Getting shortlisted save time and energy by making strong applications Julie Gallimore Independent Career Consultant

Focus on selection How to improve the probability of getting selected Be aware of the activity of the competition Get into the habit of using the language of the employer Understand that employers want you to evidence the transferability of your skill set Create an action plan to fill any skills gaps Answer any questions on the selection process

Improve your chances Be enthusiastic Be active Be opportunity aware Be clear about your strengths Have a plan Use your research skills Talk to your networks Keep a record of progress

What's the competition up to? Making the recruiter get to page ten of the CV without saying how they meet the criteria Not mentioning the name of the organisation Not saying how their skills would help the organisation develop in the future Showing no interest in the bigger picture Not using the language used in the job description Not explaining their motivation for applying

Make it easy for the recruiter Tell them you have relevant academic and professional skills – early on Use their language Give evidence of your strengths Don’t be too wordy CV’s for non-academic roles are usually 2 pages Don’t describe your roles –describe relevant skills gained and outcomes

Vacancy-lecturer in social policy The Centre for Philanthropy within the School of Social Policy, Sociology and Social Research (SSPSSR)  is seeking to appoint a Lecturer on a full time ongoing basis. This role will enable the department to continue expanding its research, teaching and impact, by recruiting an exceptional early career researcher who also exhibits skills in teaching, administration, project management, communication and generating funding. The Centre can offer the successful candidate a vibrant research community combined with a team that is energetic and enthusiastic about developing both teaching and the wider student experience. You will have evidence of ability to undertake scholarly activity and conduct research and have the ability to contribute to the preparation of successful bids for external funding.

Promote your transferable skills Teamwork Leadership Communication Problem solving Independence Drive Resilience Commercial awareness Project management

Keep active and develop new skills Need to improve your communication skills? Spend time networking with colleagues internal and external Volunteer for tutoring or teaching responsibilities Represent the department on a committee or professional body Start to develop your digital footprint Mentor a colleague Arrange an information interview

Competency questions Designed to get you to give illustrations of how you developed a particular skill Give examples of scope and scale Use a variety of examples from academic life, work experience and leisure/community activities Give an example of a time when you persuaded someone to adopt your point of view Give an example of when you have worked successfully as part of a team

Not making the progress you want Get support Ask for feedback from colleagues/Careers Consultant Get documents checked Do something different Get involved in professional bodies Continue to grow your networks Keep your on-line presence up to date Tell your network you are looking for opportunities

Sources of further information Research councils UK http://www.rcuk.ac.uk/ResearchCareers/Pages/hom e.aspx Vitae http://www.vitae.ac.uk/researchers/1269/Research- staff.html Prospects http://www.prospects.ac.uk/types_of_jobs.htm Jobs.ac.uk http://www.jobs.ac.uk/careers-advice/