Career Development Workshop Final Year

Career Development Workshop Final Year
finding and getting the right job 1

workshop objectives acquire tools to find out about yourself
personality skills and aptitudes values and motivations be able to find out about jobs for mathematicians understand and manage the application process writing a CV writing a cover letter applying for jobs interviews

finding and getting the right job: what the workshop will cover
what is my personality profile? what are my strengths? what are my values? what kind of careers are open to me? writing a CV writing a cover letter applying for jobs interviews resources

personality profile based on Myers Briggs Type
on-line questionnaire:- choose between pairs of statements ed report 16 personality “types” based on preferences extraversion – introversion sensing – intuition thinking – feeling judging - perception

personality types suggest
what you are most comfortable doing? why do you work? what kind of environment? what type of activity? what type of contribution? how you manage your time how you get results how you manage change interaction needs with others relationship style

personality types also suggest
how people see you as a leader as a manager as a decision maker in resolving conflict your best assets your potential weaknesses

assessing your skills identify your strengths
rate your skills and attributes be realistic consider evidence for high scores where you consider you are above average will suggest the kind of jobs to look for the kind of jobs to avoid show where you need to plan your development

assessing your values and motivations
what is important to you? what motivates you? focus your research about companies suggests questions to ask in interviews

quantitative skills you should have developed during your maths degree
analysis and interpretation of data designing and conducting experimental studies and tests high computer literacy analytical approach to problem solving, formulating and testing theories dealing with abstract concepts presenting mathematical arguments with accuracy and clarity advanced numeracy skills clear logical thinking

“soft” skills you could have developed through your time at university
communications – written and verbal personal time management, producing results against deadlines organisational skills teamwork skills ability to work independently potentially many others depending on your activities… influencing, negotiating presenting

“hard” skills you could have developed through your time at university
excel / access / powerpoint project management, PERT planning speaking another language programming

some jobs specifically for mathematicians and statisticians
actuary – insurance companies, banks, professional firms statistician – pharmaceutical industry etc. “quant” - banking operations research – GORS, large companies weather forecasting – Met Office secondary school teaching geophysicist quality control engineering postgraduate research – MSc/PhD or research and engineering companies

occupations requiring general numeracy skills
accountancy insurance management consultancy market research banking and finance programming software engineering taxation social research economist etc….

general graduate jobs where degree subject is unimportant
management training schemes you won’t be competing using your mathematical skills the choice is enormous – use the resources available

some jobs for last year’s Surrey maths graduates
3M Accounts Assistant Allianz Pricing Analyst Bossmosix IT Administrator DFDS Operations Co-ordinator DSG Retail Customer Advisor ES Pipeline Market Analyst Geokinetics Processing Geophysicist Jardine Lloyd Thompson Pensions Administrator News Quest Trainee Financial Accountant OOCL Operations Controller Bank of England Management Account Analyst Direct Line Group Pricing Analyst Nomura Financial Controller

more jobs (not counting teaching and postgraduate research)
Barclays Global Operations Analyst Lloyds Banking Group Risk Analyst The Automobile Association Insight Analyst Coller Capital Investment Accountant Atos IT Consultant Debenhams Project Administrator EEA Fund Management Ltd Junior Analyst First Actuarial Student Actuary HSBC Bank Analyst Microsoft Ltd Data/Web Analyst PriceWaterhouseCoopers Associate Save the Children Customer Service Australian Commonwealth Bank Trainee Accountant

job finding resources www.surrey.ac.uk/careers www.prospects.ac.uk
professional bodies other universities’ career service websites use your imagination and the computer!

creating your CV the purpose of a CV structure content cover letter
resources to help you

assess this CV would you select this applicant for interview?
how many mistakes can you find?

purpose of a CV from your point of view
to get the interview, not the job to demonstrate in the CV that you have the skills, experience and motivation from the employers’ point of view to weed out unsuitable candidates quickly to make a short list

imagine that you are the product and the CV is your advertisement
get your unique selling propositions (USPs) across you only have a few seconds attention from the reader your particular strengths unique combinations of attributes what do you have that the competition doesn’t?

things to think about first impressions are critical in job hunting as in life. the CV and the covering letter are your first contact with a potential employer. your CV is competing with all the other CVs the CV needs to show immediately that you have the relevant aptitudes, skills and knowledge the necessary experience the motivation these features can be demonstrated by your CV how the CV is written is as important as what it contains

structure Up to you – it’s your CV must be logical and easy to follow
everything the reader needs must be clear and easy to find typical example education employment (includes work experience, volunteering) skills and aptitudes interests bio data references two pages of A4 – and be able to produce a one page version explore internet for examples

style sharp, positive and focussed
most space given to most important aspects make every word count reverse chronological order for education and employment bullet points – short and punchy, not prose active verbs – e.g. organised, managed, presented don’t use the word “I” don’t repeat yourself

education give your overall marks for years 1, 2 and S1 year 3, don’t list modules studied individual module marks if very good and relevant to the job A levels and year, AS if different subjects list GCSEs briefly but mention specifically English and foreign languages awards, scholarships and prizes (most emphasis on university)

possible education template
2012 – present University of Surrey BSc Mathematics year 1 mark 68% year 2 mark 66% 2010 – St John’s College, Wigan A level Maths (A*) Biology (B) Physics (A) 2005 – Templecourt School, Warrington GCSE A, 3 B, 1 C including English (A), French (B)

employment company name, location (not address), job title, dates e.g. 6/11 – 9/11 describe company’s business list what you did and the results you achieved and any achievements describe any training given include volunteering or internships in same detail briefly mention short work experience don’t cover skills used or developed

possible employment template
4/10 -9/10 Courtauld’s Ltd, Coventry Artificial and Synthetic Fibres Division Laboratory technician set up apparatus for preparation of novel compounds carried out syntheses and tested resulting products using mass spectrometry wrote up reports of work carried out presented verbal report on work at weekly meetings

skills and aptitudes developed from studies, employment, volunteering, interests … either integrate into sections with the activity - but risk of repetition or a specific section give evidence for each claimed skill no clichés select your key strengths where you think you are better than most

Skills and Aptitudes written communications oral communications
problem solving leadership creative thinking numeracy team working commercial awareness language skills judgment IT negotiating persuading decision making time management project management self motivation ability to meet targets and deadlines customer relations flexibility practical skills

aptitudes that employers want most
verbal communications team working integrity intellectual ability self-confidence organisational skills interpersonal skills writing ability numeracy analytic skills/decision making

interests demonstrate breadth of personality
if you don’t have any – get some! socialising with friends doesn’t count current/recent most important sports, clubs, charities, cultural activities… interesting travel, projects… be specific – what, when, what level, where… be aware of current affairs listen to radio 4, Today programme read a quality newspaper

bio data start CV with addresses, phone (mobile) and non- quirky d.o.b., nationality optional two referees at the end academic, employment/volunteering not “references supplied on request”

a reader friendly CV logical structure
all key information clear and easily available no jargon, no acronyms professional looking presentation text balanced over 2 pages good use of white space good quality paper single conventional font e.g. verdana ariel times new roman 11 or 12 point size, but headings can be larger, use bold, italic and underline appropriately CAPITALS CAN BE UGLY

putting the CV together
sweet spot – middle of first page – should have your best aspects get someone else to check it before you send it – especially if English is not your mother tongue spelling and grammar must be perfect never rely on spell check e.g. hobbit never tell lies everything on the CV must be true not everything that is true must be on the CV blow your own trumpet but no hyperbole

some signs of a bad CV more than 2 pages long
poorly word processed or printed section breaks over page gaps in chronology spelling or grammar mistakes irrelevant, trivial details gimmicky fonts quirky presentation

employers’ pet hates in CVs
typos % inappropriate addresses 35% no section on key skills 30% more than two pages 22% decorative paper 20% with a photo 13%

personal statements? “I have a real passion for learning and I approach all tasks with great enthusiasm. I am a responsible and reliable student who is willing to work hard in order to develop my career.” actual statement from a student on 72% overall “I have a real passion for learning (obvious – you got a first) and I approach all tasks with great enthusiasm (where is the proof?). I am a responsible and reliable student (repeated what you just said in the first sentence) who is willing to work hard in order to develop my career (can you imagine someone saying that they are not willing to work hard to develop their career?).”

use the “not” test I am a hardworking and honest individual and an excellent timekeeper I don’t work hard, I’m not particularly honest and I am a poor timekeeper but when might these three attributes be worth putting down?

