Just make sure it is all interesting and relevant.
9. Use LinkedIn for company research.

Online networking is a time-efficient way to be visible and accessible, identify subject matter experts, and find contacts in target markets and organisations.

To summarise, make online networking part of your overall strategy and don't forget that whilst this along with other's is a fabulous tool, it can never replace going out and talking to people - face to face!

Get networking, enjoy and good luck!


For more practical tips on job searching, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Work-life mojo

Mojo? Yes, mojo! Do you have it? Or, have you lost it? We all will face moments where our spirit is dampened by one thing or another, this post originally created at Right Managment's career blog is dedicated to those who may have been in a job for a while and finding that they are losing momentum... However, it includes an insightful message which can help you get your mojo back if you need a boost mid job search.

You can feel your mojo working when you are feeling good about what you are doing, and what you are doing puts a smile on your face. Your mojo is working when you feel good and people notice. It is about self-esteem, success, relationships, happiness, and acceptance.


If you feel like you have lost your mojo – and are experiencing what Dr. Marshall Goldsmith calls “nojo” – check out his book, “MOJO: How to Get It, How to Keep It, How to Get It Back if You Lose it.” Goldsmith defines “Mojo” as “that positive spirit toward what we are doing now that starts from the inside and radiates to the outside.” He says that to achieve “Mojo,” you need to be doing something that simultaneously elicits 1) long-term benefit or meaning, and 2) short-term satisfaction or happiness.

Read about Goldsmith’s recent “Mojo Lessons from Bono,” with insights about creating a satisfying and authentic identity.


Do you relate? Talk to us using the comments section below. We'd love to hear from you.

Looking for a job is a full time job - not sure where to start? For advice on preparing that knock-out CV and getting ready for interview can be found in the GradGuide2010. Contact us for a FREE copy.

24 hours with...

We'd like to introduce you to Rachel Phillips. Rachel is a PR Executive for CHA...

Job title: Account Executive
Sector: Public Relations
Company: CHA

How long have you worked in this role?
CHA is my first job in public relations; I have been with the company officially for 18 months. I started on a three-month work experience programme and was then offered a junior account executive position after the second month in the placement. I was then promoted into an Account Executive role.

Describe your typical day...
My day in the office usually starts at just before 9am. Our team spends the first 15 minutes to half an hour of the day reading the national newspapers and monitoring the day’s big news. As a B2B PR consultancy we are most interested in the big business stories of the day. The rest of the day is spent working on different campaigns for my clients, both corporate and consultancy. In my role this means a lot of communication with journalists in the HR, business and sector trade press (such as retail, marketing and even pharmacy), as well as the business correspondents working for national media outlets. I also draft press releases, case studies about work that my clients have done and quotes on behalf of my clients’ expert spokespeople.

What's your company culture like?
We are a small and industrious team and we all get on really well. We pride ourselves on really strong relationships with our clients and key journalists, because providing extra value for both is a key goal for us. Our company values are Intuitive, Smart and Tenacious. These mean spotting opportunities and problems before they happen, being thoughtful and clear about what will get our clients the best, most consistent results and then always outperforming against our targets.

What is your favourite part of the job?
I really enjoy the excitement of securing a great media opportunity and hearing or seeing my client perform well. The other big buzz for me comes from hearing that a particular piece of media coverage, live interview or speaking opportunity I helped to create and set-up, has led to a sales lead, or job, for my client. That’s the ultimate, tangible result of profile building and reputation management.

Is there anything you would like to change?
If I could work standing up or on a treadmill that would be great. I don’t like being sat down for so much of my day.

What is your favourite way to wind down?
Though it’s a big part of my job, I still love to read. This also means the tube journeys to and from work are far more enjoyable.

What has been your career path to date and how does it look going forward?
This is my first job after University, I studied English Literature at Cardiff. When I left I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do but I was aiming for jobs where I could write and hoped to be working with lots of different people. Since I’ve started working I’ve completed a CIPR foundation course in Public Relations and additional training on the use of social media in PR. As for the future I wouldn’t say I have a strict five year plan, instead I know what things interest me and am open minded about the route I’d like my career to take. Though the job market is a tough place right now I think opportunities are there for the people who are savvy about playing to their strengths and for those who will keep trying despite rejection.

