JOBSHOP
Graduate Job Search Introduction The graduate jobs market has always been competitive, so you will need to be committed to the process of job hunting. You should approach it in a similar way you would an assignment and be ready to do your research, work to deadlines and produce relevant and high quality written work. You will also need to present yourself in a professional manner. The best strategy for job hunting is to use as many sources as possible - search for jobs online, in newspapers, on company websites, use job agencies, attend graduate careers fairs, send out speculative applications, network and use your existing contacts.
Graduate schemes and internships Internships § Provide experience of working in a particular role § Internships can be either paid/unpaid § Usually temporary, but may lead to permanent work
Graduate schemes/ Traineeships § Provide a mix of on-the-job training, often working in various departments § Graduate schemes are paid and usually paid at a good rate § Can be either temporary or permanent § Highly competitive and usually require a 2:1 degree
MORE INFORMATION Local Government Graduate Schemes Some Local Governments run their own schemes, which they will advertise on their own website. You can search for county councils via www.gov.uk/find-local-council. It is also worth noting that if you are able to get a job within a Local Government (any job, not necessarily a graduate job) you will have access to other jobs, which are only advertised internally, many graduates have been able to move onto the job they want once employed within an organisation. National Graduate Development Programme (ngdp) The ngdp is a two-year graduate management development programme, run by the Local Government Association. The programme was set up to provide local government with the high-calibre managers and to give committed graduates the training and opportunities to make a positive impact. www.ngdp.org.uk Other Graduate Schemes There are hundreds of opportunities usually directly through a company. You can often find out about opportunities via a company’s website. You can search for companies via directories such as the yellow pages or via a search engine. Yellow Pages www.yell.com Thompson Directory www.thompsonlocal.com Tips on finding and checking online information: http://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/using_the_internet
Advice and information We offer professional and impartial advice, guidance and information to BG graduates who are still seeking employment (this is available for up to 2 years after graduating). You will be able to access one to one careers guidance appointments, business advice appointments, application and interview help and the Resource Centre. (NB: Priority will be given to current students). BG Futures Careers, Employability and Enterprise
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Searching for jobs Regional Graduate Jobs Websites A Selection of websites providing online advice, information and vacancy listings: National www.prospects.ac.uk Search for graduate opportunities. www.centrica.com Graduate programmes and summer placements www.gov.uk/faststream Civil Service Fast Stream www.gradplus.com Search for graduate jobs www.graduatelinks.co.uk Schemes & vacancies from major employers; info on employers, recruiters & job sites. www.graduatemag.co.uk Jobs, CV Builder, the latest magazine online www.insidecareers.co.uk Search for graduate jobs, internships and placements www.internavenue.com Search for graduate jobs, internships and see their blog for advice www.milkround.com Search for graduate schemes/jobs www.ngdp.org.uk Search for graduate schemes www.reed.co.uk/jobs/graduate Search for graduate jobs. http://tinyurl.com/gradclosing Graduate Scheme Deadlines www.targetjobs.co.uk Advice and links to job vacancies. East of England www.gradseast.org.uk Service bringing together graduates and employers in the East of England; the site has a current vacancies section and details of the member universities in the East of England. East Midlands http://tinyurl.com/npzgf4 matches graduates with internship opportunities http://www.step.org.uk/ West Midlands www.graduateadvantage.co.uk Yorkshire and Humberside www.graduatesyorkshire.co.uk North West England www.mynorthwestjobs.co.uk South East England www.kentgrads.org.uk www.graduatejobssouth.co.uk
South West England www.gradsouthwest.com Eire and Northern Ireland www.fas.ie/ www.maynoothuniversity.ie
The UK's leading nationwide project-based work placement programme. Website providing information on graduate opportunities in West Midland businesses Aims to help graduates find employment in Yorkshire and Humberside. Run by the university careers service in the region. Links to useful websites and job vacancies
A listing of companies in the Kent area that may employ graduates. Register to be receive vacancies via an email matching service enabling you to apply to the employer directly
Information and advice to help students find employment in the South West of England. The vacancy services puts graduates directly in touch with regional employers. Job seeking and training information Careers Development Centre web pages with links to sites of employers based in Ireland and helps graduates transferring to further study or employment
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Provides careers guidance and information for graduates.