sending CVs to employers
use original print hard copies not photocopies send to named individual with cover letter electronically use a PDF

cover letters grab the reader’s attention and interest
highlight the relevant skills and experience in your CV show you have done your research on the job/activity and employer demonstrate why you want to work for that employer could be applying for a vacancy or speculative

writing the cover letter
no more than ¾ of a page of A4 addressed to a named individual specific for particular application even with a template written in formal business style well laid out, clear and easy to follow perfect spelling and grammar good quality paper

cover letters are formal
written English is not spoken English written down some words to avoid don’t, can’t, I’d, Dad, shouldn’t, it’s (which only means it is!) don’t start sentences with “and”, “but” … typed, not handwritten but signed by hand if a paper copy could use an electronic signature for letter sent by short sentences each with a verb, subject and object

typical structure of cover letter
your address and the address of the company subject e.g. professional placement/ job title para 1 introduce yourself, what job you are applying for, where you saw it advertised para 2 why do you want to work in this job/activity? para 3 why do you want to work for this company? para 4 why you are a suitable candidate, what relevant skills and experience you bring positive ending your signature your name

useful resources CVs and cover letters
downloads Applying for jobs abroad: 55

doing your research sector activity/occupation company or organisation
e.g. retail distribution activity/occupation e.g. operations research company or organisation e.g. Tesco specific job e.g. transportation planner

researching the sector
e.g. retail, oil, manufacturing, financial services, transport etc. find out main organisations in the sector history and market trends types of products and services being sold customer types language and terminology job roles and associated skills major company websites – “about us” pages books, newspapers, magazines – “bluffers’ guides” blogs e.g. search “blog transport” and pod casts on-line chat rooms

researching the activity/occupation
what are the jobs?, what are the requirements? what are the career prospects and the rewards? professional bodies e.g. society of actuaries accountancy bodies: CIMA, ACAA, CIPFA mathematics societies: SIAM, Operations Research Society engineering societies search careers websites for “occupations” e.g. (UK) (US)

researching the company
company history, structure and strategy its products, services and markets its corporate values and culture latest news and achievements analysts’ reports competitor information resources

Typical Selection Process
Final interview First Interview / Telephone Interview Online tests (aptitude, psychometric) CV, letter, application, online application 60

application forms usually on-line employer decides questions
look for evidence of specific competencies easy to compare candidates transparent and fair approach cost efficient with large number of applications

application forms - types of questions
fundamental data – do you meet the basic requirements? open ended questions – also for interviews motivation for the job what attracts you to the organisation? competency based questions

completing the form – top tips #1
allow plenty of time take as much care on-line as on paper take as much care as in a CV read the whole form first before you start read the instructions and do exactly as they say answer all the questions unless instructed otherwise print or copy and paste the questions into a new document to plan what goes where

top tips #2 understand the organisation’s business functions
if there is an option of ticking different kinds of job select those that are similar save a copy as you go along, else copy and paste into a separate document write formally, no abbreviations no txtspk use active words organised, improved, managed, planned… companies may scan for key words make sure they are there if there is an additional information section use it for special details you think are important but not covered

top tips #3 check spelling, punctuation and grammar
spell-check must be English (UK) keep a copy of the application, date submitted and any contact details given

but be aware you may not be able to view the whole form before you start you may be required to complete the form in one go you may get timed out of a page options in drop-down menus may not be the choice you want may not be a spell-checker keep within any set word counts

likely questions to expect on application forms
why do you want to work for us? show me that you understand the business/industry/job what are your interests? give examples of when you have had leadership positions or shown leadership why are you the best candidate for the job? what are your strengths/achievements/additional qualifications? computer literacy language capability examples of working in a team examples of problem solving what have you learnt from previous jobs/work experience, volunteering? give examples where you have provided excellent customer service

competency questions “the following questions are designed to encourage you to provide evidence of specific abilities” analyse the competencies required by the company and think of occasions when you have used them choose the best examples from all aspects of your life –education, employment, volunteering, interests not just coursework use different scenarios to answer each competency question keep your examples to the last five years draft answers in Word and spell-check then copy