What is the best advice you have ever received?
Be yourself in your writing. As a graduate you don’t have a big list of career achievements yet so companies aren’t hiring you for your experience but more for your perceived potential. This can be intimidating and as a safety net you can begin to write in corporate jargon in an attempt to sound professional. Instead be honest and show your personality, it will help them decide if you will fit in with their team and you will stand out from all the other ‘team players’ they are bound to read about.

If you were not doing this, what would be your plan B?
Oh, so many things: film maker, social worker, poet, dancer, puppeteer… the list goes on and on!


If you are trying to break into your first professional role and need some guidance on creating a knock-out CV and preparing for interview, please contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Urban myth: volunteering doesn't pay!

51% of graduates state that volunteering helped to secure employment*

That's a pretty bold statistic wouldn't you say? Well the guys a Kings College London Student's Union (KCLSU) have it to shout about!

Last month they initiated "Student Volunteering Week". Designed to put students in touch with volunteering associations and give students the opportunity to get involved in their local community.

It may be old news, but the principles remain the same and there are some startling facts to behold... E.g.

• When recruiting, 80% of employers value volunteering on a CV*
• Over 70% of employers believe that those who volunteer have a better chance of of earning a higher salary and gaining promotion*

So as you can see it is not just the students who put value on volunteering but employers do to.

Consider offering your services to a local charity or organisation, offering your time like this could also be a worthwhile way of staying motivated and/or making new connections to help balance the, somewhat, mundane cycle of job searching. Whilst volunteering may not pay, immediately, it may just boost your chances of landing that job and securing your earning future.

* Please refer to the KCLSU website for references on statistical information.

To learn more on how best to prepare your CV and stand out from the crowd, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

24 hours with...

Meet, Liz Ridgway, who is Right Management's very own Head of Marketing, here at Right Management. She shares her career successes to date and champions the accademic qualifications which have helped her along the way....

Job title: Head of Marketing – UK and Ireland

Sector: Management consultancy
Company name: Right Management
 How long have you worked in this role? 4 years

What's a typical day like for you? It’s tricky to cover a typical day as each one is genuinely different! However, they do tend to fall into two camps – days full of meetings, days spent following up actions after the meetings. Much of my job includes developing content, taking responsibility for our thought leadership programme and working with teams to develop innovative solutions to take to our clients.

Describe the culture of the company you work for... Forward thinking, energetic but also caring. Many people within the business are highly motivated by the work they do and the positive impact they make on individuals and organisations we work with. This adds a very special dynamic to our company culture which is palpable throughout the organisation.

What is your favourite part of the job? The creativity. Marketing is still a very creative environment, even more so with the onset of digital technology. It is an exciting, dynamic environment and one I really enjoy. 

Is there anything you would like to change? It sounds a bit corny, but not really. I work with a variety of people, each with different skills and expertise which I find really energizing.

What's the best way to wind down for you? Don’t tell my husband, but a glass of wine and a gossip with the girls is unbeatable!

What has been your career path to date and how does it look going forward? I left Uni, did a stint in publishing and then went back to Uni to study for a Masters. Looking back, the academic qualification was a bonus. The real benefit was time out to consider what I genuinely wanted to do. Since then, I’ve worked in marketing roles, specifically in professional services, starting as a sales and marketing assistant.

What is the best advice you've ever received? Trust your instincts. It’s built on a whole load of useful (and otherwise!) tidbits you pick up along the way, and so while it might not always be logical, it usually comes good.

If you were not doing this job, what would be your plan B? I’m always really envious of people that can finish a working day having physically created something – a wall or a new kitchen. So, heading back to college to do something practical would be a great alternative.


If you are job searching and would like some added support, why not contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide full of useful tips and advice from creating a knock-out CV to preparing for your first interview...

24 hours with....

