LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

career planning guide

LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN

PRODUCED BY THE LJMU CAREERS TEAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH LJMU SCHOOL/FACULTY STAFF

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

LOOK TO THE FUTURE WITH POSTGRADUATE STUDY Masters study has set me on the right track.

When I graduate, I will be looking for a career rather than a job.

Josh McDowell, International Journalism MA

For more information, go to: ljmu.ac.uk/postgraduate CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

WHAT’S IN THIS GUIDE

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What’s in this guide ...

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE Employer spotlight: Tate Liverpool Architecture Fine Art Graphic Design and Illustration Fashion History of Art Where to look for opportunities: Student development in LSAD Volunteering at the Bluecoat

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SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU Get support on your doorstep in our campus Careers Zones Connect with employers Careers website Careers Zone 24/7: Online careers tools CareerSmart: Explore, Experience and Engage How to make the most of your university time Move up to Masters: The benefits of postgraduate study Professional and personal development opportunities abroad Get great work experience with your Students’ Union

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TACTICS AND CHOICES Planning your career Thinking about postgraduate study Finding graduate level jobs Thinking of starting your own business The importance of relevant work experience

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GETTING THE JOB How to write a winning CV and covering letter How to write effective application forms How to succeed at interviews Psychometric tests and assessment centres

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Introduction Careers in art and design are creative, inspiring, exciting and rewarding. Crucially they can have an enormous effect on social wellbeing, community cohesion and cultural wealth. You have already embarked on an exciting journey and each programme offers different and challenging career opportunities. This guide has been created to help you make the most of these opportunities. The information provided guides you through the next steps in your journey. As well as providing information on the excellent support that is available from the Careers Team, it provides invaluable tips on career planning, preparing yourself for work, and identifying employers and employment opportunities. I encourage you to utilise this guide and the wider support from the Careers Team to put yourself in the best possible position to embark on what will, I am sure, be a successful, enjoyable and challenging career.

PROFESSOR CAROLINE WILKINSON DIRECTOR, LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART & DESIGN

PRODUCED BY: LJMU Careers Team || Tel: 0151 231 2048/3719 || Email: careers@ljmu.ac.uk || Website: www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Please contact us if you would like this document in an alternate format, e.g. large print.

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Introduction LIVERPOOL SCHOOL OF ART AND DESIGN STUDENTS HAVE A RANGE OF CAREER OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THEM. CAREERS ADVISER LIZ HARRISON LOOKS AT SOME OPTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED.

Our aim is to provide you with a comprehensive guide to the careers support and guidance available to all Liverpool School of Art and Design students.

Art and Design degree programmes offer fantastic opportunities for creative and personal self-development. Students should take every opportunity to reflect on and enhance valuable employability skills developed through academic study, paid or voluntary job roles and work-based learning programmes.

Your career development planning journey needs to start early for you to stay ahead of the competition. Do make sure you are proactive in seeking ways to enhance your experience utilising the expertise of your academic programme leaders and tutors and the support of the Careers Team.

The creative arts sector consists of a number of small companies. According to the Creative and Cultural Industries

2012/13 survey 85% of companies employ fewer than four people, 14% employ 5 to 50 people and only 1% employs more than 50 people. These facts further illustrate the importance of building your networks through attending talks by visiting speakers, gaining relevant work experience and building up an impressive portfolio to highlight your talent and achievements.

Employment in museums, galleries and libraries has seen strong growth following years of decline and standstill, according to latest reports (June 2016) https://www. gov.uk/government/statistics/creativeindustries-2016-focus-on.

An MP says: The creative industries are one of the UK’s greatest success stories... none of this is changed by the UK’s decision to leave the EU and I am confident that our creative industries will continue to thrive and take advantage of the new opportunities which are opening up to do business across the world.

John Whittingdale, Culture Secretary Looking for career planning advice and support? Not sure where to start? Would you like a CV, personal statement or application form review? Do you need help with identifying jobs, work experience and internship opportunities?

Come along to meet Liz, your Careers Adviser and Elaine, your Student Development Coordinator to get your career journey started and help your progression.

We offer informal drop in sessions in the café area between 12.30pm-2.30pm alternate Wednesdays each semester. **Download our Arts Directory featuring a list of local employers from the Careers website - www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers**

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Your Careers Adviser: Liz Harrison

118,000 people were reported as being employed in creative and non-creative roles in museums, galleries and libraries in 2015 – a rise of 11.3% on 2014 and the highest since 2011, when the number was 113,000. The figures suggest that employment in music, performing and visual arts has seen steady growth since 2011 and rose by 2.5% in 2015, to 356,000. The creative industries as a whole have increased nearly three times faster than the UK average since 2011.

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Welcome to the Liverpool School of Art and Design Career Planning Guide

I am the link Careers Adviser for the Liverpool School of Art and Design. I offer career-related workshops within the curriculum on topics such as creative job search, making effective applications, interview practice and sessions focused on making an impact within the recruitment process. Along with colleagues I also offer fortnightly Wednesday lunchtime drop-in sessions in the Liverpool School of Art and Design in addition to the individual careers guidance meetings offered in the Aldham Careers Zone.

If you would like to discuss your career plans or need support and guidance in considering your options, please arrange a careers consultation with me. Remember it is never too early to start planning your future!

To book an appointment with me or any other adviser, call into the Careers Zone at Aldham Robarts Library. Alternatively, telephone 0151 231 3719.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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UK CREATIVE INDUSTRIES

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Employer Spotlight: Tate Liverpool LINDSEY FRYER, HEAD OF LEARNING AT TATE LIVERPOOL, TELLS US ABOUT THE ARTS SECTOR AND WHAT IS NEEDED TO WORK AT THE HOME OF ONE OF THE LARGEST COLLECTIONS OF MODERN AND CONTEMPORARY ART OUTSIDE OF LONDON. Do you ever think about how all of those amazing pieces of art work actually make it into exhibitions, presenting memorable experiences for everyone – free of charge? It’s as if there is an army of invisible workers who magically pull everything together for your delectation…

Well, I can assure you that we are real people, with real jobs and real knowledge and skills gained from a whole range of experiences and qualifications. The creative and cultural industries are worth £8.1 billion of the UK economy with 2.8 million jobs.

That’s 1 in 11 (2014), and accounts for 8% of all jobs in the North West (DCMS June 2015).

It’s a global market with many people getting jobs abroad and many people coming to the UK for work in the sector.

Several key posts at Tate Liverpool have been held by people from across Europe such as Germany, Poland, Italy and Portugal and further afield from the US. I often get asked ‘how did you get your job’ as if there is some mystery about it or a sneaky route in. So we in the sector need to get the information out there more effectively! The majority of galleries in the UK are publicly funded through direct government or Arts Council grants, trusts and foundations, sponsorship, and individual giving.

Galleries are for everyone, giving access to the arts for all. Galleries need people who are passionate about this and able to persuade others that funding the arts has direct public benefit. Many have trading arms such as cafes and shops that help generate income so business, retail, and catering skills are essential.

We need people who are; excellent project managers, communicators and influencers; accurate with finance and

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budgets; have practical building skills in creating different spaces for showing art works; creative thinkers to find solutions to tricky problems. We need people who are; knowledgeable about art history and contemporary art practice; people with curiosity, research, writing and publishing skills; people who can communicate clearly about art and have knowledge of arts education, arts and health, and community development. Artists are fundamental to our work in local communities and within non-arts sectors making a positive difference to people’s lives.

Getting experience in the sector helps as you will need to have the edge when applying for jobs. Volunteering and paid internships are two ways but fairly limited in frequency. If you are interested in learning about the sector, meeting new people and having fun, you can find out more about volunteering on our website https://www.tate.org.uk/ about-us/working-at-tate/volunteerinternships. If you are under 25 and want to get involved in creating programmes, then why not join Tate Collective? www.tate.org.uk/tate-collective

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Architecture A career in architecture will enable you to apply your creativity, problem-solving and project management skills to create plans for both new construction projects and redevelopments or refurbishment projects. Architects work closely with other construction professionals, such as quantity surveyors, architectural technologists and engineers.

There are around 30,000 architects in the UK, with most being selfemployed or working in private practice as partners, associates or salaried architects (data from Prospects). Building up a personal network of contacts is important in your industry, so try and do this early on. This has proved to be a success with 30% of LJMU Architecture students finding employment using this method.

Although the majority of students will be undertaking this degree with the intention of qualifying as an architect, the skills and knowledge you will develop on your course can also open up a range of other career paths in the construction or creative sectors, including building surveying, urban planning or interior design.

Further career suggestions and information resources for Architecture students can be found in the Career Insight for this subject, which can be downloaded from the careers resources page of the Careers website - www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

AHR Architects Ltd Craig Foster Halsall Lloyd SDA Architects Ltd Wilson Mason Ellis Williams

Graduate Case Study ROB JONES IS AN ARCHITECTURE GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS FOR K2 ARCHITECTS What does your job involve? ❙❙ Project management (co-ordinating planning, design and construction phases) ❙❙ Collaborate with wider design team and attend regular design team meetings ❙❙ Engage with key stakeholders ❙❙ Design within strict deadlines and often budgetary constraints ❙❙ Building design (CAD/3D/ BIM) ❙❙ Feasibility studies ❙❙ Create presentation bid documents (InDesign) and presentation boards ❙❙ Technical detailing and model making ❙❙ Attend regular RIBA-approved CPD events and architectural events (Venice Biennale) ❙❙ Develop new business contacts/introduce new clients to the practice ❙❙ Support the growth of the practice by implementing and following procedures ❙❙ Supervise and support junior members of staff ❙❙ Keep up to date with the ever changing world of architecture (RIBA/CDM/BIM) Three things you like about your job: I like the practical application of art and design and watching an idea develop from paper into the built environment. I also like challenging each other through our work.

What does the application/selection process at K2 Architects involve and how would you recommend candidates prepare?

I was headhunted for the role at K2 Architects, having previously worked with the directors (Mark and Kevin) whilst at another practice prior to K2 being formed. Part of our usual selection process is to attend the annual degree shows. We approach

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the most talented students and invite them in for interview: ❙❙ At the initial interview we ask students to talk through their degree work, building design, inspiration and narrative. Also any relevant architectural work experience they may have. ❙❙ At K2 people come first, the buildings are secondary. Although we value creativity, we look for good team players who have a desire to learn and show enthusiasm for the goals of the practice. ❙❙ The second interview is more practical and focuses on design ability, software familiarity and managing expectations (of both the practice and the candidate). We discuss current workload and what the job role entails.

Preparation: ❙❙ Up to date portfolio should be presented ❙❙ A selection of work/bound document/digital format to be left with interviewer ❙❙ Research the practice; website/projects and recent news ❙❙ Be able to explain why you are a good fit for the role ❙❙ Why should you be favoured over another candidate; particular strengths, any weaknesses (honesty is valued) or unique qualities ❙❙ Demonstrate awareness of familiar software programmes (students are not expected to be proficient, but a basic understanding is advantageous) What relevant work experience or skills do you look for?

Previous experience of working in an architectural environment is advantageous (not essential). It is also important to have relevant software skills, the

ability to draw by hand, and confident presenting skills.

We also look for evidence of working in a group/leading a group and like to hear about work you have personally completed outside of university to develop your own skills. For example, we have one employee who learnt how to proficiently use 3D max in his own time. Another employee has photography and videography skills. They led the shoot and editing of a client video. Additional skills like this can make all the difference during the selection process.

What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?

Make sure you research the company; include some personal information about the hiring practice such as what attracted you to apply (current projects) and why you think you’d be good for the role.

The CV /cover letters/emails (must be accompanied by portfolio work) should be addressed to the practice directors or dedicated person in charge of hiring. Remember your CV should stand out; architect/designer is a creative role and your CV/ portfolio should reflect this. Where possible handdeliver the CV and ask if the person in charge is available to speak but be prepared to have an interview on the spot (we have done this twice).

Architecture/design is not all about drawing buildings, it also requires technical detailing, describing/writing narrative and the ability to converse with a wide range of people so make sure you convey this in your applications and during interview. Lastly, be friendly, show confidence, and get your personality across!

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Fine Art

There are many opportunities for contemporary artists who are building their own professional practice. You may be able to apply for grants, and supplement your income by running workshops for galleries and museums, taking up residencies, working collaboratively with other artists and artists groups, managing projects within the cultural sector and curating exhibitions and shows.

The arts sector also provides opportunities, including arts administration and curation or teaching art, while creative industries from advertising to the computer games field need artistically-minded people. Many Fine Art graduates also find their way into less directly-related graduate professions, including the Civil Service and the charitable sector.

A graduate says:

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There are a range of other career options that a Fine Art graduate could consider and these include art supplies sales representative, art therapist and event planner.

Fine Art graduates may also apply for mainstream graduate jobs and training in a wide range of industries, such as banking, insurance, media and public relations.

See as many exhibitions as you can to show that you are informed on what’s going on around you and that you understand the importance of research for your own practice engagement. I also really feel like it’s worth mentioning that viewing studio spaces around Liverpool can be just as important as galleries. Liverpool has so many smaller non-corporate contemporary art galleries that show regular exhibitions such as The Royal Standard, Cactus Gallery and Crown Building Studios so I would suggest that students check these out as well.

I would also advise students to volunteer for an evening a week or on weekends in festivals such as Liverpool Biennial to gain experience in the arts sector. I waited until after university to start doing this, but even if your interests lay solely in your art practice, you will be able to meet international artists as well as gather an insight into how exhibitions are planned, built, finalised and maintained.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

Lucy Bretherton, Fine Art graduate

Fact - Gallery Assistant North Wales NHS Trust - Therapeutic Support Worker My Liverpool Life - Media Analyst Ninety Squared - Marketing Researcher Self employed artist and yoga instructor

Postgraduate Case Study CHLOE MCLAUGHLIN IS A FINE ART GRADUATE WHO IS NOW UNDERTAKING A

POSTGRADUATE QUALIFICATION IN SECONDARY PGDE ART AND DESIGN AT LJMU Why did you decide to apply for your postgraduate course?

I felt that I wanted to share the skills and knowledge that I gained from my time on my undergraduate Fine Art course with young people. I also wanted to continue learning in a familiar environment where I completed my BA. I felt that the support network at LJMU is brilliant in aiding me to further my education and help pursue a career which I will love doing every day - teaching art.

What did the application process involve for the programme?

After researching various teaching courses, I applied through UCAS, which involved creating a personal statement. I was then invited to attend an interview which I had prepared a portfolio for. The interview involved a group presentation, a prepared question and five other questions.

What help and support did you access in the Careers Zones?

The Careers Zone was brilliant in assisting me to not only prepare my personal statement but also help me practice interview questions, which really benefited my application process. I was made aware of the different routes I could take into teaching and helped when I needed relevant work experience. Liz from the Careers Zone always responded promptly to my emails and offered endless support throughout the whole application, which helped me secure a place on my desired programme.

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How have you benefited from previous work experience?

Work experience allowed me to observe classes, contribute to organised and stimulating teaching sessions and learn the importance of lesson plans and classroom management whilst working alongside teachers in the art department. This equipped me with broad knowledge and insight into the national curriculum to provide students with necessary and valuable skills.

Would you do anything differently in terms of career planning if you were a first-year undergraduate student again?

I’m glad that I gave myself time to research the courses that I was really interested in as this meant I could complete relevant school experience.

It also gave me plenty of time to prepare my application and for my interview meaning that I didn’t have to stress about applying at the end of my final year on top of final deadlines, as I had already secured a conditional place. If I were a first-year undergraduate student again I would definitely make use of the career services the university provide through drop-in sessions or one-to-one meetings, as they were a great help to my career planning.

What are your plans after finishing your postgraduate programme?

I aspire to transfer my skills, motivate young people and pursue a career as an art teacher.

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Graduate Case Study SAMANTHA DOBSON IS A FINE ART GRADUATE WHO UNDERTOOK AN ARTIST IN RESIDENCE AT JOYA: ARTE AND ECOLOGÍA IN ALMERÍA, ANDALUCÍA, SPAIN. Tell us about your summer:

I had a three-week art residency in June 2017 in Spain with other artists and creative writers, where I did in-depth research based on my current art practice and generated new ideas, whilst reflecting on the work made during my degree. The residency tested out my art practice in a new environment and transformed the way I thought about my current work.

What did the application process involve? How did you prepare for each stage?

I saw the opportunity on the CuratorSpace website. The application process included a portfolio of my art, an artist statement, and an artist CV.

it is always good practice to apply for opportunities just to strengthen the way you write and construct applications.

Especially in your third year, apply to as many opportunities as possible, as this will strengthen the way you write your art statement. This will be incredibly valuable to you when you come to writing final statements towards the assessment period. I found that doing lots of applications made me feel so much more confident when talking and writing about my practice, which even helped my final spoken presentation.

What help or support did you access from the Careers Team at LJMU and how was this useful?

How did you benefit from the residency?

I met new artists and writers from around the world, who positively impacted upon my art practice. I was very open-minded about what the residency could do to my practice, and how it could transform how I think about it.

Throughout my time at university I made careers appointments with different careers advisers and employability advisers, as I then got a range of opinions and ideas on my CV and statements. As CVs are very subjective and arbitrary, it can be a real struggle making a strong, effective CV, so the more people you have looking at it, the better it will become.

What advice would you give other students to improve their employability? Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again?

I also used LJMU’s Arts Directory, which gave me loads of useful links which had information about how to work in the creative sector and information on different ways around getting a career such as selfemployment and working freelance.

In your first year, make an appointment with a Career Adviser and start discussing what you might want to do in the future, even if you’re not sure yet. Consider the options with them and start drafting up a CV, always keeping in mind that the CV can be then redrafted as many times as needed. If you are interested in working in the creative sector and want to be a practising artist, then it would be a great idea to also keep up-to-date with opportunity websites such as CuratorSpace and Art Quest. All sorts of opportunities are posted frequently, and

Have you secured a graduate role?

I want to look into getting a studio space and applying for opportunities such as art prizes, exhibitions, and publications. I really feel like it is important to embrace the opportunities. I have to test out my practice and not plan too rigorously.

JOIN LJMU e-RACING TEAM LJMU e-Racing Team are on the look out for business, marketing, PR, graphic design, film/media, english and journalism students to support our team this academic year. Visit www.ljmueracingteam.com to stand out from the crowd by gaining relevant work experience

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Graphic Design & Illustration Around 185,000 people work across the design sector as a whole, with nearly 40,000 businesses working in graphic design, ranging from major agencies to sole freelancers.

Agencies carry out graphic design work for a range of clients. They may specialise in advertising, corporate communications or general graphic design.

Students who follow an illustration pathway could expect to work within the design and publishing industry in a variety of illustration roles. If you choose an animation pathway you can forge a career in a variety of positions within the broader design (graphic, animation, post-production or games) industries.

Possible career paths for successful students include: graphic designer, freelance illustration, digital designer, brand design, printmaking, animation, web design, advertising and art direction, publishing, motion graphics designer, children’s book illustration, technical illustration, fashion illustration, comic/graphic artist, architectural/interior/product/medical/ scientific visualisation artist, games artist, visual effects artist, digital artist, mobile app designer. Alternatively, you may wish to progress to postgraduate study or teacher training.

Many large organisations have in-house design teams. These include publishers, banks, retailers, government departments, local authorities, universities and packaging companies.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

BGC Studios Gorilla Studios Mills Media Creative Damibu Ltd Hannik Group Lois Tierney freelance illustrator.

Internship Case Study GRAPHIC DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION GRADUATE KATIE JACKSON TELLS US ABOUT HER INTERNSHIP AS A PRINTMAKING FACILITATOR Why did you want to do an internship?

Last October I ran a workshop in the university print studio for a group of first-year Graphic Design and Illustration students. It was a brilliant experience as I loved engaging with the students and introducing the processes of lino and mono printing to them. I was very interested in further developing my skills in teaching/assisting students in making creative work.

Prior to the internship I was familiar with the processes of linoprinting and monoprinting, but the internship gave me a chance to expand my skill base and learn new techniques, including etching, foil blocking and silkscreen.

Where did you find out about the internship?

Through old tutors and university staff, also via email.

Describe the role you are undertaking and your main duties: In this role my duties were primarily around ensuring the smooth running of the print studio which involved prepping silkscreens (exposing stencils onto the screen, washing them down), preparing materials for introductory workshops on different traditional print techniques, housekeeping within the studio and assisting students with any issues they had with their work. The internship has helped develop my communication within a teaching environment. I interacted with a range of students of different skill levels/age, some of whom needed more support than others. I also had to liaise with other teaching staff to organise specific teaching sessions.

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What did the application/selection process involve and how did you prepare for each stage?

I filled out an online application form and wrote a cover letter, and was then selected for an interview. I then went to the interview with examples of my work to discuss the post and my experience in the subject.

What relevant work experience did you use during the selection process?

I had run various independent workshops in needle felting and linoprinting.

What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability?

Don’t give up! It’s not easy but just keep trying. Being a freelance artist is tough but if it’s your passion, keep ploughing on. Social media is vital for artists, so put your out there to be seen! Don’t be afraid to contact people about your work. Be confident, and don’t undervalue yourself! You know your good qualities so let them shine through!

Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again?

Use the facilities as much as you can, and explore all the different avenues you can go down.

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Graduate Case Study JESS LORD, BA (HONS) GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION GRADUATE (2017) REFLECTS ON HER EXPERIENCE OF PARTICIPATING IN THE CATALYST PROGRAMME. How did you find out about the programme?

The Catalyst programme was recommended to me by an employability adviser in the Careers Team when I attended an appointment for a CV and covering letter check in the Aldham Careers Zone after completing my degree. I then researched this further by looking on their website and applied. The application process was really easy and involved filling in a short online form with a few questions.

What did the programme involve?

It was a ten-week programme involving a day’s training a week. The programme has two phases: ‘Be’ and ‘Do’. We spent five days on each, exploring our own skills and characteristics that make us unique. We talked to representatives of businesses about getting noticed through CVs and applications. They also taught us the dos and don’ts, which was very helpful! The workshops we had were always fun, and working within teams helped me to get to know all of the people on the programme. We visited many studios and agencies including Uniform, PH Creative, Mashbo and many more. We were also treated to a tour around Baltic Creative to see all the great work they are doing to help creatives thrive.

How did you benefit from the programme?

I have benefited massively from this programme. It has given me the confidence to go for opportunities that before the programme I would have talked myself out of and has also shown me all the amazing creative studios and agencies that are right here in Liverpool. The programme has opened my eyes to how willing people are to help you in whatever way they can. As well as learning about opportunities in Liverpool, the programme also taught me about myself. The workshops helped us learn about ourselves as well as how businesses work. The programme has expanded my network and boosted my confidence and it’s also a great addition to your CV! What are your plans now?

I am going to follow up with some contacts I have made on the programme to ask about any internship opportunities. I am currently learning animation after being inspired not just by the programme but by the people who I met on the programme. They showed me that a change in direction in your career isn’t impossible.

Catalyst.

A creative programme for creative people.

The ultimate training programme in the North West for people who are looking to get their foot in the door of the creative and digital industry. It’s a programme for you to learn, be challenged and to push your creativity and thinking to their limits.

Held in the heart of Liverpool, Catalyst is delivered by the industry for the industry. You’ll be working alongside like-minds and over 40 industry professionals who will help you to navigate a career in an industry that’s constantly evolving. Over the ten days, you’ll be immersed in a series of workshops, industry talks, open studios and briefs that have been designed to inform you about what the local creative and digital landscape looks like in the city and inspire you to pursue a career that ignites your creativity.

Catalyst runs once a year for ten weeks and is delivered by OH. OH bridges the growing gap between education and industry in the digital sector to connect talent with industry and uncover new ways of working in order to equip the next generation of creative and digital leaders. Aside from Catalyst, they run an interesting programme of events and meet-ups, so sign up for their newsletter to stay up-to-date by visiting www.ohthisway.co.uk or follow them on twitter at @ohthisway.

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Fashion The BA (Hons) Fashion course at LJMU is known for its vibrancy and celebration of diversity in student work. For graduates to compete in the fashion sector, they must have belief in their own style, as well as having a broad understanding of how the industry works. Students are able to undertake placements in the North West as well as working in London, Europe and beyond. Placements over the last year have included, Liverpool One, His and Hers magazine, The Essential Journal, IDOL magazine, CENT magazine, Paul Smith, Peter Pilotto, Mary Katrantzou, Iris Von Herpen - Holland, and Adidas – Germany.

Recent Fashion Design graduates from the LJMU Fashion programme have gone on to work in a range of roles including designers, buyers, production, garment technologists as well as roles in retail management.

Fashion communication offers a range of opportunities including work in PR, marketing, styling, photography and events. With knowledge from location sourcing to final layout and editorial, they are able to offer specialist companies a whole package of transferable skills to work on a broad range of topics.

Examples of recent graduate destinations include: Ted Baker ASOS BooHoo Missguided Burberry Sane Seven

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❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

Matalan Regatta Giles Deacon Pink Media Arcadia

Graduate Case Study HANNAH KELLY IS A FASHION DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS FOR BOOHOO.COM AS A DESIGN INTERN/ASSISTANT ON WOMENSWEAR (DRESSES) What did the application process involve and how did you prepare for each stage?

When boohoo.com came in and gave the presentation I wasn’t really thinking at the time of applying as I was in the middle of changing my whole collection and trying to prepare for the selection of Graduate Fashion Week so it was a really stressful time.

with this and explaining details which I never really would have thought to write. Kayla Owen was also very good at spurring me on to keep going with the competition as you are that busy in final year you have to constantly be doing things.

I first designed four trends taken from street style/catwalks and WGSN for the typical boohoo customer, one of which could be designed as a range. After this stage I was asked for an online video of myself showing my personality; this was awful and very embarrassing however it got me to the final two stages. The third stage and interview stage were based in head office where I work now. I had to style the typical boohoo customer in their current trends and then give my reasoning for it. The final oneto-one interview was with one of the senior designers who had been within the company for eight years.

What aspects of your degree were particularly useful in the selection process?

There were many aspects I found really helpful about the course; there wasn’t really anything I was unhappy with. In particular, I would have to say having boohoo.com come in and give a talk because that got me an unexpected job as a designer straight out of university. The CV help I received from Elaine McNeill and the portfolio and presentations of your own work sessions from Paul Robinson/Kayla Owen were also really helpful. These helped make me more confident in my job role, as we have to present our different designs and trend research multiple times a week and you have to be confident when doing this.

There wasn’t really an easy way to prepare for the interview or the stages as I didn’t really know what to expect, so all I could do was show my portfolio and express my passion for working within a design team.

Although Graduate Fashion Week was a nightmare towards the end, even months after graduating I still feel so proud of it and happy we did it. Employers still pick up on this as I have been asked in other interviews about it.

What help and careers support did you access in the university?

When sending my four trends (first stage) I had a meeting with Elaine McNeill regarding my CV; she was amazing in thoroughly helping me

What advice would you give to students to improve their employability? ❚❚ DO AS MUCH WORK EXPERIENCE AS YOU CAN! That’s all I have to say. Do as much as possible as it will pay off.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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PRACTISE - practise everything. I was a nightmare at university for not practising sewing, now I do it as much as I can. It also helps you grow as a designer because you have the construction knowledge behind it.

CAD - make sure you’re updating your portfolio all the time, as that’s what will get you a job.

Be aware of society and what’s going on around you. It will inspire you in the strangest ways and will introduce you to evolving trends, etc.

Listen to what tutors are telling you, they are actually right even if you think they are wrong! They know what they are talking about. You will only realise this when you start working in the industry.

Would you do anything differently if you were a first-year student again?

I would ask as many questions as I possibly could when it came to manufacturing. It was my downfall in first year as I came from a nonfashion background and felt stupid asking.

Any other advice you would like to share with Fashion students?

Ask your tutors as much as you can, about anything. There are two in particular I had in final year that I have so much to thank for.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

13

Graduate Case Study NIAMH CONWAY, A FASHION DESIGN GRADUATE, TELLS US ABOUT HER EXPERIENCE OF GRADUATE FASHION WEEK

It was such a wonderful week, full of its own ups and downs. There was a lot of anticipation for the show and I was scared things weren’t put on right or fell off or that things got broken on the journey down. I don’t even remember that much of the show because I was so filled with anxiety and nerves!!

The week was intense but well worth all the stress and pain and money that it takes to get there! The collections are all featured on Vogue.com as well as a few

other websites because there were quite a number of press people at each show.

What are you doing next?

Currently, everything is up in air as far as the future goes. I would love to get a job in fashion design, but I am also thinking about doing a Masters course at John Moores of course!

What was the most useful part of your degree at LJMU? I found my tutors’ help and guidance throughout the course was the most useful thing ever. The fashion staff at John Moores are second to none.

What would you do differently if you were a first-year student again?

I would try to do more internships! Also, I did not start my degree at LJMU, as I did my first year at a different university. If I could go back I would choose LJMU first!

Tell us about the final-year Art and Design Show: The final show for Fashion students is the culmination of not just your final year’s work but all three years and it’s so wonderful to see everyone’s work all finished. Everything that went wrong, or that you complained about, or that wasn’t planned, didn’t matter anymore because it’s all finished and we all did it!

It’s a great night for everyone.

Tell us about Graduate Fashion Week: A week after the final-year show we had Graduate Fashion Week in London!

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

History of Art Examples of recent graduate destinations include: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

Museum officer Volunteer co-ordinator Teacher Art gallery manager Visitor services assistant MRES in Art & Design

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Masters in Cultural Studies Masters in Renaissance and Early Modern Studies PGCE in Secondary Art, Craft and Design

A graduate says ...

“

Your degree in History of Art can lead to a variety of professions, particularly in the creative industries. You will develop strong employability skills through the course and will have the opportunity to make connections with a range of local arts organisations, including the Tate. The programme will help you develop your research, writing, communication and teamwork skills and will put you in a good position for working in a variety of professions, such as curating, marketing, arts administration and PR. Other career options available to art historians are museum education officer, archivist, gallery manager or assistant.

Do as much volunteering and apply for as many internships as you can. And get a LinkedIn page. I know friends who have received job offers through LinkedIn. George Chetwode, History of Art graduate

Placement Case Study LUCY MCINTYRE IS A HISTORY OF ART GRADUATE WHO NOW RUNS HER OWN UPCYCLING BUSINESS. SHE TELLS US HOW IT ALL BEGAN AND ABOUT HER FUTURE PLANS Tell me about your enterprise activities? How did you get started?

I actually started my small business in furniture upcycling back in 2013, but I didn’t know how to market it as a business! So I really only made pieces for family and friends and didn’t make any money off it, but it helped me fine-tune the skills I now have. I was suffering with severe agoraphobia and I was trying to come up with a way of making money without having to face my biggest fear of leaving my house.

The business is a vintage furniture upcycling business. Upcycling has a few meanings, but for my work I upcycle by painting, upholstering and wallpapering vintage furniture and I give it a ‘Liverpool’-themed design.

What help did you receive from the Careers Team at LJMU? I had advice and support from the Careers Team during L5 in particular when I participated in the work-based learning module. I was also given all the information I could possibly need about the Centre for Entrepreneurship, from how to pitch and where to go to find them. I would say I received all the help they could possibly send my way.

You had support for your ideas from the Centre for Entrepreneurship. Did you have to pitch your business idea to a panel?

I did! I entered a competition set up by the Centre for Entrepreneurship, where you had to pitch your idea to four judges for the chance to win £250 for your startup costs. This was quite daunting, as I had never done anything like it before and this was pre-symposium days! It was a good day however; I was nervous but got some really good feedback. I didn’t win, but I wasn’t too surprised nor concerned, as I could actually see where I had fallen short. The winner had developed their idea beyond ‘this is what I do’ and had created business cards, a website and social media pages and even had a name for her business, which I only came up with the night before! At this point I was still planning all of that and didn’t really put the effort in. But after the pitch I rethought the way I advertised and spread the word about my budding business. I also decided on a name, ‘In My Liverpool Home’.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

What advice would you give your first-year self?

I would tell myself to approach the Centre for Entrepreneurship way back in first year! I had everything I have now, in terms of ideas and skills, way back then, but I didn’t bother mentioning it as I wasn’t sure I was good enough to try owning my own business! I would also tell myself to stop worrying that I won’t succeed at university due to my mental health disabilities, and to relax a lot more during the first two years.

What are your plans for the future?

I currently have four and hopefully soon seven of my pieces for sale at Red Brick Vintage and Hangar at Cains Brewery! So my plans for the future are to continue doing what I am doing and to continue learning at every step of the way, be it a new upcycling technique or a better way to boost social media responses. The key is to fine-tune this great little business idea that I’ve been afforded thanks to the University, and ensure that I do not let my skills go to waste. I would also like my own shop space, as opposed to sharing a space with another business, but that is currently out of my hands.

How has your degree helped you develop?

My degree has actually helped me to develop in ways I cannot describe. When I look back at myself four years ago, I couldn’t leave my own house with panic disorder, now I’m graduating, and going onto an MRes programme here at LJMU and I’m the owner of my own small business! It’s been an absolutely incredible turnaround, and one that I can honestly say I would never have experienced had it not been for my degree and the staff at LJMU, particularly Dr Emma Roberts, for supporting me during my time here. The process of re-entering into society, especially a very social and noisy one, was very hard, but there was never a moment in time where I felt I was singled out, excluded or treated any differently, so that has all been a great confidence booster as well as being extremely reassuring that attitudes towards mental health are finally improving.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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Internship Case Study CALLUM CRADDOCK IS A HISTORY OF ART STUDENT WHO UNDERTOOK AN INTERNSHIP AT ADAM PARTRIDGE AUCTIONEERS AS AN ART HANDLER What placement role did you secure and what did this involve on a day-to-day basis?

I conducted my internship at Adam Partridge Auctioneers. Drawing on my previous experience working within a gallery space and knowing that I am a very hands-on learner, art handling was an area that specifically appealed to me. I worked in a different area of the auction house each week performing different aspects of the art-handling role including: unpacking and photographing items; learning how items were evaluated; moving furniture and other items to prepare for auction day; identifying and displaying lots during the auction; and making sure the correct person received the correct item at the end of the day.

Auction preparation day involved tidying, getting the items in the correct display cases and organising lots to be easily identifiable as the auctioneer called its lot number. I was also given an auction catalogue and, wanting to gain as much as possible from my experience at Partridges, I went through each lot one by one writing some notes about the item and its location within the auction house. During auction day I was also entrusted with identifying paintings on the wall with a microscopic pointer as the auctioneer called the artwork and the artist’s name. This was very beneficial to me as my goal is to move into a more art-based environment, so learning to memorise artworks and artists will help me improve in other areas of an art gallery such as information assistant and curatorial assistant.

What did the application process involve? How did you prepare for each stage?

During my search for an internship, the History of Art group and I attended a university-organised visit to Adam Partridge Auctioneers and I took the initiative to organise working there for my placement.

At the end of our visit I introduced myself to the head auctioneer and explained how interested I was in learning more about the auction house and was eager to gain some hands-on experience. He gave me his business card and after I emailed him a copy of my CV and a cover letter, we were able to arrange a date for me to begin my internship.

I found that having a specific area I wanted to gain experience in clear in my mind from the beginning made the process of finding an internship much easier as I was able to use my time effectively to tailor my emails to target art-handling at specific institutions. I

would definitely say to other students that perseverance is key, especially if there is a specific area you are looking to gain experience in.

How do you feel that the placement has benefited you?

I have gained many transferable skills that can be applied throughout many different aspects of the art world, such as museums, galleries, working with photography or ancient artefacts. Overall, I feel I have established myself as a confident handler. Working at Partridges has developed my self-confidence and shown me that I would like to pursue a more challenging role within an art institution. I am very interested in initiating conversation within an art context with visitors and having the ability to discuss contemporary issues and relevant arguments. My goal is to progress to a more significant art institution to further my understanding of art handling and working behind the exhibition scene and I feel the experience gained during this internship, especially in terms of identifying my qualities and areas for improvement, will help me to achieve this.

What advice would you give other students to improve their employability?

I have found that gaining a wide range of different work experiences has been really useful to help me identify what areas I specifically enjoy working in and would like to pursue in the future. So I would definitely say to other students to be flexible and open to trying new areas of work. Also, don’t be disheartened if you are not successful for a specific role or experience opportunity. Keep persevering as these knock-backs will only make your experiences more meaningful when you do secure them.

What help or support did you access from the Careers Team at LJMU and how was this useful?

I personally have found the Careers Team really useful in helping me to develop a professional CV that fully highlighted my skillset to potential employers. I have learnt the importance of ensuring your CV is continually updated so that if any work opportunities arise you are fully prepared. The Careers Team has also helped me to identify what skills and experiences employers may be looking for and has taught me how to identify my own strengths and areas for improvement in relation to this.

ARTS DIRECTORY

The Careers Team have produced an Arts Directory of local organisations offering jobs, internships, voluntary roles and freelance opportunities for creatives.

Download a copy of the directory from the resources page of our website:

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Where to look for opportunities: Student development in LSAD Elaine McNeill is the Student Development Coordinator for the Liverpool School of Art and Design. Elaine offers creative careers support and professional development opportunities for art and design students.

Elaine supports students in gaining valuable work experience.

These opportunities include:

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Live projects that are delivered in partnership with local and national business organisations. Students produce valuable research and products for external partners. This provides opportunities to develop transferable skills and gain real industry experience vital for the CV. Travel which can offer a fantastic cultural development opportunity. The Erasmus programme provides funding to students for three-month placements in Europe. The Susan Cotton Travel Award also provides financial support for travel relating to personal development and academic achievement.

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Placements to improve graduate job opportunities and increase students’ awareness of industry. By undertaking practical work experience students gain confidence in their abilities and develop relevant industry skills. This insight can lead to better informed career choices.

Outreach to enrich undergraduate learning and strengthen the relationships between the University, local schools, health services and community groups. As part of the exciting and varied outreach activities, students supervise participants, deliver activities and share their experiences of university life.

Fashion Outreach Programme

Arts Loco: arts in health project

The Fashion Outreach programme is a ten-week BME project to engage young people who are underrepresented in higher education and give them an insight into studying fashion.

Fashion students can gain work experience as teaching assistants, supporting the school pupils, providing guidance, demonstrations and showing examples of work appropriate for the project. It gives Fashion students the chance to try out a teaching role, fulfil module requirements and develop their fashion design skills as well as personal and professional attributes.

Arts Loco is an arts in health project run in collaboration with the Faculty of Arts, Professional and Social Studies, Faculty of Science, the School of Nursing, and Aintree University Hospital. Offered as an extra-curricular work placement activity, Arts Loco is a programme that brings students closer to the practice of arts in health. The programme pairs creative arts students with nursing students, and tasks them with developing suitable arts activities for hospital patients during six weeks of workshops and training in arts in health. A number of students have developed successful activities that PARTIA (Aintree University Hospital’s arts programme) has adopted in their day-to-day ward activities.

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If you wish to know more about any of these projects or opportunities and would like to get involved, please contact: Elaine McNeill, email: e.mcneill@ljmu.ac.uk tel: 0151 904 1140

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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Volunteering at the Bluecoat, Liverpool The Bluecoat runs a regular volunteer programme and seeks to recruit volunteers who are passionate about art, music, dance, and literature, and who are keen to gain experience at the Bluecoat.

Volunteering can be a great way to meet new people, learn new skills and gain useful experience.

The Bluecoat has been supported by an amazing team of 80 volunteers. These volunteers are vital in providing a positive visitor experience, working alongside the front of house and participation teams to facilitate workshops, events and assisting in the galleries.

Whether you are looking for experience in a gallery environment to support your studies or to help your professional development, what better way to have fun, meet new friends, gain new skills and contribute to the local community?

Becoming a volunteer at the Bluecoat will give you a great sense of reward and satisfaction. Available opportunities are listed below.

For more details or to receive an application form, please contact Gul Turner, Front of House Coordinator, by email Gul.t@thebluecoat.org.uk or call 0151 702 5324.

Volunteer Gallery Invigilator:

Volunteer Event Steward:

To invigilate the gallery spaces, providing excellent service to all visitors. Working hours will be either 10-2pm or 2-6pm any day of the week including Saturdays, Sundays and bank holidays. Duties include:

The primary role of a steward is to assist with the delivery of an enjoyable and safe experience for event audiences. Stewards help the Bluecoat to maintain a high level of customer care and provide practical assistance both inside and outside the venue.

Responsibilities will vary for each performance, and support and supervision will be given by the Duty Manager. Duties include:

❚❚ Invigilating all gallery spaces – ensuring that the security of the artworks is not compromised ❚❚ Providing excellent and proactive customer service based on existing guidelines ❚❚ Providing visitors with information about the current exhibitions, and all aspects of the Bluecoat including events and activities and information about the local area Volunteering in the galleries can help volunteers get experience in working with the public and develop skills such as communication and customer service.

Volunteer Workshop Assistant: To assist the workshop facilitator during workshops and offer a high quality experience for visitors/families. Main duties: ❚❚ Meeting and greeting visitors ❚❚ Recording participant numbers ❚❚ Assisting with setting up and clearing away of spaces and materials ❚❚ Assisting participants on a one-to-one basis ❚❚ Handing out and receiving visitor feedback forms

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

❚❚ To provide particular assistance, if required, to customers with specific access requirements ❚❚ Checking tickets and assisting customers to their seats ❚❚ Dealing effectively with latecomers and other audiencerelated enquiries ❚❚ Using a radio for operational communication with other team members ❚❚ Assisting with the safe evacuation of our customers and help with marketing or other campaigns beneficial to the Bluecoat An average shift is about three hours long. Stewards can choose which performances they sign up for. Volunteer Stewards are a vital part of the Front of House team at the Bluecoat, providing great customer service to all visitors and in return, they offer: ❚❚ Experience of a busy customer-facing environment ❚❚ A valuable, friendly and welcoming environment to work in ❚❚ To be able to attend a variety of events and performances ❚❚ Being part of a dynamic and vital arts centre in the heart of the community

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SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

Get support on your doorstep in our campus

Careers Zones

WHETHER YOU WANT TO EXPLORE YOUR CAREER OPTIONS, GET YOUR CV AND APPLICATION FORM CHECKED, FIND A WORK PLACEMENT,

IMPRESS AT INTERVIEW OR MEET AND NETWORK WITH EMPLOYERS, WE CAN HELP IN A VARIETY OF WAYS VIA OUR CAMPUS CAREERS ZONES.

LJMU’s Careers Team provides tailored careers support to all LJMU students during their studies through delivery of careers education, information, advice and guidance from our three campus-based Careers Zones. The Careers Zones are located in Aldham Robarts Library, Byrom Street and IM Marsh Library. Call in to find out how we can help you.

Alternatively phone us on 0151 231 2048/3719 if you can’t make it into a Careers Zone.

What support can I get in the Careers Zones?

Support from your Careers Adviser

Support from Employability Advisers

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Bookable appointments with Careers and Employability Advisers to provide you with individual, tailored support

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Drop ins (no appointment required) to speak to an adviser and access help with quick careers and employabilityrelated questions

In the Liverpool School of Art and Design, you have your own dedicated Careers Adviser, Liz Harrison. You are likely to meet Liz at some point during your programme of study. She is available for:

Our Employability Advisers Anja Heid, Jenny Hammond, Nicola Davenport, Gwyneth Tyrer, Sally Beyer and Karen Forman work across the university Careers Zones providing professional, personalised advice on:

Signposting to useful resources and information

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Signposting to careers events, workshops and fairs

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Access to a range of employers who regularly visit the Zones

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Help to access our online careers tools via ‘Careers Zone 24/7’

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Help to access our job search websites including GoinGlobal

Expert job sector advice and information tailored to your needs

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Careers guidance interviews to discuss career options with your degree, including finding jobs/ postgraduate options and gaining relevant work experience

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{

Looking for jobs and the application process Tailoring your CV & covering letters Writing applications and personal statements for work experience, jobs, postgraduate study and PhDs Preparing for interviews

INTERVIEW PRACTICE SESSIONS We offer individual interview practice sessions to help build your confidence by experiencing a one-to-one ‘mock’ interview with a trained assessor who will give you detailed feedback and advice. Whether you want to practise your interview technique or are preparing for a real life interview, you can book in to use this service.

A student says ...

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I booked an appointment at the Careers Zone to speak to an Employability Adviser. She recommended several improvements to my CV and new opportunities I should consider including going to local networking events. I met my future manager at the very first event I went to. The Employability Adviser has kept in touch for a long time after the appointment to help me with my LinkedIn account and my formal interview with the manager later. Overall, the recommendations from staff from the Careers Zones were close to real businesses’ expectations, which was extremely helpful.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

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Connect with

employers

THERE ARE NUMEROUS WAYS YOU CAN CONNECT WITH

EMPLOYERS WHILE YOU STUDY, ALLOWING YOU TO NETWORK, DISCUSS OPPORTUNITIES, GET THEIR ADVICE AND FIND OUT MORE ABOUT THEIR CAREER JOURNEY.

01.

EMPLOYER VISITS TO CAREERS ZONES

02.

RECRUITMENT FAIRS & FESTIVALS

03.

SPECIALIST WORKSHOPS

Employers regularly visit the three Careers Zones at LJMU to discuss their opportunities and to meet and network with students. See below for more information about who has visited the Zones.

LJMU run a range of large-scale careers fairs, where you can meet and talk with employers about career options, and recruitment fairs, which feature graduate employers and recruitment agencies with jobs to recruit. Go to careers.ljmu.ac.uk to see what is coming up. Other large-scale fairs run around the country so check local listings at https://www.prospects.ac.uk/events

Each year we run a series of specialist workshops for students that fall outside of the regular yearround careers and employability workshops. In the last academic year for instance we ran workshops about graduate schemes, gaining work experience, and applying to graduate courses in dentistry and medicine.

04.

GUEST SPEAKERS

05.

EMPLOYER PRESENTATIONS

Guest speakers are usually featured as part of the curriculum but we also arrange for speakers to come into LJMU to talk about their job role and industry. Sometimes this will be part of an industry event, such as the ‘A Career in Clinical Psychology ’ event we arranged last year.

Employers visit the university to highlight job and placement opportunities for students and graduates. Often these will be bigger employers who are advertising graduate schemes or industrial placements. Last year Aldi, the British Council and Teach First all spoke at LJMU.

Employers in the Careers Zones ...

Employers visit the Careers Zones each week offering real jobs, internships and other career opportunities.

Check with staff in the Careers Zone to find out who’s coming in and don’t miss these great opportunities to meet and network with employers from a range of sectors.

Organisations who have visited the Zones include:

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Liverpool Universities Officer Training Corps Civil Service Fast Stream Careers in Teaching Hire STEM Women CRISIS Smaller Earth Brook Barclays Digital Eagles Enterprise Rent-a-Car NCS Challenge

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

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All Wales Public Service Graduate Programme Camp Counsellors USA Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Liverpool FC Foundation The Right Legal Group VMM International Catch 22 Chatteris Education Foundation Shropshire Wildlife Trust Hays Construction

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Everton in the Community Decathlon Reed Digital Service Cover Hays Recruitment Anthony Nolan/Marrow QVC Reed Scientific Camp America HMRC

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SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

Careers website THE CAREERS WEBSITE IS THE FIRST PORT OF CALL TO FIND OUT ABOUT CAREERS SERVICES, TO ACCESS ONLINE CAREERS TOOLS AND TO DOWNLOAD ANY OF OUR GUIDES AND RESOURCES

01.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDES

02.

CAREER INSIGHTS

Each year, working alongside academic colleagues, the Careers Team produces school-specific Career Planning Guides, which give information about career options related to your degree as well as a range of articles about careers topics including CVs, applications forms, interviews, finding graduate level jobs and more.

These handy guides provide a more in-depth overview of career options with your degree and signpost you to useful links to get your research into future careers and employers under way.

03.

MINI GUIDES

04.

CAREERS ZONE 24/7

05.

BOOK A WEBINAR

06.

SEARCH FOR JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The Careers Team have distilled their wisdom on career planning, CVs, applications and interviews into a series of short guides. Also use our mini guides for further information on postgraduate study, including teacher training, and subject-specific advice, e.g. for Science, Arts and Nursing students.

We have a range of digital careers tools available to enable you to work on vitally important employability skills at your own pace, in your own time, either on or off campus. The 24/7 tools suite includes CV Builder, Interview Simulator, Careers Newsroom, CV and Interview Learning Zone, Job Search websites, GoinGlobal and more.