application forms - style
short, punchy sentences, no waffle action: verbs in active not passive (improved, not was improved) answer questions with evidence of your skills not opinions your motivation should be what they can get from you, not what you hope to get from them explain why you want the job and what you will bring to it don’t use the word “I” be truthful and positive - without exaggeration

typical competency question #1
“describe a challenging project, activity or event which you have planned and taken through to a conclusion. Include your objectives, what you did, any changes you made to your plan and how you measured your success” structure your answer using STAR situation task = objective action = what I did result = what happened

typical question #2 “describe a team in which you have worked with other people. How would you describe your contribution?” structure of your answer individual role what skills did you demonstrate? consequences of your actions interactions with the team

typical question #3 “Describe your most significant non-academic achievement. Why did you regard it as significant?” structure of your answer importance of the situation for you evidence of a goal motivation obstacles overcome enthusiasm what skills/aptitudes have you gained from the experience?

typical question #4 “why do you want to apply for this job? What do you have to offer this role?” sell yourself – but don’t hype! know the work involved and have researched the company self assessment of your strengths think what contribution you could make to the aims of the business

some more examples tell us about an occasion when you dealt with conflict. How did you resolve it? (100 words) what is your greatest achievement? (50 words) give an example of a time when you successfully led a team (200 words)

answering open ended questions
follow the instructions to the letter plan your answer logically right amount of detail emphasise skills make sure the form explains why you want a career in this area how your skills, interests and experience make you suited to the job

common causes of rejection at the application stage
examples all from the same part of your life not enough detail too much detail vague or woolly answers – be specific not answering the questions not following instructions e.g. word limit lack of attention to detail poor spelling, punctuation and grammar not convincing as to why you want the role

useful resources – on-line applications
(‘Online applications’) .htm 78

purpose of an interview
conversation not interrogation opportunity for the company to find out about you opportunity for you to find out about the company

interview skills understand what to expect at a selection interview
know how to prepare effectively gain an insight into possible questions answering competency questions know where to get help

types of interview telephone first second format one to one panel
competency based technical case study

preparation for an interview
“if you fail to prepare, be prepared to fail” research the employer and the job know your application inside out why do you want the job? your future ambitions at least two examples of each skill they are seeking in front of your mind achievements – academic, employment etc…. strengths and “areas for development”

key preparation what kind of interview will it be?
who will be doing the interview? how are you going to travel to the interview? where is it? how long will it take to get here? give yourself plenty of time what will you wear (smart)?

more preparation on the
company and the job what are the company’s values? why are you interested in this company? what will the job entail? what questions are they likely to ask? what do you want to know in more detail?

..from the interviewer’s perspective
can you do the job? ability, qualifications, knowledge, experience will you do the job motivation, attitude, enthusiasm will you fit in? personality fit with the team fit with the culture

practicalities on the day travel arrangements be polite to everyone
copy of CV/application and list of your questions plan your journey arrive 15 minutes early switch off your phone travel arrangements check location plan your route check timetables/book ahead trial run? be polite to everyone

mental preparation believe in yourself – think positive!
visualize a successful outcome practice answering questions – talk to yourself focus on your USPs what are the questions you’d least like to answer?

types of questions why this job? why this organisation?
open ended questions “tell me about yourself” “tell me about your course” scenarios “what would you do if..?” “How would you..” technical skills specific to your area of expertise specific to the job your approach to technical problems competency based

competency based questions
examples of competency based questions teamwork “can you think of a recent example where you have worked effectively as part of a team? What was your role. What challenges did you face?” communication “describe a situation where you had to negotiate to achieve a desired outcome” initiative “give us an example of an occasion when you have come up with a new idea or process” persuasion “tell me about an occasion when you have persuaded others to adopt your course of action” flexibility “describe a time when you have had to deal with a changed direction or deadline mid way through”

follow the STAR situation task action result
what was the situation in the example? task what was the problem, goal or challenge? action what action did you take be specific about your role result what was the outcome? what would you do differently next time?

role specific competency question
example of a role specific competency question for a role in customer services “describe a situation where you had to deliver excellent customer service.”

hard questions (actually asked!)
if you were to win £1m what would you do with the money? what do you think is the most useful function in Excel? what is it about this job that you would least look forward to? tell me about a time when you failed at something how would you explain Facebook to your Grandma? what have you done in the past to get out of a tricky situation? what do you mean by “leadership”? who is your biggest hero? do you think the quality of our menswear products is as high as our home department products? by what criteria do you judge your own performance? what are your weaknesses? how would your friends describe you? where do you want to be in five year’s time? what makes you get up in the morning?