www.talentscotland.com
Current vacancies and career opportunities in technology
Wales www.gowales.co.uk www.prosperec.co.uk
Aims to encourage businesses & graduates in Wales to get the most out of working together. Provides information on work placement/training schemes. A graduate recruitment agency run by a consortium of Welsh university careers services with links to the websites of university careers services in Wales.
International
http://tyba.com/
Find a startup role by signing up to Tyba. Also view Company Pages to take you behind the scenes of startups and help you make a more educated choice.
Jobs+ Vacancies Board https://pcn.prospects.ac.uk/bishopg/login
We receive numerous job vacancies, which are posted onto the Jobs+ Vacancies Board. You are also able to request an email alert via this service. You will need to register and login to use this system MORE INFORMATION Guide to the Jobs+ Vacancies Board - http://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/online_jobs_board_quick_guide_8950dce7069668/1
Jobs+ Connect https://jobsconnect.bishopg.ac.uk Create a job seeking profile to be contacted with appropriate job, work experience and volunteering opportunities MORE INFORMATION About the Jobs+ Connect database – http://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/opportunity_seekers_database_faqs/1
A guide to Job Hunting (factsheet) See this factsheet for advice on job hunting, including finding jobs in the hidden jobs market. Includes links to jobs boards and finding jobs. http://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/a_guide_to_job_hunting/1
ALTERNATIVES It is always a good idea to have a plan 'B'; you may need to look at other job sectors or geographical locations. If you decide you need to re-evaluate you career options you should consider what you liked about your first choice and think about what other jobs have some of the same attributes.
Work Experience This could be paid or voluntary. You may need to take a proactive approach to finding work experience; for example if you know the type of job you want, you could seek out a work experience or work shadowing opportunity within your field of interest. MORE INFORMATION § Work Experience (factsheet) - http://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/work_experience
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Start your own business An alternative to employment or further study is to start your own business. MORE INFORMATION § Self-employment (factsheet) - http://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/self_employment § You can get advice about starting your own business from the Business Development Manager. To book at appointment you can complete a One to one appointment form available from the Resource Centre or bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk
APPLICATIONS AND INTERVIEWS It is important to put time and effort into each of your applications to make them relevant for the job you are applying for. Much of the application process is about selling your skills and abilities, so do your research and find out what the employer wants, then sell your relevant skills and experience from all areas of your life: education, work and social. Spend time ensuring you have followed any instructions correctly and always double check spelling and grammar. With so many applications to look through, employers will reject any careless applications. Remember to always present a positive attitude at an interview. SHOWCASING YOUR SKILLS AND ABILITIES The key to securing a job is to understand what potential employers want from you and what you have to offer the employer. § Employability Skills(factsheet) http://issuu.com/bgcareers/docs/employability_skills/1 § Take a look at the following online tools to help you identify your skills • National Careers Service Skills Health Check Tools - https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk • Creative Skill Set - http://www.creativeskillset.org/careers/getting_in/ MORE INFORMATION § Applications (factsheet) Find out how to write a job application § CV’s and covering letters (factsheet) § Guide to Job Interviews (factsheet) § Interviews, Tests and exercises - assessment centres. www.prospects.ac.uk/careers-advice/interview-tips (Includes information on psychometric tests) Go to http://issuu.com/bgcareers to view all of our factsheets.
BG Futures: Careers, Employability and Enterprise Operates in accordance with the University Diversity and Equality Policies. If you require this document in an alternative format, for example in large print, please email us at bgfutures@bishopg.ac.uk