Maximising employability Planning your career and demonstrating your worth to employers

Aims of the session What is employability? To be more aware how you can match your skills to job specifications To provide an update on what is required for a C.V. and good practice examples To complete a careers/employability action plan.

What is employability? MMU Definition “The development of skills, abilities and personal attributes that enhance students ability to secure rewarding and satisfying outcomes in their economic , social and community lives” Its is more than simply finding a job, employability is about achieving ongoing success in your future.

Employability, why? Is an FD enough? Feedback from employers Competitive job markets Making your CV work for you

What makes you employable? Skills Attitudes &behaviours Teamwork and interpersonal Problem solving Time management Good, all round communicator Decision Making Analysis Positivity Networking Professionalism Planning Opportunity orientated

Which type of CV? The Prospects website and National Careers Service website have suggestions for models of CV Chronological Skills-based Academic The National Careers Service link has C.V. builder: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/tools/cv/Pages/default.aspx

Targeted CV or application Job Spec TA My skills, experience, qualities Experience in a Key Stage 1 Classroom Previous successful experience of assisting teaching in a classroom setting Experience of working closely with a class teacher Knowledge EYFS Knowledge of positive discipline and understanding of the relationship between self -esteem and successful learning A highly motivated individual who demonstrates initiative and who aims for very high standards A commitment to the Inclusion of all children Good communication skills A sense of humour Reliability Flexibility Appropriate qualification to at least NVQ Level 2 or 3 ??????

Targeted examples Job Spec Statement content The effective use of educational processes. Analysis of activity undertaken with children Demonstrate interest in teaching Describe personal qualities / interpersonal skills I enjoyed the responsibility of working with my own group and the challenge of managing individual needs and group dynamics. This required skilled, sensitive and strong communication skills…

What makes a strong supporting statement What to think about? How to plan/ present content Why you are applying for the job, e.g. interest, career aims How your work and studies are preparing you for the role i.e. what you are learning and how this is developing your skills: try to make links between subjects where relevant and think about the requirements of the person spec. Transferable work experience/ relevant interests Personal qualities and what all the above will bring to the role Link examples of your work to the competencies in the person spec Use positive language and power words Have effective structure and flow Don’t duplicate and make every word count

How to “skill up” Make the most of your studies, reflect on the skills you acquire or enhance. Use your work experience and observations Know your strengths and aptitudes Extra curricular courses Volunteering Employment Gap years, summer projects etc…. Networking

Careers /Employability Action Plan National Careers Service – Action plan package: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/tools/plans/Pages/default.aspx Will take about 30 mins to complete. Job profiles: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advice/planning/jobfamily/Pages/educationandtraining.aspx

Further resources: MMU Careers Prospects: http://www.mmu.ac.uk/careers/ http://www.mmu.ac.uk/careers/students-and-graduates/resources/guides/ Prospects: http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs_education.htm http://www.prospects.ac.uk/cvs.htm Higher Education courses and information: www.UCAS.com Dept for Education: http://www.education.gov.uk/get-into-teaching I-could website: http://icould.com/

College Careers team First floor library To book an appointment or to speak to a Careers Adviser: Call into floor 1 (Room L103) Ring 01270 654653 Email careers@scc.ac.uk