A webinar is an online class which you can attend from anywhere on any device with an internet or WiFi connection. Sessions include Finding Hidden Jobs, Effective Applications, Introduction to LinkedIn - the ‘Facebook’ for Professionals, Winning CVs, Interview Success and more. To book go to: https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk

Search for part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, work placements, internships or graduate roles.

Our job search websites are free to all students and graduates and list opportunities with both regional, national and international employers. Go to Careers Zone 24/7 on the Careers website to access the sites.

To visit the Careers website go to:

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

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Careers Zone 24/7

online careers tools

WE HAVE A RANGE OF DIGITAL CAREERS TOOLS AVAILABLE VIA THE CAREERS TEAM WEBSITE TO ENABLE YOU TO WORK ON VITALLY IMPORTANT EMPLOYABILITY AND TRANSITION SKILLS AT YOUR OWN PACE, IN YOUR OWN TIME, BOTH ON OR OFF CAMPUS

01.

CV AND COVER LETTER BUILDER

02.

INTERVIEW SIMULATOR

CV builder and cover letter builder allow you to create an expert CV and covering letter within minutes and download into multiple templates.

Watch videos of employers discussing what they need to see in each section of your CV and covering letter. This tool is ideal for students looking to write their first CV or cover letter.

The interview simulator allows you to take a mock interview and test yourself with interactive questions and best practice answers from experienced professionals to build up your confidence and competence.

03.

CAREERS NEWSROOM

04.

CAREER ASSESSMENTS

05.

PRACTICE PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS

Features thousands of articles on careers and employability from leading global publications, updated every week with a newsletter function built in.

Each assessment provides a report for each student with tailored recommendations. Assessments include: personality insights, temperament, strengths, learning styles, sound decision-making, assertiveness, customer focus, emotional control, management skills, stress management and more.

Practice aptitude tests including numerical, verbal, inductive, diagrammatic, logical, situational judgement, critical thinking, error checking and e-tray exercises and a wealth of other assessment tools used by graduate employers via Careers Zone 24/7. See p.46 for further details.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

06.

GOINGLOBAL DATABASE

07.

INDEED JOB SEARCH

The database allows you to search for jobs and internships around the world. It contains country career guides, information on visas and local culture, employer directories and much more.

Access GoinGlobal via Careers Zone 24/7 or visit: http://online.goinglobal.com/default.aspx

Allows you to search millions of jobs, in over 50 countries, from thousands of job sites, newspapers, recruiters and company career sites.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

CareerSmart:

Explore, Experience and Engage FIND OUT MORE ABOUT LJMU’S CAREER DEVELOPMENT AND EMPLOYABILITY PROGRAMME AND HOW IT CAN HELP YOU WHILST STUDYING AT LJMU

All students in their first year of study will have an opportunity to engage with the first stage of the ‘CareerSmart’ programme as an integral part of a core module of study.

The ‘CareerSmart: Explore’ e-learning tool will introduce you to the steps involved in making informed choices about your career. It enables you to consider your strengths and development areas, career motivators, the options available to you and the necessary steps to take to achieve your career goals.

You will then have the opportunity to complete the next stage of the programme, ‘CareerSmart: Experience’. Here, you will learn about the value of work-related learning by finding out about the range of opportunities available, eg Work-Based Learning, part-time work, internships, volunteering, work shadowing and international opportunities. You will also learn about the benefits of these experiences including skill development, networking and sector insight. This stage also includes resources on how to find work experience and making the most of the opportunity.

The third stage of the programme, ‘CareerSmart: Engage’ is employer-informed and you will find out what graduate recruiters are looking for in successful candidates. The resource will support you through each stage of the graduate recruitment process, including the job search, application process, and selection methods – interviews, psychometric tests, assessment centres.

The CareerSmart programme complements the wide range of career-related provision and services available to LJMU students to support your development throughout your studies, including the one-to-one careers information, advice and guidance delivered in the campus Careers Zones.

CareerSmart: Explore e-learning assessment For students starting a programme of study in 2018, the CareerSmart: Explore e-learning resource will be completed as an assessment of one of your first-year modules. The resource will take you through steps to help you to set some goals for your first year, which can help you on your career development journey. The steps include an exploration of the following areas:

❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

Where am I now?

Reflecting on your current skills, interests and experience Where do I want to be?

Discovering your career options with your degree How do I get there?

Understanding the steps to take to achieve your career plans

A Careers Adviser says ...

“

Competition for professional jobs is tough but LJMU are confident that our enhanced career development and employability programme will enable you to compete against the best candidates and win.

There are many options open to you after you finish university. However, whilst it is great to know that there are so many options open to you, at the same time it can feel confusing and overwhelming to have so many choices.

The first thing to remember is that uncertainty about your future career plan is normal and that many students feel this way! Although it may appear as if everyone around you has ‘a plan’ and that your fellow students all know what job they want to do in the future, this may not necessarily be the case.

It is important not to panic if you are undecided about which career path you want to take. Nevertheless, it is vital to address this uncertainty and to develop a plan of the steps which you need to take to move yourself forward.

Remember that the process of career planning can take time as you need to do some reflection about your own suitability in relation to career choice, and you also need time to thoroughly research your options. Therefore try and start the process of thinking about future careers as early as you can, ideally from your first year of university.

Student feedback about CareerSmart: ❙❙ ❙❙ ❙❙

❙❙ ❙❙ ❙❙

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

“Gave me a great starting block for planning my future career.”

“It helped me feel more confident about my future and what I need to do to get there.”

“It got me actively thinking about my future in advance. I think it is very important to think ahead before you graduate to give yourself time to be certain of what career you want to pursue, so you can start applying for placements and internships to enhance your chances of being successful.

And I think that the assignment really helped me with that.”

“It helped me realise how many roles are available and how much our university can help.”

“I found it really helpful and it gave me some ideas of how to make the most of my university experience.”

“I feel I am now able to start doing the right things, like getting involved more, to help me become more prepared for a job at the end of my course.”

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Be the one who inspires SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

23

#GetintoTeaching

A SALARIED ROUTE INTO TEACHING MADE IT POSSIBLE FOR ME TO PURSUE A CAREER DOING SOMETHING I LOVE n Bursaries of up to £32,000* and salaried programmes available (subject dependent)

n Starting salary of £22,000-£27,000 a year (upon qualification)

n University-led and School Direct routes

n We are one of a small number of universities offering the PGDE route into teaching, enabling you to top up your qualification with further study and gain a Masters degree in your first year of teaching

n PGDE courses in Early Years, Primary Teaching and a wide variety of Secondary subjects n Excellent career progression opportunities

For a fulfilling career helping young people to achieve their dreams *subject and qualification dependent. For the latest bursary information, visit getintoteaching.education.gov.uk

START YOUR TEACHING JOURNEY TODAY www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CALL: 0151 231 5340 VISIT: www.ljmu.ac.uk/education

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

24

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

How to make the most of your

university time

THE MAJORITY OF STUDENTS GO TO UNIVERSITY TO ULTIMATELY SECURE A JOB WITH GREAT PROSPECTS. EMPLOYABILITY ADVISER NICOLA DAVENPORT LOOKS AT SOME IDEAS TO IMPROVE YOUR EMPLOYABILITY IN EACH YEAR OF STUDY.

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So you’ve got your place at university, you’re fulfilling all of your course commitments and enjoying yourself, but are you really making the most of your time?

In addition to your academic qualifications, employers look for people who can show motivation, enthusiasm, proactivity and commitment. You can demonstrate all of these things through your extracurricular activities and employment.

Work experience is key and you can find this in many forms: placements, part-time work, work shadowing, volunteering and internships. Before you look for experience, evaluate your existing skill set and analyse the labour market to find out what you may need in the future - can you find a role that will help you develop these skills now? There are a number of ways the Careers Team can help you improve your employability, so come along and see us.

DID YOU KNOW? Nearly a fifth of LJMU graduates of the class of 2017 did some voluntary work whilst at university, and over 70% of graduates had a paid, parttime job alongside their studies. In addition to looking great on your CV, research suggests that getting involved in voluntary work can also boost your self-esteem and improve your mental health.

{

What can I do?

In addition to gaining relevant work experience, there are many other ways that you can show motivation and enthusiasm whilst also developing skills. You could: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

Chair or set up a society, or become a course representative Writing, presenting or other work with a student newspaper or radio station Put on an event – music, charity…

Volunteer or fundraise with a charity Complete a sponsored activity/ challenge, such as a run, climbing a mountain Learn a language Do you have a business idea?

Get in touch with the Centre for Entrepreneurship!

Learn a new skill – cooking, music, sport Enter competitions – writing, business, finance, student, enterprise….

Take up mentoring opportunities

As well as being a great way to get to know people and enjoy yourself, all of these things can help your employability and look great on your CV.

Looking for greater insight about career options related to your degree?

Fine Art

Fashion/Fashion Communication

CAREER INSIGHT

CAREER INSIGHT

LJMU CAREERS TEAM

LJMU CAREERS TEAM

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk

0151 231 2048/3719 ❚ careers@ljmu.ac.uk

Download our course-specific Career Insights from:

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

YOUR CAREER JOURNEY SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

25

FIRST YEAR: EXPLORE Meet

Join

your Careers Team at a Careers Zone or visit the Careers website www2.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

clubs or societies or become a course representative via the Students’ Union

Explore

LJMU and all its opportunities and support and research voluntary opportunities

Plan

start to think about your career ideas and begin planning

START UNIVERSITY

Go global

take a look at the opportunities abroad via LJMU or an external provider

SECOND YEAR: EXPERIENCE Research

your chosen career path/ options

Experience

Get involved

get relevant paid work, volunteer or work shadow

Get advice

seek out opportunities to enhance your university experience

from your Careers Team (advice and guidance, CVs, interview help)

Find

get relevant experience via a placement or internship

FINAL YEAR: ENGAGE Utilise

your Careers Team and their expert knowledge to look for and get your dream job

Reflect

on your experiences and how you can evidence these to employers

Engage

with your career sector and/ or organisation

Apply

for graduate schemes and graduate level jobs or consider further study

Graduate Outcomes is a national survey which gathers information about the activities and viewpoints of graduates 15 months after they’ve finished their studies. For graduating students GRADUATION your response to this survey is very important as it will provide future students with insight into their potential career destinations, enable LJMU’s Careers Team to offer tailored careers advice which you can continue to access for life as a LJMU graduate, provide higher education institutions, policy makers, researchers and others with data to understand current trends within the graduate jobs market and contribute to the University’s positioning in league tables. Anyone who graduates after 1 August 2017 will be asked to complete the Graduate Outcomes survey. The Graduate Outcomes survey is a statutory process for all higher education providers and is coordinated by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA). The operations and data collection element of the Graduate Outcomes survey will be undertaken by a third-party survey contractor who will work in collaboration with HESA, Funding Bodies and UK Higher Education Providers. To help LJMU, all you need to do before you leave University is ensure you keep your contact details up to date via LJMU Connect (https://ljmuconnect.com) and complete the survey when you are contacted approximately 15 months after completing your course. www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

26

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

Move up to Masters

The benefits of postgraduate study As you plan your next step after graduation, don’t forget that a Masters could give you the opportunity to assess your aspirations, enhance your career prospects, enjoy further study in your chosen subject or allow you to change direction. Postgraduate study at LJMU is an increasingly popular choice and one that can make you stand out from the crowd in the jobs market.

Fit your studies around your life

Many of our taught masters programmes are only a year long and, if you want to work whilst you study, some are available on a parttime basis. We even offer distance learning and evening taught programmes. In essence, there’s something for everyone in our choice of over 140 courses.

deliver the knowledge, skills and experience you need to achieve your professional ambitions.

What a Masters says about you

Can I afford it?

Our programmes are delivered by academics actively involved in innovative research or consultancy. It is this combination of academic expertise and ‘real world’ experience that ensures our offerings are up-to-date, accredited by key professional bodies and

On top of the recently introduced postgraduate loans, there are Professional Career Development loans, employer sponsorships and bursaries available for higher-level study. And what’s best of all, as a continuing LJMU student, you may be eligible for a massive 20% off your postgraduate tuition fees or a scholarship for international students (see terms and conditions at ljmu.ac.uk).

What next?

“

Postgraduate study itself demonstrates your ability to learn independently, to apply yourself to real research and to venture into unchartered waters. It also opens new doors, giving you the opportunity to study in areas you may not have considered and explore different career paths.

To find out more about postgraduate options at LJMU, take a look at our web pages: ljmu.ac.uk/postgraduate

My postgraduate experience ...

WITH A BA AND AN MA IN PHILOSOPHY FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF LEEDS, GINA CAME TO LJMU TO STUDY FOR AN MA IN FINE ART.

“I came here on the recommendation of a friend already studying on the course. I was attracted by the discursive nature of the programme and its links with external facilities and institutions in Liverpool.

“The course has a real feeling of community and a sense of collaboration. It has really exceeded my expectations in terms of the opportunities I have been given.

“Our tutors are very hands on and provide great academic feedback but there is so much more on offer too. The library staff are excellent and there’s a lot of holistic, wellbeing support.

“The student population is very much integrated into the local community in Liverpool and I think that’s why so many former students stay here.”

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

27

Professional and personal development

opportunities abroad

EMPLOYERS ARE ALWAYS LOOKING FOR SOMETHING EXTRA ON YOUR CV. CONSIDER ADDING SOME INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE TO YOURS BY COMPLETING A TRIP ABROAD Pursuing a degree at university can be a daunting experience, especially if you choose to live away from home. However, once you have taken that initial leap, you may find that the path to further experiences becomes a lot clearer as your confidence grows.

Whether you wish to study, intern or volunteer abroad, you may be surprised at the range of opportunities available to you via multiple funding routes. The best news is, you don’t have to limit yourself to just one either.

{

01.

GET IN TOUCH

Study Abroad

LJMU have a number of Erasmus+ partners in Europe and partner universities in the USA where you can study abroad for one semester during your second year of study or for a whole year, in between your second and third year at LJMU. LJMU students are entitled to Erasmus+ grants or the LJMU travel bursary if studying in the US, helping you to afford your placement. Talk to the International Mobility Coordinator in your School about potential placements to suit your course needs and follow @LJMUGlobalOpps on Twitter and Instagram for more information when applications are open.

03.

Go Global

LJMU offer students the chance to bid for up to £1,500 (£750 for postgraduate students)* to help fund the adventure of a lifetime.

You can find an experience anywhere in the world that will help you develop both personally and professionally, and LJMU will help you to achieve it.

This could involve working with animal conservation teams in Africa, building houses in developing communities, being a camp counsellor, taking part in sports development programmes or anything else you set your mind to. For further information, visit www.ljmu.ac.uk/ students/go-abroad/ where you can find out more details on the many opportunities available, including the organisations LJMU work with to offer these opportunities to students, such as Smaller Earth ljmu.smallerearth.com. *Funding limit is subject to change

05.

{

For more information about international opportunities: Email: goabroadteam@ljmu.ac.uk Follow: @LJMUGlobalOpps Visit: ljmu.ac.uk/students/go-abroad

Erasmus+ Traineeship (work placement)

02.

Putting your knowledge to good use in a work environment is great for your CV, but working abroad will certainly make your CV stand out from the crowd. With Erasmus+ traineeships, you can work in Europe for two to 12 months and get funding with the Erasmus+ grant to help you with your expenses. You can complete your traineeship at almost any organisation in Europe, whether that be one of the organisations LJMU has an existing relationship with, or whether it be a traineeship you have sourced yourself. Talk to your tutor to find out what options they can recommend to you.

CRCC Asia Internship

04.

LJMU have partnered up with CRCC Asia to offer Liverpool John Moores students the opportunity to complete a two-month summer internship in Asia in sectors including business, IT, law, media, tourism, marketing, not-for-profit and green technology. Students have previously worked in Shanghai, Tokyo and Ho Chi Minh City, with more international opportunities available each year.

The programme is funded, including flights, accommodation, visas and insurance, and students have the chance to immerse themselves in a new culture, learn a new language and expand their global network. Look out for more information by following @LJMUGlobalOpps on Twitter and Instagram.