Name: Simon Johnson
Job title: Business Analyst
Sector: Financial Markets
How long have you worked in this role? 2 years
Describe your typical day? I don’t tend to have a typical day; there is a lot of variety in my job. There are certain things that I need to do on a regular basis, but there is no real consistency regarding when and where they need to be done, so each day is generally quite different. Amongst other things, my time is mainly split between meetings, drawing up documentation and process material, stakeholder presentations, running training seminars, facilitating testing workshops and supporting the end users for implementations my team has worked on. There is also a massive amount of variety within these particular areas, as each project, or even phase of a project, can be very different. I also need to spend time in different locations, and can sometimes go weeks without sitting at my desk. From a personal perspective, I really enjoy working this way. If things become monotonous I get bored very quickly, so a varied workload is something that keeps me interested.
What's the company culture like? I work for a large global company, which has its benefits, but there is also a downside to this. Culturally I would say it differs internally between departments. Because of the nature of my job I get to experience all of this, so in a word I would say it is ‘diverse’.
What's your favourite part of the job? As I mentioned before, variety is important for me, so this is an aspect of my job that I really appreciate. However, I would say that my favourite part is interaction with other people. My role requires me to engage with a lot of individuals and groups from other areas of the business. This gives me a very rounded perspective of how the company works, and also gives me an appreciation for the importance of other people’s roles and how everything fits together. My most recent project has been a global implementation, which has meant I have had to work with a great deal of people from all over the world. There have been some people I haven’t got on with, but I’ve also made some good friends. I’m a firm believer in the fact that your colleagues make work what it is, so getting to know so many people has definitely been good for me. I’ve also had to travel quite a lot, and in the last 12 months I have spent time in America, Europe and Asia. Whilst it’s not as glamorous as some people might think, I have really appreciated the experience.

Is there anything you would like to change? I have never been a fan of ‘office politics’ but, unfortunately, this comes with the territory when working for a big company.

What's your favourite way to wind down? Eating and drinking!

How did you get to where you are now? I haven’t really had much of a structured career path. I started working for my company a couple of years after graduating, and it was just a case of needing a job. I had no particular desire to work for them, or in the markets sector in general. Initially it was a great place to work, and there were lots of opportunities for progression if you wanted them. I found myself discovering other areas of the business that looked interesting and then taking the steps to move internally. I started getting involved in more project based work, which I really liked, so when the opportunity came up to move into my current role a couple of years ago it was something that really appealed. Although it was a bit of an accident, I think I have now found something I can see myself doing for a while. Not necessarily a permanent career, but I definitely think it’s got the potential to keep me interested for a long time.

What's the best advice you've ever received? Two things: ‘You need to make things happen yourself.’ And: ‘Never expect a thank you’.

If you were not doing this job, what would be your plan B? I think the end goal is to work for myself, so if I had a job I wasn’t happy with I’d probably try to set up my own company. What this company would do is another question entirely, but I’m sure I’d be content as long as I didn’t have anybody to answer to.

Stand out from the crowd and contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010, full of useful tips on creating the best CV and preparing for that all important interview.

24 hours with...

Name: Hannah Woolford
Job title: Police Constable
Sector: Public Sector
How long have you worked in this role? I joined two years ago.
Describe your typical day: I work shifts so first things first are to check officer safety equipment works. Then we parade with team and have a briefing regarding intelligence received and postings for the day. Next we check out the police vehicle and review log book/check for faults and car is working. We will be responding to calls (Immediate response take priority i.e emergency 999 calls) and depending on the day; you may arrest someone and most of the shift is taken up with dealing with the suspect, collecting evidence and booking them into custody and/or deal with missing people, welfare checks, crime reports, hospital guards, witness statements, photographing, managing crime scenes, road traffic accidents etc...
Describe the culture of where you work: Culture within the team is generally very jovial; as the job is stressful we need to stay up-beat! The job is extremely busy, my aspirations have shifted slightly as I thought there would be more time to be proactive but its definitely a very reactive role.
What is your favourite part of the job? Dealing with real victims of crime and arresting real criminals. Any opportunity to be pro-active and as well as bringing in your own jobs that you have actively found.
What is your favourite way to wind down? Sleep! Going to the gym, yoga and meeting friends.
What has been your career path to date and how does it look going forward? Since leaving university it took me a long time to get into the police but during that time I chose jobs which have strengthened my development. I had two jobs managing large venues (i.e. a shopping centre and a nightclub) within these roles I obtained many qualifications including: IBOSH Health and Safety, First Aid at work, Media skills, Conflict management and interviewing skills.
What is the best advice you have ever received? Two quotes: "it's not what you say, it's how you say it" and "only you can make things happen in your life".
Plan B - if you were not in the police, what else would you like to be doing? Managing a nightclub again.


Take control of your world and contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010 to help with you CV and interview preparations.

Savvy recruitment, for a savvy generation

Graduate employment (and unemployment) is something we are seeing in the media almost every week.  What is less common is the unusual approaches employers and job searches are taking to secure the best talent and land the best job!

So, we were pleased to read this latest article in People Management about the savvy use of an iPhone app... Adidas' idea clearly worked as 7,000 downloads have been made. That's tough competition, but it has certainly captured the imagination of you tech savvy grads out there!

