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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

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

8. 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

9. 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

10. 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

11. Sources of further information
Research councils UK
e.aspx
Vitae
staff.html
Prospects
Jobs.ac.uk