International Summer Schools

Each summer, LJMU students have the opportunity to attend one of several LJMU International Summer Schools. In 2018, students visited Shanghai, Changshu and Jiaxing in China, Lima, Sharjah and Zaragoza, where they completed one-to-two week programmes at our partner universities, as well as exploring new cultures, learning new languages and making new friends. These opportunities are funded by LJMU, including flights, accommodation, visas and insurance, and the university plans to expand the opportunities even further across the globe.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

28

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

work experience with your Students’ Union

Get great

DID YOU KNOW THAT BY GETTING INVOLVED WITH JMSU YOU COULD HUGELY INCREASE YOUR SKILLS AND

EMPLOYABILITY, ENHANCE YOUR CV AND IMPROVE YOUR CHANCES OF FINDING A JOB ONCE YOU LEAVE UNIVERSITY? Iya! We’re JMSU. Like the name says - we are here for LJMU students. Every single one of you. We represent you, we support you, and we make sure you have an absolutely boss time at Uni. We offer loads of opportunities for you to gain valuable (and fun) work experience whilst you’re studying at LJMU.

❙❙ We offer full-time, year round, paid jobs … in our four Student Officer positions. ❙❙ You can volunteer with us ... As the Captain, President or Committee Member of a sports club or society, or as a Course or Faculty Rep.

❙❙ Or join our student staff team in flexible, paid positions ... We have a variety of roles, from promoting our events and campaigns across campus, to working in our Creative Content team, to working with our Reception Team.

Hear from students who have worked and volunteered with us: Karl Kinson, UG Computer Science ... volunteers as a Course Rep.

I have been a key person that connects students in class to the staff that run the course. I do this by collecting feedback from students and then presenting this to the appropriate people in either the Faculty or the SU. It’s the best feeling ever knowing that you aren’t just attending university but you are helping improve the experience here, no matter how small that change is.

This role gives you so much confidence and I cannot wait to continue next year.

Daisy Clack, MA Human Resource Management ... has worked as student staff, currently works as a Student Staff Supervisor and has completed work experience with the HR department.

I have worked as a member of student staff for over 3 years, which has majorly developed my confidence and communication skills. Becoming a Supervisor of the student staff team has given me an amazing skillset which I can reference in job applications when planning for my future career. I have been able to do this role while studying full time.

I have also completed work experience with the HR manager, which has given me so much valuable knowledge in my specific area of interest, meaning I can now transfer theory from my Master’s Degree in to the workplace.

WE’D LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOU You can find us across campus, so it doesn’t matter where you study, we’re always close by. Our main base is at the John Foster Building on Mount Pleasant, where our reception, Advice Centre and offices are, but we’re also in the social spaces at Byrom Street, Tithebarn Street, Redmonds Building and IM Marsh.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Jess Beresford, Sport Coaching student ...

Worked as a Welcome Rep, Outreach staff, volunteered as a Course Rep, President of Women’s Rugby Union and founder and President of Sport Coaching Society.

After being a member of Women’s Rugby Union for two years I was voted President in my final year, which has given me experience in management, organisation and funding; all of which are important in the sporting industry. I decided to challenge myself more and set up my own society (Sports Coaching society).

This valuable experience allowed me to network with a range of people and be recognised for my achievements. It put me in a perfect position for post-graduation.

The community-based roles at the Students’ Union increased my confidence by engaging with people from a range of backgrounds. This helped to enhance my employability and interpersonal skills whilst working in an enjoyable environment.

{

CONNECT WITH US You can email us at: studentsunion@ljmu.ac.uk Phone: 0151 231 4900

{

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

Look for

29

jobs and internships from around the world

GoinGlobal Database INCLUDES:

❚❚Jobs search with 16 million+ listings ❚❚Internship search ❚❚Country career guides ❚❚Global city guides ❚❚USA city career guides ❚❚Employer directory

AVAILABLE VIA THE CAREERS WEBSITE:

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

[

LJMU CareerSmart Internship Programme

[

A fixed number of 20 day funded internships are available every summer to level 5 and 6 students. In a range of disciplines, the internships will be with a local employer, usually starting in early June.

For more information, visit:

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/ plan-your-future/ljmu-internships

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

30

TACTICS AND CHOICES

Planning your career

NOT SURE WHERE TO START WHEN IT COMES TO YOUR NEXT MOVE? DON’T WORRY, MOST PEOPLE FEEL THAT WAY, BUT WE ARE HERE TO HELP YOU TO NAVIGATE YOUR WAY THROUGH YOUR OPTIONS.

10

Questions to ask yourself when exploring your career options

1. Do you have any ideas at all about careers which interest you, however vague these are?

If so, make a note of these ideas and explore them further.

2. Do you wish to use the knowledge you have gained or will gain from your degree in your future career? If so, are there certain modules of your degree which you have enjoyed more than others? Try to explore job areas which could relate to these subjects.

3. Have you completed any work experience at all (even if this is unrelated to your degree subject)? Think about what you liked about this work experience and about skills which you enjoyed using.

4. Are there any jobs you have done which you didn’t enjoy? If so, why was this?

6. Think about the feedback you have received from others (for example from tutors or from friends or family) about skills you excel in. Are there particular skills which you are naturally strong in?

7. Do you have any interests outside of university which are unrelated to your studies? For example, do you have any creative interests or do you do any voluntary work? It may be worth exploring career options which relate to these interests.

8. Are you willing to undertake further study if this is required by the type of career you want to go into?

9. What kind of environment would you like to work in? For example, do you see yourself working in an office, in a laboratory or outdoors?

10. Are there any other special circumstances which may affect the type of job you can go into? For example, are you only able to work certain hours or in a certain location?

Help and support available to you..

01.

02.

03.

BOOK AN APPOINTMENT WITH A CAREERS ADVISER If you are unsure about your career options, you are advised to book an appointment with a Careers Adviser to give your search a focus. An employer can easily spot applications from students just looking for any job, as your heart won’t be in it. To book an appointment, call into a Careers Zone or alternatively phone us on 0151 231 3719/2048.

CAREERS INSIGHTS AND MINI GUIDES Check out our Careers Mini Guides available via the Careers website. Titles include Career Planning for Mature Students, Planning your Career and Graduate Schemes to help you decide which direction to take.

The Career Insight for your programme highlights options available to you with your degree.

MEET EMPLOYERS & ATTEND A CAREERS EVENT/FAIR We arrange careers fairs, employer presentations, guest speakers, specialist workshops and regular employer visits to the Careers Zones where you can also meet and network with employers and find out about career opportunities and discuss career routes.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

“

{ { DID YOU KNOW?

Data from our Career Readiness Survey for 2017/18 showed that only 30% of final-year students had a specific career in mind at the beginning of the academic year. Starting to plan your career right from the start of your degree ensures that you can make applications for graduate jobs or postgraduate courses in your final year and get your career under way.

5. Were there any career ideas you had when you were at school or college? If so, is it worth revisiting or reviewing these ideas?

A Careers Adviser says ...

There are many options open to you after you finish your degree but at the same time it can feel confusing and overwhelming to have so many choices. Any uncertainty about your future career plan is normal and many students feel this way! However, it is important to address this uncertainty and to at least develop a plan of the steps you need to take to move yourself forward.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

TACTICS AND CHOICES

31

Thinking about

postgraduate study?

ARE YOU CONSIDERING

POSTGRADUATE STUDY AS A NEXT STEP? CAREERS ADVISER STEVE BURBAGE LOOKS AT THE REASONS FOR AND AGAINST FURTHER STUDY.

A postgraduate qualification may ‘help you to stand out from the crowd’ but make sure you do your research first as, although it may enhance your career prospects in some cases, in other cases relevant work experience will be more valuable. Many students also opt to undertake postgraduate study to further develop subject knowledge or to convert to a new career area such as law, medicine, education or IT. If you are unsure about what to do next and feel that studying a postgraduate course will give you more time to help you decide, think about whether this is the best strategy. Postgraduate study is time-consuming and can be very costly so you should be reasonably clear about your career goals/aims before starting a course. You can always meet with a Careers Adviser to discuss postgraduate options in more detail by calling into your nearest Careers Zone to make an appointment.

{

DISCUSS POSTGRADUATE OPTIONS WITH A CAREERS ADVISER

New postgraduate loans are available for students on Masters courses at universities across the UK. Students under 60 who ordinarily live in England can apply for a loan of up to £10,609; visit https://www.gov.uk/fundingfor-postgraduate-study for more details. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland are running their own schemes.

For further information on eligibility and available funding, check https:// www.findamasters.com/funding/ guides/masters-loans.aspx. A separate loan system for PhD study will also be available from 2018/19. Additional postgraduate funding options include Professional Career Development Loans, employer sponsorship, bursaries/ scholarships or charitable trusts and foundations. Check https://www. prospects.ac.uk/postgraduate-study/ funding-postgraduate-study for further details.

It’s easy to get bewildered by the wide range of postgraduate courses on offer.

Discussing your career objectives and postgraduate study ideas with a Careers Adviser can help to focus your search for the course that’s right for you. Call into a Careers Zone or phone us on 0151 231 2048/3719 to book an appointment.

How and when to apply

DID YOU KNOW? The UK has one of the largest and most diversified postgraduate sectors in the world with almost 21,000 postgraduate course/research options on offer, which can make choosing the right course quite challenging.

Therefore it is important that you research each course you are interested in and consider if it would help you achieve your career ambitions.

Help and support available to you..

01.

02.

03.

Funding

{

GET HELP WITH YOUR POSTGRADUATE APPLICATION FORM Our Employability Advisers provide tailored feedback and advice on personal statements for postgraduate applications to help you effectively demonstrate your motivation and suitability for your chosen course to admissions tutors. To book an appointment, drop into a Careers Zone or call 0151 231 2048/3719.

DOWNLOAD OUR CAREER MINI GUIDE For further information about different course and funding options, head to our Careers website www. ljmu.ac.uk/careers/ and download our handy guides on postgraduate study, applications and PhDs.

20% DISCOUNT OFF POSTGRADUATE STUDY

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

LJMU graduates undertaking postgraduate study at LJMU are entitled to a 20% discount - see terms and conditions at ljmu.ac.uk

The majority of applications are made directly to the institutions concerned; however, some vocational courses such as teaching, law and social work require applications to be made via a central admissions service, which will restrict the amount of courses you can apply to and will usually stipulate a particular closing date. Not all courses have a closing date; however, it is still highly recommended that you do your research well in advance as some courses fill up very quickly and may have particular entry requirements i.e. relevant work experience. Applications (or enquiries) regarding PhDs/ Masters by research should ideally be made around Christmas time; the earlier your application, the more likely it is to attract funding.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

32

TACTICS AND CHOICES

Finding

graduate level jobs YOUR DEGREE WILL OPEN UP A HUGE RANGE OF JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOU. KNOWING YOUR OPTIONS IN THE GRADUATE LABOUR MARKET IS THE FIRST STEP TO YOUR DREAM JOB.

{

Graduate opportunities exist across all sectors and with employers of all sizes, but there are significant differences in the recruitment process and focus of the roles. Much depends on the size of the company. For example, most large private sector companies and multinationals recruit and train a number of graduates via a graduate scheme every year, whereas many public sector employers and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) advertise graduate roles on a more ad-hoc basis. Most graduate schemes involve training in different business areas or working on a range of projects, and around half of all the schemes with large companies are open to graduates from any degree subject. The application process for these programmes can be lengthy, with closing dates as early as Christmas in your final year, followed by online tests, telephone/video interviews and assessment centres. Many companies of all sizes also use recruitment agencies to fill temporary vacancies. These can be a great way to enhance your CV and may lead to additional opportunities within the same company.

DID YOU KNOW? We advertise thousands of vacancies each year via the job search facility on our Careers Zone 24/7 platform; this includes graduate jobs, placements/internships, voluntary roles as well as part-time work. You can also search for overseas jobs and internships on our GoinGlobal database, which is also available via the platform. Go to the Careers website and follow the links for Careers Zone 24/7 - www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

{

Help and support available to you..

01.

02.

03.

ONE TO ONE SUPPORT IN THE CAREERS ZONE If you are unsure of your options after you graduate, you can speak to a Careers Adviser to discuss which sectors and opportunities may best suit you, and our Employability Advisers can help you ace your applications for a range of graduate positions. To book an appointment, call into a Careers Zone or phone us on 0151 231 2048/3719.

WORKSHOPS/WEBINARS

Throughout the academic year, we run a number of events to help you understand your job options in the graduate labour market, from our workshops and webinars on graduate schemes and the hidden job market to a range of employer talks and fairs. Keep an eye on our events website https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk/ and get networking!

CAREER MINI GUIDE Head to our Careers website www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/ and download our guides on graduate schemes and the hidden job market for further information.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

The hidden job market Organisations are under no legal obligation to advertise their jobs externally, so you will only be able to search a fraction of the job market online. What you don’t see are hundreds of roles offered and accepted through other means and never advertised to the general public. This is often referred to as the ‘hidden job market’.

Networking is the key to opening the door to the hidden job market, and it is easier than you think:

Get out there!

Each year the Careers Team invites employers of all sizes and sectors onto campus for a range of events, talks, fairs and careers presentations. This gives you the chance to network with employers to talk about potential opportunities and learn more about the sectors that interest you.

Get online

Use social media to follow organisations and interact with individuals who may be able to offer you advice, support and even job opportunities in the future. You may also learn about sector-specific networking events you could attend to meet future employers.

Get LinkedIn

LinkedIn is the leading professional network and your profile acts as a CV. You can connect with individuals and organisations to increase your network, gain insight into your industry and also search for jobs - https://university. linkedin.com/linkedin-for-students

You have to speculate to accumulate

You can also contact prospective employers through a speculative application, i.e. sending a CV and covering letter to organisations of interest to you when they do not currently advertise suitable vacancies. If your application impresses them, they may contact you to discuss possible upcoming positions.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

TACTICS AND CHOICES

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Thinking of starting

your own business?

LJMU’S CENTRE FOR ENTREPRENEURSHIP CAN HELP STUDENTS WHO WANT TO DEVELOP A NEW BUSINESS IDEA, WORK AS A FREELANCER, LAUNCH A PRODUCT OR SERVICE OR GROW AN EXISTING BUSINESS. The Centre for Entrepreneurship will help you to build your business concept alongside your studies, connect with the local business community and develop your enterprise skills. We offer:

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Try It Out Awards – a £250 quick response fund to test your idea

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Idealab – a summer school to develop technology-driven business ideas

Start-up fund – up to £2000 to start your new venture

Year Out - £3000 to support a venture started as part of a sandwich year placement

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CONTACT US @LJMU_Enterprise ❙ www2.ljmu.ac.uk/startup

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Case Study FINAL YEAR MARKETING STUDENT AMY COLLINS TELLS US HOW SHE TURNED AN INSTAGRAM TREND INTO A VIABLE BUSINESS WITH SUPPORT FROM THE CENTRE OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP How did you go about starting your own business?

I noticed that lots of artists I admired on Instagram were releasing enamel pins. I felt like I hadn’t put my own creative skills to the test for years so decided to use pins as a way to challenge myself and have a creative outlet. I just started with one pin design to keep the financial risk down and used the money from that to finance the second one. I haven’t put any money into the business apart from that initial couple of hundred pounds.

Now, I not only sell my own designs on Etsy but also design and supply pins for other businesses and individuals.

What does your job involve?

It’s just me doing virtually everything so I wear many hats. I design, market, bookkeep, order stock from various suppliers, liaise with potential clients, send all the parcels out etc.

Three things you like about your job: ❙❙ In the last few months I’ve started selling at local makers markets which I love doing. It’s brilliant to see the reaction on people’s faces when they appreciate your designs.

❙❙ I love being part of the Independent Liverpool scene, I kind of straddle the hospitality community and also the local indie artists and artisans. Liverpool is thriving in these areas, I feel very proud to be part of it.

❙❙ The sense of accomplishment when working

for yourself is very fulfilling. I have always had an excellent work ethic but when something works out and you’ve seen it through from concept to end result there’s no better feeling.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

What were the key challenges that you faced and how did you overcome them?

Working for myself is tough as I’m not naturally organised and certainly lack discipline so I have to constantly review working practices and also just be very realistic about what one person can achieve. Another challenge was feeling like a bit of a fraud and not worthy or professional enough sometimes. Because I’ve just learned as I have gone along including graphic design skills, marketing skills and business management skills, it’s easy to convince yourself that you’re out of your depth sometimes. The more I spoke with other entrepreneurs the better I started to feel. I realised that everyone is winging it, everyone is taking risks, learning by doing, failing, then trying something a little different until it sticks. So now instead of comparing myself with everyone else, I just feel incredibly proud to have the confidence to keep trying and keep seeking new opportunities.

