National Careers Week 2020: Top tips from University’s Head of Careers & Employability

Mon 02 March, 2020

Today marks the start of National Careers Week 2020 – a celebration of careers guidance and free resources in education across the UK. The aim of this annual campaign is to help support people finishing their education or those wishing to step on to the career ladder for the first time.

The University of Bedfordshire boasts a dedicated Careers & Employability department which offers a number of useful services to students including one-to-one advice on adapting your CV, finding an internship or job, and interview preparation and practise. The resourceful careers team also arranges and hosts a number of talks and hands-on events based around employability and volunteering, with the aim to boost students’ confidence and raise awareness of accessible work-related opportunities in and around Bedfordshire.

With 15 years of careers guidance under her belt, Michelle Everitt, Head of Careers & Employability at the University, has summarised what students should consider when applying for a job…

If you’ve just recently graduated or are a student who has not obtained any relevant work experience yet, lots of companies offer work placement or work shadowing and observation opportunities so reach out to places of interest with a professional approach stating why you would like to see them in action

Joining social platforms like LinkedIn is an easy way of networking amongst your peers. It can also be a great way to keep up to date with companies and professionals which you admire and would like to consider for a future career – a simple connection and introduction on social media can go a long way and even open doors!

Look at the day-to-day skills and knowledge you have already grained through your chosen degree, hobbies or part-time job, etc. Transferable skills are a key part of showcasing your abilities and adaptability so let this part shine (e.g. till work and money-handling experience, knowledge of analysing data or stock levels in a shop, managing junior staff at a restaurant)

Investigate voluntary opportunities – this will allow you to gain vital work experience whilst supporting a good cause which will inevitably help with your career and personal development and will look good on your CV. Do-it.org is a useful place to find volunteering placements across the UK

Alongside their studies, students can also take advantage of the University of Bedfordshire’s Employability Units scheme to help with personal development and improve skills that employers will be impressed by, such as public speaking, networking and learning a new language

Research the role carefully – if there’s a job description look through it thoroughly and check the essential criteria. If you can’t evidence how you fit these elements of the role then it’s unlikely you’ll get shortlisted

If you’re a first year undergrad with very little or no work experience, start your CV with an introductory paragraph or two to introduce yourself and to highlight your personality, interests, goals and achievements and mention any soft skills which employers will value. Follow this section with a breakdown of your education and grades/degrees which will then lead into a ‘Skills CV’ – list your ‘gained skills’ as you would a job and then provide examples of how you’ve used and developed them, e.g. communications, team work and problem-solving. (Where possible, lead with any skills which match the job description’s essential criteria)

Make sure you know the company and their mission statement inside out and make it clear in your application that you want to work there. A tailored application or covering letter will also prove to them that you haven’t simply sent a blanket application off to several companies – you almost have to make that company feel special

It’s ok to ask for help! If you want a second opinion of your CV or application to check for spelling and grammar before submission, the University’s Careers service (open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) offers free, friendly guidance and advice for all stages of the job application process. The Bright Network is another useful platform for graduates seeking career advice and the UK Government’s National Careers Service also provides handy information online or via web-chat

Find out about the company you want to work for and research the sector thoroughly – have they been mentioned in the news lately? Have they made any important announcements or has something happened which may impact the company?

Ensure you can prove that you understand what the job entails and how you can add value to it, e.g. are they utilising their social media and engaging with the local community? If not, how can you increase this?

Take your CV and job description into the Careers service office (open Monday – Friday, 9am – 5pm) and ask them how they can help you to marry the two together for an interview. The team can schedule mock interviews for you as well, allowing you to practise your presentation skills and to help quell any nerves

Make sure you know the address of where your interview is and the name of the person you’re meeting. It’s important to turn up on time so arrive early to allow for any traffic or other delays and do a test run to the location in advance, if possible

Make sure you arrive in professional attire. Although the environment of the company may be quite casual, always dress to impress in smart, clean, presentable clothes – this will help show the employers you are taking the job and interview seriously

During the interview process, make sure you use eye contact and display positive body language – don’t slouch or look down at your hands! And most importantly – be yourself!

Engage the people on the interview panel by smiling and shaking hands upon arrival and departure, and remember to thank them for their time

It’s natural for students to feel nervous about the job application process. The Careers & Employability team often hears concerns around mental health, accessibility and confidence, such as:

Go and speak to a Career advisor because they will be able to schedule mock interviews to help familiarise yourself with the interview environment

Interviews are scary for everybody but it’s about making sure the fear is under control – the more you practise the easier it will feel

Prepare the night before to avoid potential ‘last minute’ stress – what you’ll wear, how you’ll get there, where you’re going, etc, and have an early night

No, every company should have due diligence around accessibility and should be considerate of the needs of the workforce, whether a physical or mental disability

Let the employer know in advance of an interview about any access needs you require so that they can arrange support in advance

Get involved with employability opportunities during your degree. Signing up to a free language or public-speaking employability unit can be the push you need!

Volunteering is a great way to build your confidence around people and new faces

Join in with extracurricular opportunities, such as student societies, as these will add to your CV and help build your confidence in a friendly environment whilst meeting other students with similar interests

For more information about careers and volunteering advice at the Luton and Bedford campuses, please visit: www.beds.ac.uk/careers