obscure questions (actually asked!)
how do you fit a giraffe in a frig? would you rather fight a horse sized duck or 100 duck-sized horses? why is 99% not good enough? how many ways can you get a needle out of a haystack? in a fight between a lion and a tiger, who would win?

non-verbal communication
at least as important as verbal firm handshake and genuine smile appearance – neat, clean, polished make and hold eye contact with the interviewer confident tone of voice speak clearly, measured pace and project your voice sit with an alert but relaxed posture demonstrate interest first impressions count – the first five minutes are crucial

your questions for the interviewer
always have some interesting questions ready do your research on the company – especially recent news who, which departments would I be working with? how do you see the company developing in the future? what is the best thing about working here? don’t ask about questions already answered in material sent to you e.g. pay, holidays

performing in the interview
keep calm, slow down don’t fill the silences never be derogatory – be positive have answers to the obvious questions ready give evidence for any assertions you make about yourself positive body language sit up straight, smile try not to fold your arms or cross your legs look at the interviewer

common causes of rejection at the interview stage
examples all from the same part of your life not enough detail too much detail verbose, vague or woolly answers irrelevant answers not answering the questions asked not convincing as to why you want the role mumbling and muttering poor body language

Have you ever had a bad experience with an employer?
“Yes. I had a temp job over the summer and my boss was away a lot, which meant I was basically expected to do her job as well as mine, and I was completely overloaded with really boring, mundane tasks. I posted something about the situation on my Facebook page and got the sack.” what is wrong with this answer? how could the question have been answered?

a better answer “I had a summer office job and my boss was away a lot. That meant that I had to take responsibility for her work as well as mine, which gave me a lot of interesting experience. However I also had to do my own job and there was no extra support, so I was working late most evenings (without extra pay) and occasionally at weekends. I eventually found it too stressful and decided to leave. But I learnt a lot from that experience about managing time and the need to prioritise.”

end of the interview thank them for seeing you
remain confident throughout afterwards reflect on and learn from the experience – what went well/less well, what will I do next time? note any difficult questions ask for feedback if you get rejected

telephone interviews be flexible in arranging a time
take the call in a quiet room, no interruptions, table in front of you with paper and pen have your CV/application form in front of you have your examples for competency questions ready listen carefully speak clearly, don’t rush don’t be afraid of silences

help with interviews (including online videos) mock interviews – book through Careers Service 103

what are Assessment Centres?
a selection method consisting of a variety of exercises aimed at measuring your suitability for the job usually last for a half or full day, occasionally two days the exercises are aimed at measuring specific competencies 104

assessment centres are about:
Meeting people: selectors, current graduates, senior staff, other candidates Gathering information: about the organisation, the job, and the working culture Demonstrating your potential: tests and exercises about your competencies 105

examples of exercises which might be used group discussions
personality and aptitude tests in-tray exercise presentations role plays case studies interviews written tests (drafting a letter or report) social events 106

preparation research the organisation’s website
draw up a list of your main strengths, focusing on those most relevant to what you have applied for think of questions you may want to ask plan to arrive in good time for the start converse with other candidates - this will help break the ice when it comes to group exercises later 107

your performance you are not being assessed on what you know but on how you think. Be yourself listen carefully to the instructions given to you at the start of the day and always read the information thoroughly the assessment centre will give you a number of chances to show your strengths and meet their criteria stay focused and motivated throughout the day you are being measured, not against other candidates, but against certain criteria 108

structure of a typical one day assessment centre
Arrival, administration, ‘ice breaker’ introductions Psychometric Tests Coffee Group Exercise Lunch Presentations followed by Interview 1 Tea Interview 2 Feedback on tests etc. and final briefing 109

example structure of a two day Assessment Centre
Day One: 14.00 – Arrival, administration, icebreaker, introductions 15.00 – Tea 15.30 – Tests (verbal, numeric, etc.) 19.30 – Informal dinner at hotel or company premises 110

example structure of a two day Assessment Centre – day 2
Test feedback 09.30 – Group Exercise # 1 10.30 – Coffee 11.00 – Group Exercise #2 12.30 – Lunch 13.15 – Group Exercise feedback 14.00 – Interviews (2 x 45 mins) 15.45 – Final Briefing Depart 111

typical competencies being assessed
interpersonal skills team working skills communication problem solving analytical thinking time management planning and organising initiative flexibility business awareness creativity 112

aptitude and psychometric tests
aptitude/ability timed, multiple choice, often online. test capability in numeracy, verbal reasoning, diagrammatic reasoning. need to work quickly and accurately you can practise! personality questionnaires establish your preferred style of working e.g. in a team or independently you cannot really practise for these 113

aptitude tests – how can you practise?
take practise tests online - numerical, verbal, abstract reasoning. Click on link to ‘Practice Aptitude Tests’ for login details practise online BPS Testing Centre 114

group activities leaderless discussion group
assigned group roles - each member of the team may be given a role to play case study - undertaken individually or as a group practical team exercises both indoors and out build something using restricted materials teams may be in competition with each other 115

What are employers looking for in group exercises?
influence and persuasiveness participation within the group verbal fluency quality of thought determination originality of ideas open mindedness facilitation of discussion 116

group discussions - tips
make an early contribution listen, include others, summarise, compliment, build on what others have said try not to interrupt make interventions crisp and frequent watch the time be yourself 117

in-tray exercises business simulation exercises
in-tray or electronic inbox full of s, company memos, telephone messages, reports and correspondence provided with information about the structure of the organisation and your place within it you are expected to take decisions prioritise your workload draft replies delegate tasks recommend actions each exercise is designed to test how you handle complex information within a limited time. may be asked to give a verbal or written report of your decisions/recommendations 118

in-tray exercises – tips and practice
fast-paced and evolving interactive e-tray exercise aiming to portray working life in the civil service: process/application-advice Deloitte discuss the use of E-tray exercises in their recruitment process: now/selection-process/etray-exercise-and-examples /assessmentcentres (Click on ‘In-tray exercise guide’) 119

presentations may receive topic in advance or on the day
find out if you can use visual aids and if so what equipment is available practise out loud and keep to time structure it with a clear introduction, middle and conclusion try to keep to six main points use cards as prompts start with a good opening line make eye contact project your voice smile and use humour if appropriate make sure you know your material and be prepared for questions 120

written exercise or case study
you may have to write a summary of a report, if so keep it concise use your judgement to analyse the text and only include what is relevant demonstrate your clear thinking use your imagination if asked for a solution be diplomatic watch the time – skim read long documents 121

essays/written exercises
write an essay or letter on a topic of your choice or one given by them give you a document to review and improve the selectors are testing how you express yourself your spelling your grammar whether you can communicate professionally and effectively 122

tips on tackling case studies #1
practise with sample case studies in advance research the organisation, its markets and be up to speed on relevant current affairs read the instructions carefully and thoroughly read any background information you are given about the organisation, the staff and your role. focus on key points and make brief notes to get a feel for what is important 123

tips on tackling case studies #2
scan through all items to get an overall view of everything that will need to be considered stay calm keep a note of the time and pace yourself correctly work as quickly and as accurately as you can when presenting your conclusions or discussing your rationale be as clear as possible don’t be afraid to disagree with the selector 124

role plays for certain types of role e.g. customer facing posts, sales positions or human resource management roles one to one situational role plays. an assessor or fellow candidate may take the part of a customer or member of staff with you being required to deal with a particular problem 125

social events remember that your social skills will be observed
be careful at dinner! be equally nice to everyone you meet ask employees about their own career paths and try to find out more about the organisation 126

final tips you may not perform your best in one exercise but this does not mean that you will be rejected - it is your overall score that counts it is not a competition - you will be successful if you meet the requirements be yourself 127

useful resources - assessment centres
Careers Service: Aptitude tests & online videos (including assessment centre video), information leaflets, events including assessment centre workshops targetjobs: advice/assessment-centres prospects: advice/assessment-centre University of Kent Careers & Employability Service: 128

Career Development Workshop Final Year

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Career Development Workshop Final Year"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback

Log in

Auth with social network:

Career Development Workshop Final Year

Similar presentations

Presentation on theme: "Career Development Workshop Final Year"— Presentation transcript:

Similar presentations

About project

Feedback