Adidas can now ensure that they not only attract the best talent but they show you they are a forward looking and innovative employer...and are very keen to recruit those with a similar outlook.

How many of you downloaded the app?  Did you apply? What are your thoughts?

For information on how to get past CV to interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Talent Mis-Match: where will you fit?

It will be no surprise (and disappointing to hear) that the latest graduate unemployment figures have risen, and quite dramatically. But how can you turn this news on its head, and create positive results for yourself?

Firstly, let us look at the evidence... Last year Manpower reported that 23% of Europe's employers are having difficulty in filling positions due to the lack of suitable talent available. And in the UK, only 9% of employers seem to have a talent mis-match... This somewhat increases the competition for you guys out there job searching.

What this leads us to examine is where you fit, and how you can stand out from your competitors. Take a step back and review your own skills and create your USP (Unique Selling Point). What do you offer, that is different? When you have established this, you can start your personal marketing campaign!

And to help identify where you might be most successful; some earlier research conducted by Right Management in 2010 highlights the best sources for new opportunities...

• 40% of candidates find new positions through networking
• 16% find jobs through internet job boards
• 12% find new positions through search firms
• Other job sources included responding to advertisements (10%), direct approach (10%) and other means not disclosed (12%)

Avoid a talent mis-match and do you research, promote your skills and land that job!

For more practical information on preparing your CV, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Crowdsourcing: earn buck for your bang!

"An electromechanic from Canada solved a baffling problem with Colgate-Palmolive's flouridisation process via the open innovation site InnoCentive and was paid $25,000 for his efforts".

What does this have to do with graduate job search? Well, we can learn a lot from the worldly, online and savvy developments of people and companies abound, and this is just one example! This quote is taken from the latest "Marketer" magazine discussing the value of 'crowdsourcing' (essentially using a group of people to help develop a particular product or service or solve a corporate problem... the sort of service you would usually pay a contractor to do).

This site in particular actively promotes payment for the use of your 'brainpower'! Therefore getting yourself involved could not only help you gain some experience, but most certainly leverage your profile. Not forgetting of course the potential to earn some money from it too. A great way to increase that USP on your CV... time to get crowdsourcing!

For more practical advice on developing your CV and preparing for that all important interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010. 

Unleash the extrovert

It struck me over the last week that we have written a lot about networking on this blog (be it online or face to face) and whilst yes, indeed, it is a great way to build your connections and impress people, along with it a certain amount of confidence is required.

So if the the idea of networking fills you with dread then you are not alone! I consider myself relatively confident but the thought of talking to a complete stranger in a (somewhat forced) 'social' environment sometimes overwhelms me.

However, knowing that a great deal of opportunity can come from the most casual of conversation got me thinking... So, here are a couple of simple and easy tips could get you started and help ease some of those initial fears:

• Start small - go along to a casual lunchtime of after work drink event where the scene is relaxed, informal and intimate.  Getting a conversation going under these circumstances will feel much more natural.
• Role play - practice conversational pieces with friends and family
• Prepare - look into the event details you are due to attend and plan who you may want to talk to and about what. If you have prepared some basic questions/talking points your confidence will get an immediate boost.
• Not everyone is an extrovert - most people in the room probably feel the same as you! You will always meet people more confident than yourself, but with time will you will be able to develop your own style and create that expert approach.

Finally, you've only got to search on Google "Networking for Introverts" to get a whole host of other ideas too... plus the odd funny story! Why not give it a try, and of course, good luck!


Contact us for a FREE copy of our GradGuide2010, with more advice on preparing your professional self following graduation...

Avoiding the dole queue

With January almost a distant memory I am sure many of you still looking for that all important next-move will be thinking of ways to either avoid the dole queue or jump out of it!

In order to make that transition, you need to be fully prepared. Prepared. Prepared. We can't stress it enough... 

Some bright ideas are discussed by Venetia Reiney in this Guardian article, as Venetia writes on her own experience with the Job Centre and life since graduating.

Another great article we found this week actually comes in the form of Executive job search, but the principles are the same. Here's our take:

1. Shout about your strengths, and use this time to develop your weaknesses
2. Think positive. Act positively.
3. Be persistent - as the old saying goes "Rome was not built in a day"...
4. Get your 30 second commercial in order so you are prepared for that all important interview.