What help or support did you access from LJMU and how was this useful?

I have had some great tips and pointers from the Centre for Entrepreneurship, the most important one being; try to keep it simple, as it’s easy to get carried away with lots of ideas but being great at one thing is so much better. I also have been incorporating some digital marketing skills into my business that I’ve learned on my course too. Now that things are really taking off I have one of my classmates working with me. I can focus more on leads and design and she is organising newsletters and improving my SEO etc.

What relevant work experience/skills have proved most useful in running a business?

I am a mature student so I have worked many jobs

including 9 years in HMV where I was a manager. I think that every single job I’ve had has contributed in some way to my capabilities as a sole trader and entrepreneur. Because I have worked a lot and know how employable I am it means that I don’t have a fear of failure. If I have to give up Pin Head tomorrow it would be sad but I would be able to move onto another project or job. This doesn’t mean I don’t care, it means I can take risks and live with the outcome no matter what.

What advice would you give other students to improve their employability or looking to start their own business?

Viktor Frankl sums up precisely my thoughts on running your own business - “Don't aim at success.

The more you aim at it and make it a target, the more you are going to miss it. For success, like happiness, cannot be pursued; it must ensue, and it only does so as the unintended side effect of one's personal dedication to a cause greater than oneself or as the by-product of one's surrender to a person other than oneself.” In other words be brilliant at what you do, help others, be true to yourself and success will come but don’t chase numbers or notoriety as you will only be disappointed.

What’s next for your business?

I have some ideas up my sleeve to do with working more with charities and some local projects too, but as I’m entering the final year of my Marketing degree I need to be patient and not overload myself with work. I’m determined to do well with my degree so scaling up Pin Head (www.pinheaduk.com) can wait a little longer.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

34

TACTICS AND CHOICES

The importance of relevant

work experience

WORK EXPERIENCE CAN OFTEN BE THE DECISIVE FACTOR IN SECURING THE JOB YOU WANT; HERE WE LOOK AT WHY IT IS SO IMPORTANT AND

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THE DIFFERENT WAYS YOU CAN GET EXPERIENCE UNDER YOUR BELT.

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DID YOU KNOW? According to a 2018 survey of large employers (carried out by High Fliers Research), more than a third of the employers taking part in the research warned that graduates who have had no previous work experience are unlikely to be successful during the selection process for the top employers’ graduate programmes. This means that by having no experience you are immediately restricting the opportunities available to you.

Types of work experience

Work experience has become a general term which incorporates a wide range of opportunities and experience. The best way for employers to recruit a future graduate can be to see them in the workplace and how they perform on a daily basis. The following types of work experience can therefore be a way of securing a future graduate position at an organisation.

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Year-long placements – This type of placement is also known as an industrial or sandwich placement. They can be a compulsory part of a university course but students on other courses may also have the option to take a year out from their studies and undertake a placement. This usually takes place between the second and third year of your course.

Summer placements – Increasingly the term internship is being used to describe placements that take place over the summer holidays usually for between eight and 12 weeks. They can be well-paid and, depending on the organisation, may only be available to students who have completed at least two years of their degree course.

Work shadowing – These opportunities are usually short term and unpaid as you will not be undertaking a specific role in an organisation. The main activities include observing staff and getting an insight into a particular job role and organisation.

They can be extremely useful in building up contacts.

Part-time work – These types of positions tend to be ongoing and you may be working for one or two days per week even during term time. They may not necessarily be linked to your future career but they are still a great way to gain skills, develop your organisational awareness and build up your CV. Internships - This term is increasingly used but is just another name for a placement and can range from two weeks to a year in duration. Find out more about paid undergraduate LJMU internships on page 29.

A Careers Adviser says ...

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Put yourself in an employer’s position. Even if you do well at interview, if you have no work experience, and no employment references and another candidate does, they are more likely to appoint the person who has ‘proof’ of their abilities in the workplace. It is important to get hands-on experience in possible future job roles. This helps to build up your CV and provides examples to use in applications and interviews. It is also a great way to make contacts, build confidence and develop a range of skills that, even if not entirely related to your future graduate role, show that you are a motivated person who wants to develop.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

The voluntary sector Many people may not consider volunteering as it is unpaid, but it isn’t important to future employers whether your work experience is paid or unpaid. In fact, volunteering looks fantastic on your CV, as it says something about you as a person that you are prepared to work on an unpaid basis to support a community, for example, and develop personally. As with other work experience opportunities, it is a great way to improve your organisational and cultural awareness and build up contacts. There are many ways to find volunteering opportunities. You can search websites such as https://do-it.org/ for a wide variety of roles or go directly to the charity or organisation you want to support to ask about volunteering opportunities.

LJMU also runs volunteering projects in schools and colleges for students to get involved with. For other opportunities outside of a school/college environment, there is a service for students called Volunteering Liverpool. LJMU is a part of the partnership running this service along with John Moores Students’ Union, Liverpool Guild of Students, Liverpool Hope University, The City of Liverpool College, and Volunteer Centre Liverpool.

The Volunteering Liverpool website offers volunteering opportunities for all students in Liverpool across a variety of areas. Visit www.liverpoolguild.org/main-menu/ volunteer to search for opportunities in areas such as arts, health, environment, sport and many more.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

TACTICS AND CHOICES

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MAKING THE MOST OF YOUR VACATIONS A number of working holiday providers such as Camp America, Camp Leaders, Ski Canada, CCUSA and JET visit LJMU each year to promote their summer and year-long placement programmes. These programmes are a great way to travel, meet new people, experience different cultures and gain skills and experiences that will look great on your CV. Keep an eye on our events website (https:// careers.ljmu.ac.uk) for details of talks, which usually take place during the autumn term each year.

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Help and support available to you..

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WORKSHOPS/WEBINARS AND EMPLOYER EVENTS

The Careers Team runs a number of workshops/webinars and events throughout the academic year, including employer presentations and visits to the Careers Zones, where you can find out about work experience and volunteering opportunities. Check our events website https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk regularly, and also look out for placement fairs organised by your faculty.

DOWNLOAD OUR CAREER MINI GUIDES For further advice, download our mini guides on part-time jobs and work experience from the Careers website at www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/

LJMU INTERNSHIP PROGRAMME A fixed number of funded internships are available every summer to level five students not undertaking compulsory workbased learning. The internships, available in a range of disciplines, usually starting in early June and last for 20 days.

Internships will be advertised via the job search function on Careers Zone 24/7, which is available via the Careers website - www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers.

A graduate says ...

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If you would like to arrange some volunteering or get more information you can email volunteer@ljmu.ac.uk, follow @volunteer_LJMU on Twitter or call the volunteering manager Chris Prescott on 0151 904 6356.

I heard about the internship programme through the LJMU Careers Zones. I expected to be in a design studio, but ended up at the social enterprise World Merit - a social networking centre where people from around the world can join and work with each other. I was originally asked to produce a series of posters for a campaign. Then I was asked to paint a large scale mural, which has really sparked a career for me. I stayed on with World Merit, became friends with them, carried on producing work for them, and now I’ve been asked to do another mural to go on a school in Kenya which they’re currently building. More jobs have come up through the internship, outside of the company as well, through my sharing of the mural I did via various social networks. It’s enabled me to get paid work for doing murals which is something I never expected to happen. Before the internship, I wasn’t too sure in which direction I wanted to go in my subject. But after I did it, it gave me a lot more clarity and I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I wouldn’t have had the confidence to do that unless I’d done the internship.

Graphic Design & Illustration student Calum Medforth secured an internship with social enterprise World Merit as part of LJMU’s Career Accelerator Internship Programme.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

A graduate says ...

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LJMU VOLUNTEERING

Working at Studio Mundo has given me an insight into the working world that would have been impossible for me to get from studying while at university.

Without the experience gained while at Studio Mundo I would have really struggled to break into the design world, however, with the experience and confidence I now have I feel like I have lots of possibilities for my future. I can’t thank Studio Mundo and LJMU enough for the opportunity to do such a wonderful internship.

Roslyn Crossley (Graphic Design & Illustration Graduate) LJMU internship programme participant

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

36

GETTING THE JOB

How to write a winning

CV and covering letter

DID YOU KNOW THAT EMPLOYERS TYPICALLY SPEND UNDER TEN SECONDS INITIALLY REVIEWING A CV? EMPLOYABILITY ADVISER JENNY HAMMOND OFFERS SOME ADVICE TO MAKE SURE YOURS MAKES THE CUT.

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Top CV tips

Different styles of CV CHRONOLOGICAL CV

Always tailor the CV for each job and organisation you apply to! If you have a person specification, make sure you address the points in this using examples and evidence.

Use key words from the job advert and the employer’s website to customise your CV to show the employer that you speak ‘their language’ and would fit in well at the company.

Structure the CV to make the most of your relevant skills and experience. If you have previously carried out a similar role or worked on a project using applicable skills, list these on the front page.

Highlight and quantify both professional and personal achievements where you can.

Make sure the CV is no longer than two sides of A4 and use a clear, concise writing style. Put your name at the top of the document (never use the title ‘CV’ as this is selfevident!).

Add a link to your LinkedIn page, blog, online portfolio and perhaps your Twitter handle if you tweet about your industry.

Consider using bold font, sub-headings and bullet points to break up information.

Always check through your CV for spelling and grammatical mistakes or get someone to check through it for you – employers often discard applications containing spelling and grammatical errors.

Help and support available to you..

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ONE TO ONE SUPPORT IN THE CAREERS ZONE

If you are unsure about the content and structure of your CV or would like some advice on tailoring your CV to a particular role or sector, our Employability Advisers can give you professional feedback. Call into a Careers Zone or phone us on 0151 231 2048/3719 to book an appointment.

WORKSHOPS/WEBINARS

Find out how to write a winning CV by attending one of our workshops or webinars. For dates of upcoming sessions, check our event website https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk

CV BUILDER & COVERING LETTER BUILDER

These tools allow you to create a CV and covering from scratch and includes tips and advice from employers on each section of your CV and covering letter. This tool is ideal for students looking to write their first CV/ covering letter.

DOWNLOAD OUR CAREER MINI GUIDE

Our handy mini guide on CVs and covering letters provides lots more advice on what to include in each section of your CV and how to write effective covering letters.

Visit our Careers website www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/ to download your copy.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

If you have plenty of relevant work experience you should use the chronological or traditional CV format, as this style draws attention to your relevant experience, which you list on the first page. Within this section you should provide an overview of key responsibilities but more importantly you should highlight any achievements.

For example, did you take on extra responsibilities or gain a promotion?

Did you meet or exceed targets? Did you find an effective solution to a problem? Can you demonstrate how you offered excellent customer service and gained good feedback? Highlight the skills developed in these roles as well, especially those required for the post you’re applying for.

SKILLS CV

If your experience is lacking or you are changing career path, you may want to use a skills-based CV. Within the ‘skills profile’ on the first page, you should outline relevant skills required for the role. By drawing on examples from work, university and extra-curricular activities you can demonstrate that you have what the employer is looking for. You still include employment information, but can list this more briefly, perhaps on the second page.

HYBRID CV

If you have some experience but this is fairly limited, a combination of the two styles may work best to enable you to highlight experience and skills in separate sections.

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If you are a mature applicant, a career changer, or if you have fragmented work experience, employers will be interested in reading a brief overview of your background but make the most of your experience by using positive language, highlighting what you have gained from previous experience such as commercial awareness and responsibility and skills such as teamwork and communication.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

GETTING THE JOB

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Skills-based CV 1

Add links to blogs and LinkedIn

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List entries in this section in reverse chronological order.

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Highlight relevant details for your degree, including modules.

Education and Qualifications

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You don’t need to list all of your GCSE subjects.

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If you have gained any relevant experience that highlights your enthusiasm for a career in your chosen sector, include this on the first page of your CV.

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Look at the job advert and provide evidence for all the skills and attributes required for the role. Use positive language and examples from university, previous work, volunteering, extracurricular activities etc. to demonstrate how you have used these skills.

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List entries in this section in reverse chronological order and provide a brief overview of each role, highlighting any potential overlap of duties and responsibilities.

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Listing any achievements and positions of responsibility illustrates your leadership potential to prospective employers and can also provide some interesting talking points during an interview.

Samira Abassi

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123A South Road, Liverpool, L17 6TH Email: samira_abassi@mygooglemail.com, Mobile: 07789 123 456, Fashion blog: samirafashion.wordpress, LinkedIn: SamiraLinkdIn

A creative and ambitious second-year Fashion undergraduate and fashion and lifestyle blogger with my own established blog and three years’ experience working in fashion retail. Through my employment, degree studies and extracurricular activities, I have developed excellent writing, commercial awareness and social media skills. I thrive on new challenges and am keen to join Mandala Designs as a Social Media Intern for summer 2019.

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Liverpool John Moores University BA (Hons) Fashion Communication (first-year average: 65%) Opted to study the Fashion Communications pathway, which focuses on developing my visual and creative skills including advertising, branding and media, events and PR, fashion analysis and trend prediction. I have particularly enjoyed modules on Fashion Awareness and Fashion Campaigns.

2010-2017 Liverpool College A-Levels: Art (B), English (A) and Business Studies (B) AS Level: Sociology (C) 9 GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths (C) and English (A)

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Fashion Experience

2017-present Fashion Blogger - Samirafashion.wordpress  After following various fashion bloggers over the years I was inspired to set up my own blog, I regularly go out and photograph people in Liverpool, Manchester and beyond for street style posts using a Canon EOS 600D DSLR and write other posts on style inspiration, current trends and occasional posts on travel and art. I have built up a loyal set of followers, which include other fashion bloggers who I regularly exchange ideas with and meet up with at blogging events. My blog showcases my creativity and my love for fashion, art, and travel.

2015- present Reiss, Liverpool – Sales Assistant and Team Leader  Thanks to my hard work, dedication and commitment to professional development, I received a promotion to Team Leader in September 2016. I now jointly lead a team of seven full-time and parttime staff. Responsibilities include recruiting and training new staff, assisting the Store Manager with weekly and monthly reporting of sales figures as well as implementing promotions and sales events in store. This has given me a good insight into the importance of working with head office staff to maximise sales potential and stock turnover in store.  I have an excellent eye for style and colour and I actively work on creating attractive window and in-store displays to entice customers in and to help create a pleasant shopping experience.

Alternating our window display on a weekly basis, on my suggestion, has seen our footfall increase by 15% since last summer.

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Skills Profile

IT and social media skills  Active use of Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest and Facebook, both socially and to build interest in my fashion blog. Have increased my followers to over 1,000 on Twitter and 15,000 on Instagram.  Confident user of Microsoft Office programmes, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

Commercial awareness and understanding of the fashion industry  Having attended events like “Making it in Buying, Retail and Merchandising” and “Wearable Technology” organised by the Manchester Fashion Network, I have developed a good insight into the skills and knowledge required for careers within the fashion industry.

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If you have any interests that relate to the position, include these at the end of your CV in an interests section to highlight your enthusiasm for the role to the employer.

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If you have space, include details of two referees (preferably one academic and one employer reference).

If you run out of space, you can state “References available on request”.

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Communication skills  Writing my fashion blog has really improved my writing skills. I use a concise and engaging writing style to encourage readers to regularly read the blog and make comments (my most recent post had 135 comments). The blog attracted the attention of a local fashion and lifestyle magazine and I was asked to write a review for a charity fashion show for their magazine. This was really popular, and as a result I have been invited to write again for them in the future.  My written communication skills have been strengthened further in my role as Team Leader at Reiss, where I assist the Store Manager to report sales figures for my section to head office.  Developed my communication and customer service skills working in customer-facing roles. I deal professionally with any customer enquiries and complaints at Reiss, ensuring I listen to the customer and suggest suitable alternative products using my eye for detail and style. As Team Leader, I also liaise with the Store Manager and Area Manager on a regular basis, which further illustrates my ability to establish effective working relationships across all levels of management.

Additional information to include In addition to your personal details, education details, employment details, and skills you may want to include other information to make your CV stand out. ❚❚ Achievements: Employers like to see achievements and whether you have held positions of responsibility so include this kind of information too. Did you lead the university football team to victory this year? Have you been awarded a scholarship? Have you successfully raised money for a charity and participated in a sponsored event? Have you started a new society? ❚❚ Positions of responsibility: Have you chaired a committee?

Acted as treasurer of a society? Been a course rep? Taken on the captain position of a sports team? Positions like these help you to demonstrate that you can make decisions and take on responsibility. ❚❚ Interests: To demonstrate further skills, to get your personality across a bit, or to just add something else to make your CV stand out, include some information about your interests. If you have interests relating to the job, definitely mention these but avoid clichés about activities such as socialising and reading.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Committed to developing my understanding of the fashion retail sector and understand the importance of trend prediction and consumer behaviour. I follow various designers, retailers and bloggers through Instagram and Twitter, and to keep up-to-date with commercial developments I read Vogue, WGSN, Drapers, the Mintel blog, and Retail Week and follow designers, brands and bloggers on Instagram, Twitter, Tumblr, etc. on a regular basis.

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Problem-solving skills  Working as a Bar Supervisor at Shallowfields Music Festival was a challenging but great experience.

Dealing with stock shortages and customer complaints tested my problem-solving skills. I built up a good relationship with other supervisors by working together effectively and was able to solve stock shortages by reallocating stock from other bar outlets. Working long hours in this busy environment often resulted in conflicts between members of my team, which I resolved fairly and diplomatically, ensuring that I listened closely to both parties and proposed a solution acceptable to all.  As Team Leader at Reiss, I have to think on my feet to solve problems, including covering temporary and often short-notice absence of staff. I remain calm under pressure and ensure that I have all the necessary information in order to make an effective decision.

Employment History

June 2017 Shallowfields Music Festival, Cheshire – Bar Supervisor Working as Bar Supervisor during a three-day music festival, I was responsible for managing 12 staff.

Keeping staff motivated during long shifts was essential to ensure the smooth running of the bar. I demonstrated initiative in identifying and resolving problems, including complaints and stock shortages.

Achievements  

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Course representative for L4 BA (Hons) Fashion course in 2017/18; re-elected for 2018/19 academic year.

Promoted to Team Leader at Reiss.

Interests

I enjoy following fashion trends and love reading fashion magazines, numerous fashion, style, travel and lifestyle blogs (Suitcase Magazine, Vogue, Kinfolk, Conde Nast Traveller, etc.) as well as shopping for clothes in both high street chains and small fashion or vintage boutiques. I have attended a number of events through the Manchester Fashion Network and have also signed up for their next Career Day. Outside of fashion, I am interested in photography and I enjoy keeping fit by running with my running club, training for half marathons, and playing netball.

References available on request

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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GETTING THE JOB

Chronological CV Natasha King

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Personal profile An enthusiastic and dedicated History of Art graduate with a wealth of experience of assisting in arts education and community activities. My degree studies, voluntary work and employment have helped me develop the communication and customer service, creativity, teamwork and organisation skills required for this position. I am passionate about arts education and I believe the Education and Administration Support Officer role at the Walker Art Gallery would be the ideal first step towards my career goal.

Education and Qualifications 2015-2018

Liverpool John Moores University BA (Hons) History of Art (2:1)  Relevant modules included: Introduction to Art History, An Introduction to Museums and Galleries, Curating in the Museum.  During my final year, I completed a dissertation on “Complementing the Art Curriculum – An Evaluation of School Visits to Tate Liverpool”.

2008 – 2015 Holy Family Catholic High School, Thornton, Liverpool A-Levels: Art (B), Spanish (C) and English Literature (C) AS Level: Psychology (D) 9 GCSEs including English (B), Maths (C) and Art (A*)

If you include a personal profile, keep it concise and focused, highlighting relevant experience, interests, knowledge and skills.

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List entries in this section in reverse chronological order, i.e. starting with details about your degree.

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Highlight relevant modules you have completed as part of your studies.

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You can also draw the reader’s attention to any relevant coursework or a final-year dissertation.

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You don’t need to include all of your GCSE subjects.

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List any other work experience in reverse chronological order and provide a brief overview of the role.

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In this section, you can briefly highlight a number of skills that will help to demonstrate your suitability for your chosen role.

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If you have any interests that are relevant for your chosen role, make sure you highlight these first and then include some brief details for any additional interests.

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If you have space, include details of two referees (preferably one academic and one employer reference). If you run out of space, you can state “References available on request”.

Relevant Work Experience

May 2017-June 2018 Tate Liverpool – Volunteer As a volunteer in the education department, I assisted the education officer with school visits, delivering short curriculum-based activities and contributing to a number of new resources for primary and secondary school children, which were well-received by both pupils and teachers. I contacted local schools to promote our activities, which resulted in several bookings. I also evaluated data and feedback from school visits to Tate Liverpool in the 2016/17 academic year for my dissertation and compiled my findings into a report for the organisation, which I successfully presented to the board of governors. Aside from education activities, I also helped out in the shop and information desk, promoting events and talks to visitors.

June-August 2017 Volunteer in pop-up art gallery in Crosby During the summer, various community groups and schools were given the opportunity to organise pop-up shops or activities in empty commercial premises in the centre of Crosby.

Together with friends who are studying Fine Art, I organised a one-week pop-up art exhibition featuring work by LJMU students. We also contacted local art groups to find out about any community-based activities in the area which we then promoted in the pop-up gallery. We got an excellent response from local residents and shoppers, and feedback from the local art groups highlighted an increase in interest in their summer events.

Sept 2016-May 2017 St Mary’s College, Crosby – Volunteer Teaching Assistant During my second year at university, I volunteered once a week in art lessons in a local secondary school. My duties included working with small groups of pupils in the lower ability sets to assist them with their work and delivering short art-based activities to all abilities. This experience greatly improved my confidence in working with young people, as well as my interpersonal and communication skills.

An Employability Adviser says ...

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12 Thornberry Road, Liverpool, L23 8LP Tel: 0151 987 4567, Email: natasha-king@outlook.com

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One thing to remember is that using a ‘one size fits all’ approach isn’t the best option. You should always find out what the employer is looking for and modify your CV to meet these requirements. Look at the person specification or entry requirements and ensure all the points from these are evidenced in the CV. Each time you apply for a different job, adapt and tailor the CV for that specific role and organisation. To grab the employer’s attention, make sure the most important and relevant information is on the first page, as this is the first thing the employer will see!

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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Including relevant work experience (paid or unpaid) in a separate section on the first page of your CV helps to highlight this to the reader. Briefly outline your duties in these roles and discuss what you have learnt in these positions. You can also make reference to any relevant skills you have used and improved.

May 2016 Walker Art Gallery, Liverpool – Work shadowing In order to gain a better understanding of art education, I organised to work shadow the Senior Education Officer for one day. I observed her delivering a talk to a group of GCSE Art students and was asked to give some feedback about a new activity book for primary school children.

Additional Work Experience

2016-2018 LiverpoolSU, Outreach and Welcome Assistant To help fund my university studies, I worked for the Students’ Union at LJMU in their outreach team and as a Welcome Assistant during Freshers’ Week, organising a number of events, quizzes and themed bar nights.

2014-2015 Waterloo Dental Practice, Part-time Administrator My duties included keeping patient records up to date, maintaining the filing system, typing up letters and documents, answering the telephone and arranging appointments. Working in this busy dental practice has greatly improved my organisation and time management skills.

Additional Skills

IT and social media skills Excellent working knowledge of all MS Office packages including Word, Outlook and PowerPoint.

I have recently completed a webinar about Prezi to learn how to create more engaging presentation slides and have started practising with the software to improve my skills. I have fast and accurate keyboard skills, enjoy using social media and have built up a following through Instagram, Pinterest, Facebook, and Twitter, where I share designs for my small print business.

Communication and Customer Service skills In all my volunteering roles, I have demonstrated strong verbal communication skills with the ability to adapt my style of communication to my audience. Delivering art-based activities to school groups at Tate Liverpool and as a classroom assistant at St Mary’s College has strengthened my confidence in public speaking. I have also developed my customer service and problem-solving skills by dealing professionally and promptly with any enquiries or complaints while working as an outreach assistant for LiverpoolSU. Achievements

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 Completed the Three Peak Challenge in Yorkshire with a group of friends in August 2018  Completed Liverpool Rock ‘n’ Roll Half Marathon in 2017 raising over £450 for Cancer Research UK.

Interests  As a Tate member, I visit both Tate Liverpool and the London-based galleries on a regular basis. Also regularly visit other museums, galleries, and National Trust attractions.  In 2017, I set up my own small print business designing my own prints for wrapping paper, wall art, and cards, which I sell through Etsy and promote through my Instagram and Facebook pages.  Outside of art and history-related interests, I enjoy keeping fit and am currently training to complete another half marathon.

References Dr Emma Roberts, Programme Leader at LJMU, 0151 904 1173, e.e.roberts@ljmu.ac.uk Eve Miller, Education Officer at Tate Liverpool, 0151 987 6543, e.miller@tate.org.uk

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GETTING THE JOB

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Covering letter example A covering letter, which should be around a page of A4 in length, should always accompany your CV. As with the CV, the covering letter should be tailored to the role. If you can, find out the name of the person to send the application to. You should demonstrate that you have researched the organisation, explain why you want to work there, and draw the employer’s attention to the key skills and experience that are highlighted within your CV.

Mr Thomas Flanagan Senior Education Officer Walker Art Gallery William Brown Street Liverpool L3 8EL Dear Mr Flanagan,

12 Thornberry Road Liverpool L23 8LP

20th September 2018

I am writing to apply for your Education and Administration Support Officer vacancy as advertised on your website and enclose my CV for your consideration.

I have recently graduated with a BA (Hons) History of Art degree from Liverpool John Moores University and am keen to pursue a career in arts education. My course at LJMU has helped me build a thorough understanding of both contemporary art and key historic periods including Victorian and Renaissance art. Through completing relevant coursework and independent reading, I have developed a keen interest in Tudor art so it would be a privilege to work for the Walker Art Gallery, as you boast an impressive selection of Tudor portraits amongst your collection.

As you can see from my CV, I have completed a wide range of voluntary experience to develop my understanding of arts education as well as relevant skills. Volunteering for Tate Liverpool has strengthened my confidence in dealing with the public and illustrates my commitment to delivering valuable curriculum-based activities to encourage young people’s interest in art. Through assisting in school visits at the gallery and my experience as a volunteer in a local secondary school, I have developed creativity and the required teaching skills to deliver engaging talks and design activities, curriculum-based where relevant, for all key stages and abilities. This would enable me to contribute to all of your school visits, from Big Art for Little Artists and other Key Stage 1 and 2-focused activities to delivering guided tours and workbook activities for Key Stage 3 and 4.

Whilst volunteering at Tate Liverpool, I have contributed to producing a number of new resources for both primary and secondary pupils, and have received excellent feedback from the senior education officer regarding my ability to consider curriculum-based learning outcomes and to develop differentiated workbook activities for pupils of different ages and ability ranges. Through both my volunteering experience and customer-facing employment, I have developed strong communication skills and confidence in delivering presentations to audiences of all ages. I would love the opportunity to share my passion for art with visitors to the Walker Art Gallery.

Aside from education-related experience, I have also proved my time management and organisation skills in an administration environment. Throughout sixth form, I worked as a part-time administrator in a local dental practice. Here I was responsible for maintaining patient records and the practice filing system, arranging appointments, dealing with incoming and outgoing post, and typing up referral letters and other correspondence. I am confident that my ability to prioritise tasks and my administration experience would make me an excellent and efficient addition to your team.

As a regular visitor to your gallery, I enjoy the variety of artwork featured within your permanent exhibition. I have always been impressed with the enthusiasm of all your staff as well as the range of events in your gallery and I have become a big fan of your Talk Tuesdays. The short period of work shadowing I completed at the Walker Art Gallery during the first year of my degree convinced me that arts education was the career for me and I hope that the amount of unpaid experience I have gained alongside my studies illustrates my passion for this career.

I would be available for interview at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely, Natasha King

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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GETTING THE JOB

Creative CV

The problem is that the whole business of how recruiters view CVs can be extremely subjective. A quirky design may appeal to some employers and give them a sense of your creative ability but others may cringe when presented with something too ‘off the wall’ There are lots of examples out there such as an applicant icing her skills onto a cake or the student who sent the employer a pair of oven gloves along with their ‘too hot to handle’ CV. The best advice is to do some prior research. Know your audience.

Check out the employer’s website to gain an understanding of their creative style. A novel approach may work with a small marketing consultancy but applications to large organisations with a formal recruitment structure generally require a more standard CV style.

Start by gathering key details to include such as relevant work experience, education, voluntary experience and make sure that you include links to showcase your creative experience and talents. It is important that these are up to date and relevant for the employer to view. Include links to your Vimeo, You Tube, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Facebook accounts as appropriate.

Be consistent with your presentation style. Use the same font or colour for your CV, covering letter and your blog or website.

Establish a brand identity but keep it simple.

“

An employer says ...

As a creative director, I’d look at CVs to decide whether to bother looking further - looking at someone’s website takes time and anyone who couldn’t format a paper CV properly isn’t going to be of any use.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Remember: ❚❚ ❚❚

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Be clear, concise and relevant.

Do not be tempted to over populate a one page CV. If you are really struggling to convey all the information you would like to include ask yourself if it is all relevant. If so, two well designed and structured pages work better than one cluttered page.

Seek advice and feedback.

Include your technical skills (Adobe CC - Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, Muse, Edge Code etc).

Presentation is particularly important but that does not necessarily mean an unusual CV. Experiment with different versions until you find one you that fits your chosen career path.

Many creative design companies tend to employ only a few staff. Feedback suggests that they prefer a more individual approach so treat your approach to each company as you would a brief.

There is no right or wrong as such but this is your sales pitch and it is crucial that you are happy that your CV portrays your skills and experience effectively.

Finally, don’t lose sight of the fact that the considerations for ‘Creative CVs’ aren’t that much different to standard CVs. Your CV is a piece of direct marketing. A well formatted CV will always work better. Whether it is a large or small organisation, or an independent artist.

An employer says ...

“

If you are seeking a job, internship or placement opportunity you may wonder how best to present your CV to help you stand out from the crowd. Do you stick with a traditional format or try to be more creative?

I am a busy director and I value those candidates who are organised as well as being creative. If you can’t communicate well or present yourself via a CV - how do you expect to present a brief to a customer?

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

GETTING THE JOB

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CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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GETTING THE JOB

How to write effective

Application forms

INSTEAD OF A CV, MANY EMPLOYERS USE APPLICATION FORMS AS THE FIRST STAGE OF THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS. EMPLOYABILITY ADVISER ANJA HEID OFFERS SOME TIPS TO IMPRESS EMPLOYERS.

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Top tips for completing application forms Good preparation is essential! Where possible, read through the whole form before you start filling it in, so you can collect any relevant information you need to complete the form and decide on your most suitable evidence for each section.

Research the organisation thoroughly and analyse the person specification so you are familiar with the job requirements and can show employers that you have done your homework.

Avoid spelling mistakes, grammatical errors and text-speak. Some graduate recruiters reject more than half of all applications because of the poor standard of English on the application forms. For online applications, draft your answers in Word, and spellcheck them before copying and pasting onto the form. Ask a friend or family member to proofread your work.

Answer the questions! It can be tempting to use answers from previous application forms, but these might not cover all aspects required for a similar question. Read each question carefully and check that your response provides all the necessary details.

Keep within any given word limits.

Sell yourself! The application form might only be the first stage of the recruitment process, but if you are too modest or too unspecific in your answers, you are unlikely to make it to the next stage. Ensure your evidence is recent, relevant and tailored to reflect the skills and knowledge required for the role.

And finally, keep a copy of the completed application form. As you are likely to apply for a number of positions at the same time, it will be useful to have a record of each application to prepare for a potential interview or assessment centre.

An Employability Adviser says ...

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Some application forms use a list of specific, usually competency-based, questions to assess your suitability for the role, as well as some questions to explore your motivation and interest in working for the organisation. These could include questions like:

The supporting information/personal statement section is hugely important and should be tailored to the individual role, because this is where you need to convince the employer that you are the right candidate for the job and discuss why you would like to work for their organisation. Address the job requirements outlined on the person specification one by one and in the same order, providing convincing evidence for your suitability and including key words from the job advert.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

An employer says ...

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Describe a time when you have worked under pressure.

Give an example for when you failed to complete a project on time.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Please discuss a time when you have contributed positively to a team project.

