Glenda Martin is a career development consultant at Ulster University.
Career Development Center
In library on the second floor. There every Wednesday. Drop in or 1-1 Appointments via Graduate Recruit (careers connect). Can check this in portal.
More companies are looking for an elevator pitch.
Why would a company choose me?
[Get a linked in account.]
Skills Employer’s want
- Commercial awareness
- communication
- teamwork
- confidence
- problem solving
- accuracy and attention to detail (provide evidence)- strive for the best possible outcome
- organisation
- perseverance and motivation
- ability to work under pressure (critical).
- negotiation and persuasion
The world of work is about continuous improvement. Bring through fresh, up to date technology and creative way of thinking.
Evidencing that I have managed to keep a part time job and college work.
Work Placements
Look outside the box. Think about where else I could apply to besides places people have applied to from previous years.
- Download an occupational profile for your subject- look at skills needed to add to your cv etc
- day to day activities
- skills required for industry
- professional and career development
- contacts and resources
- sources of vacancies- look at companies who are recruiting
Application Forms
- May be the only thing that will get you to an interview.
- Attaching online portfolio etc that will evidence work.
- Sometimes it comes down to what it says on the paper.
- Make sure skills, abilities, knowledge and experience fit the job application.
- Follow instructions carefully.
- Check for mistakes. Re-read.
Preparation is key- research the company
- Its development
- Expansion
- Markets
- Products
- Mission Statement
- Its values- this is important to the organisations. This should be one of the reasons you are applying to this company. Deliberately matching yourself to the company.
- Its ethos/culture
What do you believe will be the companies next challenges?
What will happen in the industry- what will be the next opportunities?
CV’s
- What are your unique selling points? What makes you stand out from everyone else?
- Why should they choose you? Ask other people.
- 2 sides of A4
- Appropriate to role/job being applied for.
- Follow a logical order.
- Aim to be ordered and allocate space in relation to the importance of the information.
- Draw the reader’s eye to important areas.
Include:
- Personal details- name (front centre, large), address,mobile, email, linked in profile, website address,
- Career objective/personal profile- differentiates people. No more than 150 words. could be the most important part of your cv. Write it in first person.
- Education
- Work experience
- Skills profile- give evidence. I have consistently been chosen as team leader and have organised checklists and time constraints to achieve team goals.
- Achievements/interests- What have you been committed to? mentor/class representative. Volunteer. Sports. Power words. Follow certain companies. Provided technological support for family business?
- Referees (2)
Cover Letter
- Encourages someone to read your cv.
- Where you saw the job, why you’re applying, what you’ve found out about the company, your skills that are relevant,
- No more than half a page long.
Interview
- Show enthusiasm
- Smile
- Be positive
- Make it easy for the interviewer to obtain information
- Don’t give up even if it feels like things aren’t going well.
g.martin1@ulster.ac.uk
Abigail Gelston 