For more information on getting yourself and your CV prepared for tackling the job market, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Thinking off the page

We have reported on this blog a few times about the value of using tools like LinkedIn and Twitter to help get a virtual step up in the job hunting world but there are still so many people who use a paper based CV to approach a prospective employer...

A BBC report from 16th January explores Virtual Job Hunting and highlights one individual who successfully took his CV off the page and onto screen!

Not all of you will be too comfortable in front of a camera so here are some other ideas on how to get yourself noticed...

Not only can you use social networking (we can't stress this enough! 5% of all jobs are now found in this way), but there are such places you can host your CV online too.

First lets look at the basics: Get your CV right, fill it with the information you need to tell an employer about. Write it down. Then put it online (Monster and LinkedIn are still great ways to get the attention of head hunters and recruiters).

Next think about developing your CV from the conventional and consider more design based or interactive CV's.  Think of your CV like a fashionista's outfit! You don't need to be in uniform...

Now, here comes the exciting bit. Promote yourself. Web pages like About.me can help provide you a platform to create an online business card. Add links at the end of your emails to drive traffic to it. The more forward looking you are, the more chance you have of being in the right place at the right time!

Some ideas on the perfect CV:
Create a dynamic online CV with Innovate CV
Examples of the standard CV in many different designs spotted on JobMog blog.

So, if all of this seems too easy, or maybe you are doing it already, maybe today is the day you take the plunge and make a video too!

Have you had a recent success? How did you do it? Share all of your stories, good and bad with us here.

In the meantime, if you would like more advice on getting your CV in order and how to prepare for an interview contact us for a FREE copy of our GradGuide2010.

Top career Tweets: 12/01/11

If you have been busy applying for jobs all day (well done) and not come up for air, then fear not! We have been scouring Twitter to provide you with a review of the best from the rest across the web....

@Interview_Best  Tell Me About a Time When (Behavioral) Interviews – How to prepare http://bit.ly/hvAAXG #jobinterview

@GradJobsUK_vmg Not too late to visit all the recruiters at the National Graduate #Recruitment Exhibition at the NEC visit us tomorrow- http://bit.ly/cKk9cM

@GradFutures_UK Do you know what preparation you should be doing to apply for a graduate job? Part 1 - Deciding Who To Apply To http://ow.ly/3B18V

@creativeconomy Independent: CIPD calls for interns to be paid minimum wage of £2.50 per hour for internships lasting 3 mths or longer http://ind.pn/hAUems

@gradulthood @GuardianCareers Q&A on using social media for a job hunt tomorrow at 1pm http://bit.ly/f0yek4


Articles of interest:
Job interview preparation is not about memorising interview questions and answers.
How to prepare for an interview
Essential resources for job seeking graduates

For more information on preparing yourself for interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.

Building your resources

As we steam ahead into 2011 some headlines go unchanged... It can be off-putting to hear the bad news, so we are here to share some good!

Whilst you are sifting job sites, writing cover letters and refining your CV it would be wise to consider some of the ways you can build further on the resources you have at hand...

People
Simply put: People, buy from people! Not only do you have to position yourself properly, but you should make use of your contacts to help them position you too.

Have you created a blog recently? Put your CV online? Share it with those people you consider valuable contacts, even if it is your group of mates you spend a Friday night with, your neighbour or your relatives... Get yourself and your CV out there.

Websites/blogs
To help you keep up to date on movements within the job market; keep a log of all the websites you have found most useful, inspiring, motivational over the last few months (we hope this is one of them!). Visit them regularly and get involved in topics and conversations.

Importantly it is wise to engage yourself with your target industry blogs, and websites. Who are the key commentators? What can you add to the conversation? Start connecting!

Companies
Who do you want to work for? Which companies offer a grad scheme (if this is of course what you are looking for)? Is location important to you? Research the company culture, is it what you imagined?

Knowing what your ideals are, and matching them against the reality of the workplace, will enable you to determine whether you would be a good fit in that particular organisation, help target your application more specifically, and stop you potentially wasting time on places and roles that aren't that suited to you... or you to them.

Don't let the competition stand in your way... Whilst job availability is increasing, and David Cameron encourages small and medium sized businesses to open more vacancies, you will still find yourself up against other graduates plus the experience of those who have lost their jobs through redundancy. How do you stand out from the crowd?

By building on these resources you have you give yourself a competitive edge; stay up-to-date on current trends, get creative, share what you know...

For more information on preparing you CV and for an for an interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.