Describe a situation when you have successfully communicated complex information.

At BP we live by the following values: Safety, Respect, Excellence, One Team, and Courage. Please give a specific example of a time when you have demonstrated one of these values in your extra-curricular activities.

Please explain why you have chosen to apply to Caterpillar and what has attracted you to your chosen discipline.

The best approach to answer these questions and to provide evidence for how you meet the selection criteria is the STAR technique.

“

5

Competency based questions

A structured application form which addresses the person specification and the job description makes it easy for the shortlisting panel to identify and score your evidence for each criterion. Due to the volume of applications employers receive for graduate and entrylevel roles, candidates whose personal statements do not clearly and systematically address all the essential criteria from the person specification are very unlikely to make it to the interview stage.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

GETTING THE JOB

43

STAR technique example STAR is a simple strategy that will help you provide concise, focused answers on application forms and at interview. In the example below, a student has been asked to ‘describe a time when you have demonstrated excellent organisation skills’.

SITUATION (briefly describe the context for your example.

When was this? Where was this?):

When the club needed new equipment for the games room last year, I volunteered to take the leading role in raising £1,000 to buy a new pool table and games console in time for the summer holidays, which gave me six weeks to raise the required funds.

then recorded in my project plan. For example, I tasked one experienced volunteer to raise £200 from a bag packing event at a local supermarket for week five, while I put another in charge of organising the cake sale for our main fundraising event/open day in week six. I chaired a weekly team meeting to monitor progress and identify team members that needed help. For example, when one team member was struggling to secure raffle prizes, I set aside time within my schedule for the remaining weeks to contact local companies. Thanks to my excellent interpersonal and negotiation skills, I was able to persuade several businesses to donate vouchers or cash prizes.

ACTION (describe what you did to achieve the task, how you did it and what skills you used):

RESULT (briefly describe the outcome. What did you learn?

Would you do anything differently in hindsight?):

TASK (describe what you had to do. What were you hoping to achieve?):

First of all, I drafted a basic project plan to record my fundraising target and key tasks for each week. For example, my tasks for the first two weeks included recruiting volunteers to help me organise the fundraising and researching local events over the next couple of weeks to identify a suitable date for our open day. Once I had recruited a sufficient number of volunteers, I was able to allocate tasks and fundraising targets to each team member, which I

Our open day was a great success and we raised a total of £1,250 from this and the bag packing events in a local supermarket. I found it really beneficial to have taken on a leadership role for this project and have since volunteered to lead on academic projects as well.

The experience of organising the various aspects of this project has also strengthened my planning skills, and I have applied this to organising my academic work more effectively this year.

Help and support available to you..

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ONE TO ONE SUPPORT IN THE CAREERS ZONE Our Employability Advisers can give you tailored feedback and advice on draft application forms to help you sell yourself effectively to potential employers. Call into a Careers Zone or phone us on 0151 231 2048/3719 to arrange an appointment.

WORKSHOPS/WEBINARS Our ‘Effective Applications’ workshop and webinar will help you understand what employers are looking for in application forms, so you give yourself the best possible chance of getting to that all-important interview.

For dates of upcoming sessions, check our events website https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk

DOWNLOAD OUR CAREER MINI GUIDE Our mini guide on application forms provides lots more advice on how to tackle application forms and also includes a sample personal statement. Visit our Careers website www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/ to download your copy.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

A student says ...

“

As a regular volunteer for my local youth club, I have been involved in organising a number of fundraising events.

The advice I have had from the Employability Advisers on my application forms has been really useful. They are friendly and professional, and the information I was given was hugely relevant.

I got specific and tailored feedback on which areas I needed to work on further, and this really helped me to improve my application.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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GETTING THE JOB

How to succeed at

interviews

PREPARATION IS THE KEY TO A SUCCESSFUL INTERVIEW. CAREERS ADVISER HAYLEY FALLON EXPLAINS WHAT YOU CAN DO TO MAKE A GOOD IMPRESSION AND BOOST YOUR CHANCES OF SUCCESS.

{

DID YOU KNOW? First impressions are crucial. Studies have shown that someone forms judgements about you within the first four minutes of meeting you. Give a good impression to your interviewer from the very first moment. Be on time, shake hands confidently, smile and introduce yourself. Walk tall, maintain eye contact, sit upright, talk clearly and be enthusiastic and positive.

{

Help and support available to you..

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ONE TO ONE SUPPORT IN THE CAREERS ZONE The prospect of attending an interview can be scary, but don’t panic!

Our Careers and Employability Advisers are on hand to provide tips on common interview questions to ensure you shine in the interview.

To arrange an appointment, call into a Careers Zone or phone us on 0151 231 2048/3719.

WORKSHOPS/WEBINARS Learn how to prepare effectively for interviews in our ‘Interview Success’ workshop and webinar. We cover typical questions, effective answers and how to impress prospective employers at interview. For dates of upcoming sessions, check our events website https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk

INTERVIEW SIMULATOR As part of our Careers Zone 24/7 online careers tools, you can test yourself with interactive questions on the interview simulator. Build up your confidence by taking a mock interview or learn about what makes an effective answer from experienced recruiters. You can access Careers Zone 24/7 via our Careers website www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/

CAREER MINI GUIDE Our handy mini guide on ‘Preparing for Interviews’ summarises some key advice for before, during and after the interview, and introduces you to common interview questions. Visit our Careers website www. ljmu.ac.uk/careers/ to download your copy.

INTERVIEW PRACTICE SESSIONS Never had an interview before and don’t know what to expect? Beat your interview nerves by booking a practice interview with one of our advisers by calling into a Careers Zone or phoning us on 0151 231 2048/3719.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Different types of interview ❚❚ Telephone - Initial employer call that eliminates candidates based on essential criteria. Successful applicants are usually invited to the one-to-one stage. ❚❚ Video - Whether through Skype, FaceTime or YouTube, this type of interview is increasingly popular for graduate roles in sales, media and marketing. They’re usually held during the initial screening process. ❚❚ One-to-one - Face-to-face encounter with one interviewer, after the organisation decides that you’ve got what it’s looking for. They’re usually formal, but can also take place over lunch. You could also be interviewed by different people at different times. ❚❚ Panel - Similar to one-to-one interviews, except two or more people - often from different parts of the organisation - will be assessing you at the same time. ❚❚ Group - Multiple candidates are interviewed together. They’re asked questions in turn, or discuss certain topics. ❚❚ Assessment centres - These involve tasks including presentations, written tests, and group, role-play and in-tray exercises. They’re used to assess a candidate’s performance in a range of situations, and last between one and three days. You’ll appear alongside several other candidates. Find out more about assessment centres on p.46.

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Before the interview Thorough preparation is the key to a successful interview. One of the main ways to prepare is to research: Research the organisation: This demonstrates how interested and enthusiastic you are about working for the organisation and will help you prepare some questions to ask them at the end. All employers will expect you to display some understanding of what they do and the sector in which they operate!

Research the job: Read the job advert and/or person specification. Look at the organisation’s website or recruitment brochure to see which skills or attributes are mentioned. Use any opportunity to meet the recruiter and employees at careers fairs, on placement and other events, such as open days.

Research yourself: Think about your strengths and demonstrate self-awareness. What makes you the best candidate for the post?

Look at the job description and/or person specification and make sure you can give at least one positive example (preferably more) for each of the skills and attributes the employer is seeking.

Anticipate the questions: It is often possible to predict the kind of questions you may get by looking at the job description and/or person specification or the organisation’s key competencies and corporate values. These provide the selection criteria for the job and they will ask you questions in order to determine whether or not you have what it takes to do the job effectively and fit into the organisation.

Practical issues: Practical preparation can often be overlooked but don’t forget this when preparing for your interview. Plan your day so that you arrive as calm, collected and professional as you can be! Find out what the format of the interview is. Where will it be? Do you need to take anything? What are you going to wear?

Do you need overnight accommodation?

During the interview With thorough preparation, you are in a good position to respond effectively to questions and display knowledge of yourself, the job and the organisation. When answering, avoid yes/no answers, seek clarification if needed, listen to the questions, be positive and use examples from different experiences.

Competency-based questions are commonly used to help interviewers gain a better understanding of your skills set and suitability for the role. These could include: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

Give an example for when you have used your communication skills to deal with a difficult person.

Please discuss a time when you have demonstrated your ability to prioritise conflicting tasks effectively.

Describe a situation when you have successfully led a team.

To give structure to your answers and provide clear evidence of your skills, the STAR technique is useful to help you focus your answers and demonstrate your competencies to the recruiter.

Please see the previous section on application forms for further details about STAR and an example.

Increasingly, graduate recruiters now use strength-based interviews, which allow them to explore what motivates you, whether you would fit into their organisation and whether you would enjoy the job. Questions are usually more open and give candidates more freedom in their answers than competency-based questions: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

What do you enjoy about working in a team?

What motivates you?

Would you be happy to compromise the quality of your work in order to deliver a project more quickly?

What would people who know you well say you are good at?

What modules did you enjoy the most during your degree studies?

Your responses should still reflect the required skills, personal attributes and organisational values, but ensure that your responses are natural and that your motivation shines through in all of your answers.

After the interview Learn from the experience. Note down some of the questions they asked. Were you satisfied with your answers or could you do better next time? This will help you prepare for the next stage of the process or get ready for interviews with other employers. If they don’t contact you when they said they would, or if it has been more than two weeks, phone the company and ask for an update.

If you have been unsuccessful, ask for feedback on your interview. Most recruiters will be happy to provide this, and although it might not all be positive, it is important to reflect on unsuccessful interviews to help you improve your technique.

“

Interviews can be nerve wracking and stressful situations - but don’t panic. A few simple techniques, good preparation and some positive thinking can do wonders to reduce your stress levels and help you shine. If you want to discuss this further, call into your nearest Careers Zone and book an appointment with an adviser.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

An employer says ...

“

A Careers Adviser says ...

What I look for in candidates during interviews are their personal attributes. Skills you can teach, but you can’t make an individual be motivated, enthusiastic or proactive. In the last candidate I recruited, those attributes came across strongly in the interview and in everything she was talking about. And that’s what made her stand out as a candidate.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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GETTING THE JOB

Psychometric tests and assessment centres USE SCREENING TESTS AS

PART OF THEIR RECRUITMENT PROCESS AS RESEARCH HAS SHOWN THAT THEY ARE THE BEST SINGLE PREDICTOR OF PERFORMANCE AND GIVE AN EMPLOYER AN

OBJECTIVE ASSESSMENT OF A CANDIDATE’S ABILITIES.

If your initial application is successful, psychometric tests are usually the next part of the screening process. If you successfully navigate them, you are then usually invited to an assessment centre or assessment day.

The two main types of psychometric tests used are ability tests (sometimes called aptitude tests) and personality questionnaires.

Ability tests are formal tests designed to indicate how well you are able to carry out various aspects of a job i.e. to show employers your potential to do a task well.

The tests are typically completed online and are usually a series of multiple choice questions taken under strict time limits.

The most common tests used by graduate recruiters are verbal tests, numerical tests, diagrammatic/abstract/logical/spatial reasoning tests, industry-specific tests and situational judgement tests.

Personality questionnaires look at behavioural preferences. They are not concerned with your abilities, but how you see yourself in terms of your personality; for example, the way you relate to others, and how you deal with feelings and emotions.

There are no rights or wrongs in behavioural style, so the best advice is to be honest in the way you answer the questions.

The next stage in the graduate recruitment process is usually an invitation to attend an assessment centre or selection centre event. Assessment centres are costly both in terms of financial outlay and staff resources so tend to be used mainly by larger organisations offering structured graduate training programmes.

“

A student says ...

Prepare yourself for each activity. There is plenty of information online and the practice tests on Careers Zone 24/7 of the Careers website is really helpful.

Preparation will give you the confidence you need to perform well in any situation. Always keep in mind the type of candidate the company is looking for and also the company’s strategy and values. This information will help you structure your answers well. You are always being assessed so try to talk with the other candidates, current graduates or the staff about relevant topics. Show interest in the company and the position. Be yourself and let the others be too.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

What happens at an assessment centre?

The assessment centre is generally a one day event held in a training centre, hotel, conference centre or the employer’s own premises. Other applicants who have been successful in the first round of the selection process will also be present, typically placed in groups of between six and eight candidates.

Assessment centres are usually designed to include exercises that measure you against key aspects of the job. By using a range of methods such as group exercises, further interviews, tests, presentations and intray exercises, the selectors will have a chance to examine your potential as an employee in their organisation more closely.

For all of the exercises make sure you understand the instructions or the written brief. If you are unclear, ask for clarification. The activities will have been devised to highlight the attributes they require for the particular role you have applied for. It is an intensive day during which you will be under constant scrutiny and formal and informal assessment, even at meal times.

An employer says ...

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MOST LARGE ORGANISATIONS

The toughest part of our selection process is the online tests, but there are some simple ways you can certainly improve your chances. Make sure you practise the online tests several times – once or twice just isn’t enough and make sure you practise the tests that are used by the employer you are applying to – that is essential - but it certainly won’t hurt to try others. The tests may take longer than you expect/or are told so ensure you allow plenty of time. And finally don’t sit the tests just before the deadline. If you encounter any problems you may not have enough time to contact the employer and get the issue fixed before the closing date.

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GETTING THE JOB

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Help and support available to you..

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ONE TO ONE SUPPORT IN THE CAREERS ZONE For individual advice on preparing for psychometric tests and assessment centres, speak to our advisers. To arrange an appointment, call into a Careers Zone or phone us on 0151 231 2048/3719.

WORKSHOPS We offer psychometric testing practice sessions to help you ace your online tests. For dates of upcoming sessions, check our events website https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk

ASSESSMENT CENTRE TOOL AND PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS Looking to practise aptitude tests and assessment centre exercises? Head to our Careers website www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers, follow the link to Careers Zone 24/7, log in and get practising!

DOWNLOAD OUR CAREER MINI GUIDES For further advice on psychometric tests and assessment centres, visit our Careers website and download a copy of our handy mini guides - www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Applying for a graduate scheme?

PRACTISE A RANGE OF TESTS USED BY GRADUATE EMPLOYERS DURING THE RECRUITMENT PROCESS

Use our assessment centre tool and our range of aptitude tests to get up to speed with tests used by graduate employers recruiting for graduate schemes APTITUDE TESTS INCLUDE:

❚ numerical ❚ verbal ❚ inductive ❚ diagrammatic ❚ logical ❚ situational judgement ❚ critical thinking ❚ error checking and e-tray exercises TO ACCESS THESE TOOLS GO TO 'CAREERS ZONE 24/7' ON THE LJMU CAREERS WEBSITE:

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

LJMU will be running a range of careers and recruitment fairs during the academic year. Students from any degree programme are welcome to attend any of these events Still undecided what career to pursue?

Careers fairs are designed to help you meet and network with employers and find out about career options.

Careers and Recruitment Fairs 2018/19

Need a placement or job?

Recruitment Fairs are designed to help you meet employers with job and placement vacancies to offer.

For more information about these events, including which employers are attending, and which students they are aimed at, visit:

careers.ljmu.ac.uk

SEMESTER 1

SEMESTER 2

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Staff and Student Volunteering Fair 3 October, 2pm-5pm, Byrom Street

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Staff and Student Volunteering Fair 27 February, 1pm-4pm, John Lennon Art and Design Building

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Faculty of Engineering and Technology Careers Fair 11 October, 9am-12pm, Adelphi Hotel

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Creative, Culture, Media and Arts Recruitment Fair 10 April, 1pm-3pm, John Lennon Art and Design Building

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Exploring Placements and Graduate Schemes 16 October, 10am-2pm, Redmonds Building

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Exploring Working with Children, Young People and with Vulnerable Adults 17 October, 2pm-4pm, Byrom Street

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Recruitment Fair 17 April, 10am-1pm, Byrom Street

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Business, Law, Humanities and Social Science Recruitment Fair 18 April, 10am-1pm, Redmonds Building

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Exploring Science-related Career Pathways 24 October, 2pm-4pm, Byrom Street

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Exploring Working in Creative Industries 14 November, 1pm-4pm, John Lennon Art and Design Building

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Exploring Careers in Sport 22 November, 1pm-4pm, Byrom Street

LJMU CAREERS TEAM

0151 231 2048/3719 || careers@ljmu.ac.uk

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers