job seeking strategies - lunchtime sessions 2012

Job seeking strategies

John McMenaminEmployability and IT Consultant

Career Development Centre

mcmenaj@westminster.ac.uk

Objectives

This session will help you to:• understand the different routes into

employment• find and research jobs and employers

Getting started

• What job do I want?• What have I got to offer?• What jobs are out there?

Deciding what you want

Skills, interests and values• What are you good at?• What is important to you?• What are you willing to do?

Targeting companies

• Business activity• Size• Training • Prospects• Culture

• Travel• Location• Salary• Benefits• Security

Current climate

• Weak global economy– UK unemployment 8.4%, highest since 1994– Unemployment for 16-24 is 22.3%

• 2012 graduate recruitment, situation flat - no likely improvement from 2011

• Competition is tough - employers state that those with work experience more likely to be successful

• Early application to a wide range of employers is essential ONS (Jan 2012), High Fliers (Dec 2011), AGR (Jan 2012)

What’s out there?

• Large graduate recruiters• Small to medium sized enterprises

• Private sector• Public sector• Voluntary sector

• Self employment

Iceberg principle

75%

The open job market

Advertisedposts

The hiddenjob market

Direct approachesNetworking

25%

Open job market

• Local and national press• Jobcentre Plus• Internet• Recruitment fairs• Recruitment agencies

Useful websites

vacancies - www.westminster.ac.uk/careersvacancies vacancy sources by subject or sector –www.westminster.ac.uk/study/current-students/support-and-facilities/career-development-centre/finding-work3/finding-work2

www.prospects.ac.ukwww.targetjobs.co.ukwww.totaljobs.comwww.milkround.comwww.monster.co.uk

www.insidecareers.co.uk

www.fish4.co.uk www.jobserve.com

ww.jobs.guardian.co.uk

Finding the hidden jobs

• Networking• Work experience through temping and

volunteering• Speculative applications• Cold calling - in person, by phone

Networking

• Family and friends• Clubs and associations• Tutors and careers consultants• Previous employers• Professional associations• Alumni Association

Speculative applications

• Do your research• Target named person, with a relevant role in

the organisation• Develop a persuasive, targeted CV and

covering letter• Follow up with a phone call• Ask for further contacts• Be persistent

Further information and guidance

Career Development Centre services:• 20-minute quick queries:

CV, covering letter, application form advice• 45-minute individual guidance interviews:

detailed career guidance, mock interviews

Resources:• CV Guide• Videos and DVDs• Free sector-specific and general careers publications

Contact us

Harrow Campus

Room EG.15Maria Hewlett Building

Nearest tube: Northwick Park

Central London

1st Floor Cavendish House101 New Cavendish StreetLondon, W1W 6XH

T: 020 7911 5184E: careers@westminster.ac.uk

www.westminster.ac.uk/careers

In summary

• Know what you have to offer and what you want• Know what’s out there• Develop your network• Plan your campaign• Review it regularly

and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance