SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

career planning guide

SCHOOL OF PHARMACY AND BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES

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 The practical experience and knowledge I am gaining here should give me exactly what I need to get the job I want.

Mario Artukovic, Strength and Conditioning MSc

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 Pharmacy Pharmaceutical Science MChem/BSc Applied Chemistry Biomedical Science and Biochemistry Spotlight on The Scientist Training Programme (STP) Forensic Science

4 7 7 10 14 16

Options open to all students from the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences Top 10 facts when applying to graduate medicine or dentistry courses Spotlight on careers within the allied health professions The spotlight on a career as a physician associate

19 20 23 25

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 Placement Learning Support Unit

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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

44 50 52 54

Introduction The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences (PBS), a forward-looking and student-focussed multidisciplinary school, was established from the merger between the former Schools of Pharmacy and Chemistry, and Biomolecular Sciences in 2008. It is one of the oldest providers of pharmacy education in the world and has been delivering industry-relevant courses since 1849. Currently it offers high-quality undergraduate and postgraduate education and training and enviable learning experiences in areas including pharmacy, applied chemistry, biochemistry, biomedical science, forensic science and pharmaceutical science. PBS works closely with the employers and professional bodies to ensure high employability of our graduates.

PROFESSOR SATYA SARKER, DIRECTOR, SCHOOL OF PHARMACY & BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES 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. www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

PHARMACY AND BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES STUDENTS HAVE A RANGE OF CAREER OPTIONS AVAILABLE TO THEM. CAREERS ADVISER LAURA ALDRIDGE LOOKS AT SOME OPTIONS TO GET YOU STARTED.

Pharmacy The completion of an MPharm degree in pharmacy can lead to excellent prospects and salaries are very competitive. Most pharmacists work in high street and supermarket pharmacies, in hospitals and in medical practices, but there are also opportunities in the drugs development industry or in university-based research.

The MPharm degree also provides a sound scientific training which will also make you well-placed to apply for other science-based careers.

The MPharm is the first step towards qualification as a pharmacist in the UK. After graduation, it is then necessary to undertake a year’s pre-registration training (usually salaried) to qualify for registration with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). To find out more about the GPhC registration process, please refer to www. pharmacyregulation.org. The School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences provides support to students for their GPhC Clinical Registration examination.

Pre-registration training

In recent years, securing a pre-registration placement has become increasingly competitive, so gaining relevant work experience is crucial to demonstrate to prospective employers that you have the motivation to succeed in your chosen area and have developed the required skills.

Following completion of the MPharm degree course, most pharmacy graduates go on to complete their pre-registration training in either community or hospital pharmacy. There are also a small number of opportunities to complete pre-registration training within industry. AstraZeneca, Bristol-Myers Squibb, GlaxoSmithKline, MSD and Pfizer all offer preregistration training within an industrial setting.

When applying for pre-registration placements, pharmacy students will need to use the Oriel

application process. This enables students to apply for a number of different pre-registration placements using one centralised application system. All hospitals and a number of community pharmacy employers are now using the Oriel system to recruit for their preregistration placements. Students will need to make their application using the Oriel system during the summer before level 7. More information about the Oriel application process (and key deadlines) can be found here: www.lasepharmacy.hee.nhs.uk/nationalrecruitment/. Pharmacy academic staff will deliver information sessions to students about the Oriel system during levels 6 and 7. Please note that some community and industrial pharmacy employers may advertise preregistration placements outside of the Oriel system so make sure that you check individual employers’ websites for further details of their application process.

Other options

There are also a range of other opportunities for pharmacists within the pharmaceutical industry. Furthermore, many graduate training schemes with large companies are open to applicants from any degree background – see the following pages for further information.

Summer placements within pharmacy

Many community pharmacy employers offer summer placement opportunities. These are usuallly advertised on the organisation’s own website. Please also look out for announcements about summer placement opportunities which you may recieve via the Pharmacy Canvas Community Site. For summer placements in hospitals, you should contact each hospital pharmacy directly to enquire about the availability of placements.

You can also try websites such as Pharmacy Workforce North West NHS (www.pharmacyworkforcenw.nhs.uk/).

Check your eligibility before making an application, e.g. some summer placements are specifically aimed at students who will be between their third and fourth year. Application deadlines for summer internships can be as early as September/October for a start date between June and August the following year, so ensure you don’t miss out on relevant opportunities!

For summer placements within the pharmaceutical industry, you can also try websites such as www.prospects.ac.uk or http://targetjobs.co.uk/. The Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI) website also provides information about pharmaceutical companies in the UK: http://careers.abpi.org.uk/

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

Your Careers Adviser: Laura Aldridge I have been working in the careers guidance profession for a number of years. I started as a career adviser in an education setting, working in both schools and colleges in Staffordshire and then London, and then I eventually became a team manager. I also have a background in teaching and training and hold both careers guidance and teaching qualifications. I moved into the Higher Education setting in 2004 and worked for City University in London before joining Liverpool John Moores University as a careers adviser in 2007.

I have worked with the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences for 11 years. In addition to providing one to one careers guidance to students, I assist with the delivery of a range of careers modules. I deliver workshops on a range of employability related topics. To complement the workshops which I run as part of the curriculum, I also work with the Employer Engagement Team to organise an optional programme of careers and employer events for students. Furthermore, I produce bespoke careers information to help you with your career planning. I also conduct original research into important employability matters and have recently completed an externally funded project.

The following careers information is designed to give you an overview of the broad range of career options which are open to you during your degree course. It may surprise you to know that around half of graduate vacancies are open to graduates of any degree discipline. The skills which science graduates develop can be applied to a variety of job sectors.

This guide is designed to give you a starting point for your research, and there may be many other job options you could consider. Please note that although all information in this guide was accurate at the time of going to press, some information may be subject to change. Therefore, please make sure that you do further research into job areas of interest to you, by using the websites supplied.

To book an appointment with me or any other adviser call in to the Careers Zone at Byrom Street, located by the reception in James Parsons Building. Alternatively telephone 0151 231 2048.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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Graduate Case Study EIMEAR HENEGHAN GRADUATED WITH AN MPHARM DEGREE AND NOW WORKS FOR DAY LEWIS PHARMACY, A LARGE INDEPENDENT PHRAMACY CHAIN, AS A REGIONAL PHARMACIST MANAGER

What does your current job role involve?

In my current role, I am a branch manager in one community pharmacy and I also work as a regional manager supporting ten Day Lewis Pharmacies in the North West Region.

My role in the branch involves: working in the dispensary, counselling patients who attend the pharmacy and providing services such as medicine use reviews, new medicines services and minor ailments schemes. I also use PGDs to provide eligible patients with specific prescription only medication.

In my regional manager role, I visit other pharmacies in the area to support and advise the pharmacist in the running of their branches. This is often to support the provision of services or to ensure the standards of each pharmacy are maintained in the event of a GPhC inspection. I also regularly carry out audits on the systems within each branch.

Please tell us more about your preregistration year and your career so far: I competed my pre-registration year with Boots Pharmacy. I attended regular training events with Boots and enjoyed working in a very busy pharmacy in Liverpool. I thoroughly enjoyed my preregistration year and the environment I worked in provided me with a vast amount of experience. After completing my preregistration exam I worked with Boots and then left to work as a locum pharmacist. I really enjoyed this role, as it gave me lots of flexibility and allowed me to enjoy earning

an income for the first time. I again gained a lot of experience, working in a variety of pharmacies e.g. late night and out of hours, as well as local and city centre pharmacies and supermarkets. I also had the opportunity to work for a number of different companies. It gave me an idea of what type of company I would like to work for in the future.

After a time working as a locum, I became a regular locum for a small chain independent.

I worked a lot managing their pharmacies despite not having a contract with them and often helped out in their head office.

Eventually Day Lewis purchased this small chain and offered me the job as branch manager where I have since remained.

Please tell us more about the prescribing course which you have completed?

This year I completed an Independent Prescribing Course with LJMU, mainly to ensure I keep my qualifications up-to-date with changes that are happening within the pharmacy profession. The 6-month course was flexible so I could continue with my full time job. I attended a number of study days at the university and after completion of directed study and a portfolio of learning undertaken with my designated medical practitioner, I took a written assessment and OSCE. I found the course very accessible and now I have applied to the GPHC for annotation to become an independent prescriber.

Three things which you like about your job: I really enjoy the relationships that we build with our patients in the pharmacy. It is great

to be a part of the community and patients trust our advice and really value the service we provide for them.

I enjoy working with a multidisciplinary team. We have a great relationship with our local GP surgery. The administration team, the GPs, the nurses and the pharmacists there are really great at communicating with us and it’s great to have such a variation of knowledge and experience within the team.

I really like the variety you get in pharmacy.

Each day can be very different. I really enjoy the new services we can now provide and our expertise is widening every day. I feel our clinical knowledge is being utilised and developed a lot more and this definitely gives me more job satisfaction. Pharmacy is constantly evolving and as a result it is a very exciting field to work in!

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

Say yes to every opportunity because that is how you will gain experience. I did some summer placements in my final two years of university. They were well worth it as they give you some real-life experience of what it’s like to work in pharmacy before your pre-registration year.

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

No, I absolutely loved my time at LJMU.

Pre-registration Pharmacy employer event The Pre-Registration Pharmacy Employer Event will take place during November 2018. This is an exhibition style event which gives students the chance to speak to both community and hospital pharmacy employers who will be recruiting for pre-registration placements. There will be a range of other employer events taking place for science students this academic year as well. Please refer to our events website for more details https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Graduate Case Study CRAIG WHITELOCK-WAINWRIGHT GRADUATED WITH AN MPHARM DEGREE AND NOW WORKS AS AN INSPECTOR FOR THE GENERAL PHARMACEUTICAL COUNCIL (GPhC) What does your job involve (e.g. main duties)?

My duties fall into two categories: systems regulation and professional regulation. System regulation involves the inspection of pharmacy premises, which can vary from high street retail pharmacies, to hospitals, to high-volume dispensing hubs. Professional regulation involves the investigation of concerns which we receive about registered pharmacy professionals.

Three things you like about your job: ❙❙ The autonomy. ❙❙ The flexibility. ❙❙ The variation in the type of work which I do.

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

My application was via a CV and covering letter which I prepared by relating my experiences to the GPhC’s business plan, and other information published on their website. The selection process was a panel interview followed by a written exercise of a mock inspection.

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

Due to the nature of the MPharm undergraduate course, there was a large area which underpinned my knowledge, to support the selection process. The use of different teaching mediums exposed me to how businesses operate, rather than focussing on a traditional lecture model. I believe that small group work with presentations to both small and large audiences, helped me to build confidence and communication skills which I use on a daily basis.

Any other advice you would give to students about their employability?

Always align your skills with the needs of the company to which you are applying to. Make sure that you sell why you are different to other people from a similar background or degree course. Although a degree will help to ensure you have the necessary knowledge, the other skills which you learn will help you apply that knowledge in a way that makes you an attractive employee to a business.

Graduate Case Study FAREEHA NIAZI GRADUATED FROM LJMU IN 2017 WITH AN MPHARM DEGREE AND IS NOW WORKING AS A PHARMACIST AT PCT HEALTHCARE

Tell us more about your pre-registration year: My pre-registration year was very busy as I had a full-time job and finding the balance between work and revision is important.

Three things you like about your job: ❙❙ I have a great relationship with my pre-registration tutors and manager. ❙❙ I encounter different experiences and situations. ❙❙ I enjoy working with and helping patients directly.

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

I took advantage of an interview practice session and a CV review. I received support both during university and after graduation.

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

I carried out summer placements at PCT Healthcare throughout my

A graduate says ...

university years which led me to apply for a preregistration position with the company.

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

Work experience is very important! I would advise students to obtain a part-time job or a summer placement at a pharmacy whilst at university.

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

I would try to make the most of the university experience. I would also ask for help sooner and search for answers if I don’t understand something rather than leave it for later.

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

The various workshops, law lectures and dispensing activities were very useful in preparing me for the pre-registration year.

“

What does your job role involve (e.g. main duties) I perform duties such as dispensing, BP monitoring, demonstrating inhaler techniques, CD register monitoring and ordering specials.

I attended support sessions on CV writing and interview techniques run by Laura Aldridge which helped me to produce a CV to a high standard and the improvement with my CV helped me feel more confident with application forms. The interview technique training helped in terms of the best way to answer the most difficult questions. I would definitely recommend these sessions to current undergraduates as they can really boost your employability and confidence.

ANDREW MEREDITH, PHARMACY GRADUATE

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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Pharmaceutical Science Your degree in pharmaceutical science will offer you a wide range of career opportunities in the pharmaceutical, chemical, biotechnological, forensic science, food, healthcare, cosmetics and related industries in fields such as information science, formulation, quality assurance, quality control, regulatory affairs, clinical trials, product registration, research and development, production control, production management and marketing.

Graduates from this course may work for a variety of different employers such as pharmaceutical companies (e.g. AstraZeneca and GlaxoSmithKline), manufacturers of household goods (e.g. Unilever), food manufacturers, forensic science employers (local employers include LGC Forensics and Key Forensic Services), government research establishments, schools, FE colleges and universities, and the NHS. If you are interested in working in the pharmaceutical industry, it is worthwhile exploring the range of options open to you, for example, within research and development, manufacturing and supply. There are also roles in quality assurance and clinical research. You can find more information about the range of job roles available on the ABPI (Association of British Pharmaceutical Industry) website - http:// careers.abpi.org.uk/. Furthermore, on this website you can also find details of pharmaceutical employers across the UK and information on graduate jobs or placements they have available.

There are also opportunities for pharmaceutical science graduates within the commercial field of the pharmaceutical industry. This includes opportunities to work as medical sales representatives.

Graduate positions within medical sales are available with various employers, including Quintiles and Ashfield In2Focus Ltd. However, some graduates choose not to pursue careers in these industries and can be found working in banks, hospitals, offices, schools or even in an outdoor environment.

MChem/BSc Applied Chemistry Your degree in applied chemistry will offer you a wide range of career opportunities. Chemistry graduates are suited to a wealth of different fields, including chemical and related industries, such as fine chemical, pharmaceutical, polymer, petrochemical, energy/power, biotechnology, food & fragrance, cosmetic, healthcare, patenting, accounting and the financial sector. The MChem in particular will also provide a sound basis for academic research and teaching.

If you are interested in working in the chemical and related industries, it is worthwhile exploring the range of options open to you, for example, within research and development, manufacturing and supply. There are also roles in quality assurance and clinical research. You can find more information

about the range of job roles available on the royal Society of Chemistry (RSC) website http://www.rsc.org/careers/ future/career-options.

As a qualified chemist, you would be expected to be a member of the professional body and gain chartered status (MRSC CChem). Your continuing professional development can be planned via the society (please see http://www.rsc.org/careers/), making career progression much simpler.

Career Prospects Successful applied chemistry or pharmaceutical science graduates can enjoy above average salaries in this fast growing sector. As a group, the chemical, pharmaceutical and allied industries form the UK’s largest manufacturing industry, growing more than five times faster than any industry in the last ten years. It is the number one exporter in the manufacturing industry with an annual trade surplus of just under £5 billion. It spends over £2 billion a year on new capital investment. On average, a full-time employee in the chemical and pharmaceutical industries earns 19% more than in other manufacturing industries. These degree programmes are the ideal platform from which to launch your career, as they are designed to meet the strong demand for highly-skilled and technology-literate people to help these industries continue to be innovative and compete on a global scale.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Graduate Case Study RICKY RADIA IS AN APPLIED CHEMICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS AS A REGULATORY AFFAIRS SENIOR MANAGER AT OTSUKA What does your job/graduate scheme involve (e.g. main duties)?

My job entails the following tasks: ❙❙ Global and regional responsibility for assigned medicines which the company develops and plans to sell. ❙❙ Obtaining a licence for the medicines which I am responsible for from the European, International and National health authorities, so that the company can sell these medicines and patients can benefit from them. ❙❙ Submitting applications to the applicable health authorities such as European Medicines Agency (EMA), Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (UK Health Authority), to obtain licences for the company’s products and to maintain those licences over the product lifecycle. ❙❙ Providing regulatory input and expertise to local and global project teams to ensure that the company’s products get licenced from EMA and MHRA. Three things you like about your job: ❙❙ The diversity of regulatory affairs ❙❙ The numerous challenges with obtaining a licence ❙❙ The interaction with the various other aspects of a pharmaceutical company (eg the safety, marketing and medical departments etc).

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

My final year module called “industrial pharmacy” was particularly useful as I was introduced to the various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry. A lecturer invited guest speakers from various aspects of the pharmaceutical industry to talk about topics such as regulatory affairs, pharmacovigilance, clinical trials, quality assurance, research and development etc.

This module was invaluable as at this point of time in my degree I was unsure what I wanted to pursue in my future career, and whether to go onto further study or a job in the pharmaceutical industry. I was not overtly keen on going on to a formulations scientist role and being alerted to different aspects of the pharmaceutical industry really broadened my horizons.

After graduation I decided to go for a career in regulatory affairs and I secured my first job with AstraZeneca. Ironically the guest lecture delivered on regulatory affairs was delivered by the head of regulatory at AstraZeneca at the time, which I think really persuaded me to apply to AstraZeneca.

What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability? ❙❙ Research the area you want to get into and be aware of the potential career paths within it. ❙❙ Be clear to yourself on what you want to achieve in your career and don’t be afraid to pursue those dreams.

Any other advice you would give to students about their employability?

I would advise students to be enthusiastic and knowledgeable about the job which you wish to pursue in the pharmaceutical industry. Prior experience is also advantageous. If you display a good attitude and a sound knowledge of your future career path, this will also endear you to future employers.

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

Not particularly, it was not my intention in my first year to get into regulatory affairs although I learnt about it in my final year. However, when I graduated regulatory affairs was not that prominent.

If you wish to follow my career path, then there are a lot of resources out there which can help you to do further research. Please refer to the www.topra.org.uk for further information. TOPRA is the professional membership organisation for individuals engaged in regulatory affairs for human or veterinary medicines.

Graduate Case Study HOLLY CHRISHOP IS AN APPLIED CHEMICAL AND PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS AT CATALENT PHARMA SOLUTIONS AS A PROJECT MANAGER OF CLINICAL TRIALS What did the application/selection process involve and how did you prepare?

The application process started with an online application, which was a questionnaire about past experiences. This was then followed by a telephone interview, which involved questions about leadership skills and my knowledge of the company. I was successful through this round and invited to a face-to-face interview, where I was asked to prepare a tenminute presentation on project management skills.

What does your current role involve?

I work with pharmaceutical companies to orchestrate clinical trials. I am involved in packaging design, document preparation as well as global distribution.

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

I was a student representative for two years of my course and used this as valuable leadership training. It is very important to have transferrable skills

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

such as taking meeting minutes and representing a group.

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

I would say get involved in a number of activities, as it all counts on your CV to portray the person you are. Social skills can sell just as well as technical ones to an employer. Take on board all of the technical skills which you are using in the laboratories. The experience of dealing with laboratory equipment and computer software on a weekly basis can give you a competitive edge.

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

My final-year project helped a lot in my interviews as it was a large task that took discipline and organisation skills. The presentation at the end of it all also gave me a good insight into delivering a professional presentation on a given topic. A lot of my lectures were very work-orientated.

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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PhD Case Study ANDREW CASHMORE GRADUATED IN 2018 WITH AN APPLIED CHEMICAL AND

PHARMACEUTICAL SCIENCE DEGREE AND IS NOW COMPLETING A PHD AT STRATHCLYDE Why did you decide to apply for your PhD study?

I am the type of person who likes a challenge. Following various conversations with past colleagues (who completed postgraduate research) and seeing the opportunities that a PhD has provided them with, there was no doubt in my mind that this was the route that I wanted to take.

As I have played competitive sports for many years, I have always enjoyed being part of a team. However, following my year in industry I found a real passion for individual research. During my industrial placements I was able to direct three individual research projects along with my industrial supervisor, giving me a real feeling of accomplishment. Postgraduate research allows me to combine the two. I will work within a research group giving me the opportunity to interact with other colleagues and collaborate on certain projects, yet I will also be able to focus on my own project making the whole situation really exciting.

What did the application process involve for the PhD? The application process involved completing a cover letter to explain why I thought that I was the right candidate for the PhD and then an online application. I applied to several different PhDs and generally the process was that I would send an email to the supervisor with my CV and cover letter, along with some information about myself prior to completing the online application. Once my qualifications and experience were deemed suitable I would have one or two interviews before being offered the position.

Please tell us about what your PhD involves?

The title of my PhD research topic is; ‘’Understanding, measurement and scale-up of secondary nucleation” and I will study for my PhD at The University of Strathclyde.

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

At the start of the academic year, prior to applying for PhD positions I wanted to get my CV completely up to date and set out in the correct format. Therefore, I booked a careers meeting and went through what I wanted to include with the adviser. I received a huge amount of valuable information and support from the Careers Team. We then also spoke about the correct formatting for a cover letter.

Look for

Tell us about the industrial placements which you completed between levels 5 and 6 and how they have benefitted you?

During my time at university I utilised every connection I had to try to gain as much work experience as possible. During the summer of my first year I completed a 3 month industrial placement at Bosch Manesty. Then, following completion of my second year I spent a year working in industry; 6 months in Germany working for BASF and 7 months working for Bristol-Myers Squibb. This gave me a valuable insight into how industrial companies work and what they expect from employees. This also gave me the motivation to undertake postgraduate research as I was able to communicate with people and see the benefits and opportunities first hand.

As mentioned previously, I completed three individual research projects and was required to give oral presentations and submit full written reports. One of my highlights was completing a poster presentation on my work at an internationally renowned conference following my time at Bristol-Myers Squibb. The knowledge and confidence that I developed during my time in industry was invaluable to my final year at university. I am a student member of the Royal Society of Chemistry, The Academy of Pharmaceutical Sciences and the UK and Ireland Controlled Release Society. This membership of professional associations keeps me up to date with what is going on in the industry and the hot topics at the moment.

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

I personally wouldn’t do anything differently as I feel that I am in a good position after completing the course but I would recommend that undergraduates try to gain as much experience as possible during their time at university. It is very difficult to obtain a placement but there are opportunities available for those students who work hard enough to find them. I would also recommend that current students utilise all of the services available, whether that be the library support to help with report writing and maths, or the Careers Team to help with CVs and covering letters.

What are you your plans after finishing your PhD? I am currently pursuing a career in research, but I have many interests in different roles within the pharmaceutical industry. One of my biggest aims is to work internationally and I believe that the route that I am taking will provide me with the best shot of completing that goal.

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Biomedical Science and Biochemistry A degree in biochemistry or biomedical science will not only develop your subjectspecific knowledge in areas like cellular biology, physiology, genetics, or analytical methods of biology and chemistry, but through the practical aspects of your course, also allows you to gain a range of hands-on laboratory skills. This will open up career paths in a variety of health and science-related fields.

Biochemists may find employment in research roles in universities, research institutes or the pharmaceutical sector. Others are employed in the NHS or within government bodies like The Food and Environment Research Agency.

The NHS and Health Protection Agency also employ biomedical science graduates. To gain registration with the Health and Care Professions Council (www.hcpc-uk.org.uk/),

biomedical science graduates will need to complete training on the job in an approved laboratory for a period of one or two years or longer. One way to gain this experience is to obtain a post as a trainee biomedical scientist within the NHS. Or alternatively, it is possible to apply for job vacancies within the graduate entry Scientist Training Programme (see p.14 & 15). To find out more about the route to registration, you can also consult the Institute of Biomedical Science website (www.ibms.org/).

In recent years, trainee biomedical scientist vacancies within the NHS have been in short supply. However, biomedical science graduates have found other ways into the NHS by applying for other laboratory roles such as medical laboratory assistant,

laboratory technician or biomedical support worker.

Other employers of biomedical science graduates include universities, research councils, the Health and Safety Executive, NHS Blood and Transplant, the National Blood Authority, forensic or government-funded laboratories as well as private pathology laboratories. Graduates also work in research and development, quality assurance and sales roles in the food and drink, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

Graduate Case Study NIAMH LONGWILL IS A 2018 BIOMEDICAL SCIENCES GRADUATE WHO HAS JUST SECURED A JOB AS A HISTOPATHOLOGY MEDICAL LABORATORY ASSISTANT FOR THE ROYAL DERBY NHS TEACHING HOSPITALS FOUNDATION TRUST What will your new job involve?

A medical laboratory assistant working in a histopathology department within the NHS is responsible for the collection, validation and processing of a patient’s samples, such as skin biopsies or whole organs. They are responsible for ensuring that samples reach the correct laboratory station and are processed appropriately for their requested tests. Other duties include disposal of clinical waste and assisting biomedical scientists and pathologists with large sample dissection.

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

I had undertaken three unpaid laboratory experiences within the NHS and the private sector prior to applying for graduate level jobs. This experience was useful when filling out the application forms as it allowed me to meet all the essential and desirable criteria. Additionally, during the interview process, this experience allowed me to stand out as I had first-hand knowledge of the job I was applying for.

Three things you will enjoy about your job: ❙❙ Working within a discipline I have a genuine interest in. ❙❙ Knowing that the work you are doing is making a huge difference to patient lives. ❙❙ Gaining experience within the NHS.

Do you have any advice for biomedical science students who wish to find paid laboratory work (or other laboratory work experience) within the NHS? Start looking for laboratory experience as soon as you can as it really makes you more appealing to employers. Decide which discipline you wish to work in and then email pathology departments of hospitals asking if they are willing to take on a student looking for some experience. Additionally, hospitals will advertise for bank laboratory staff, which allows you to gain paid experience whilst allowing you to work around your lectures and assignments.

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

I applied for this role on the NHS jobs website. The application form included a supporting material section which required me to write an essay on how I met the role requirements and why I was suitable for the job. After this, I was invited for an interview which included a panel interview followed by a basic skills test. To prepare for each stage, I researched the NHS foundation Trust in detail, the role I was applying to as well as booking appointments and mock interviews in the Careers Zone.

What help and support did you access from the Careers Team when you were at university?

Whenever I started applying for graduate jobs, I booked appointments in the Careers Zone to help me write the supporting material essay for the NHS applications. By doing this, I was able to gain an understanding of exactly what employers expected on application forms. I also attended a mock interview session which helped me prepare for NHS value-based interview questions.

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

As I wish to complete my HCPC registration portfolio and work as a qualified biomedical scientist within the NHS, I would have gone down the applied biomedical science route of my degree. This involves you undertaking work experience during your studies and allows you to complete the portfolio by the time you graduate.

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

My final year involved a lot of group work assignments which really helped me develop teamworking, organisational and interpersonal skills when dealing with different work ethics of the students within the allocated groups. This aspect of my degree was very helpful as it allowed me to meet the essential requirements employers wanted for the roles I was applying for.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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Graduate Case Study REBECCA OLDFIELD GRADUATED IN 2017 FROM BSC BIOCHEMISTRY AND IS NOW WORKING AS A MICROBIOLOGIST FOR ALLERGAN BIOLOGICS LTD. What does your job involve? ❙❙ Performing microbiology testing to support product development

and current good manufacturing practice production activities throughout all stages of bioprocessing. ❙❙ Performing microbiology testing of facilities’ water points and raw materials, in process product release and stability, to lead the management of samples for projects assigned to me. I am responsible for interpreting and analysing experimental results, and communicating them effectively via study reports and presentations to the microbiology senior manager. ❙❙ Carrying out trend analysis of routine testing and ensuring test specifications are met for raw materials, water testing and intermediate or final product. I report those products which are out of specifications to the microbiology senior manager. ❙❙ Training in new microbiology methods and transfer of methods through to routine application, either internally or to external partners

Please list three things which you like about your job: ❙❙ I am constantly exposed to new challenges and training

opportunities which keeps me on my toes. ❙❙ I am passionate about my field of study and surrounded by a broad range of experienced and technical experts, all of whom have been exposed to a selection of different departments within the pharmaceutical sector. Through discussions with these professionals, I am able to further enhance and develop my knowledge which assists in building on my career progression. ❙❙ The site ethos is impeccable. Half the battle of a job is finding somewhere you feel comfortable and where you can enjoy your day.

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

The application process required me to submit a cover letter and CV to the company and I was then invited to interview. I had an hour interview which included general and technical questions and a written assessment. This was followed by a half an hour laboratory tour whereby I was able to see the environment I would be working in, to meet the team and be exposed to the equipment I would be expected to use on a day to day basis.

What help and support did you access in the Careers Zones when you were at university?

During my second year, I received support from the Careers Team when I was going through the application process for a year in industry. At the

Byrom Careers Zone, an employability adviser checked through my CV, and also gave me advice about its layout.

I also attended a workshop about interview skills which gave me details about frequently asked interview questions. This helped me to prepare prior to my actual interview.

What relevant work experience/skills/volunteering/Student Union activities did you use during the selection process?

I drew upon the skills which I gained from university practical laboratory based experience and upon my academic knowledge. I also used some of the skills which I had gained from my part-time job as a sales representative. Furthermore, I was able to describe what I had gained from extra-curricular activities, such as my Duke of Edinburgh Award and my roles as a biochemistry course representative, whilst at university. I learnt how to adapt my skill set to the job role in question, and that the experience which I drew upon did not always have to be scientific based.

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

I would advise current students to make the most of the opportunities provided to them during their second year whether that be the year in industry option or a summer internship. These opportunities really helped me to excel in the pharmaceutical industry and to target the field which I wished to enter. A key tip for final year students is to always make sure that they have a current and up to date CV available so that if they see a job role which is of interest to them, they are ready to apply right away.

Most importantly I would advise students to be focussed and productive in their job search as nothing comes easily!

What aspects of your degree have you most benefitted from?

One of the things was the sandwich placement opportunity. I always knew I wanted to participate in this opportunity as it would help me to decide whether I would need to stay on for further postgraduate study or whether I was prepared to go straight into a job within the field I had initially chose to study. I also found site visits extremely useful as this enabled me to visualise which type of environment I would be working in and if I would be comfortable in it. In addition, I found discussions with my lecturers about optional modules which were available in the second and third year, extremely useful. This helped me to select options which I knew were of interest to me and which I would excel in and where I could also play to my learning styles and academic strengths.

MINI GUIDE

LABORATORY WORK EXPERIENCE

Gaining laboratory based work experience can really help your chances of securing employment in a laboratory setting after graduation!

Consult our guide about looking for paid or voluntary laboratory work experience to find out more about: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

What type of work experience or paid placements are available Strategies for approaching scientific companies Laboratory based employment options for after graduation How to emphasise your laboratory skills on your CV

You can download a copy of the guide from the resources page of our website:

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

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Graduate Case Study AFTER GRADUATING FROM THE BSC (HONS) BIOCHEMISTRY PROGRAMME, NAOMI FISHER JOINED

LANCASHIRE CONSTABULARY AND PROGRESSED INTO A POSITION AS A CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATOR. senior members of staff. The online application form consists of around five questions, usually asking for examples of when you have demonstrated a range of personal qualities such as teamwork, professionalism and reliability. The constabulary is mainly focused on personal qualities and values rather than academic success, and no CVs or personal statements were required throughout the application. The interviews were very informal and friendly and I was made to feel at ease straight away. If you are successful and given a conditional offer, you then enter the vetting stage where background checks are carried out before a final offer of employment is issued.

What does your role involve?

As a crime scene investigator (CSI) I work alongside police officers and detectives to recover potential forensic evidence which can be presented in court to prove if a suspected offender is innocent or guilty. I attend a variety of incidents from common burglaries to the occasional serious murder case; however it is not quite the lifestyle as seen on the TV! Many of the scenes I attend can be quite distressing, so a positive mentality and strong stomach are vital. The main focus of my role is to search the area for material which could prove a suspect has been present at the scene or handled a particular item. I most commonly search for fingerprints, footwear marks and DNA - usually in the form of blood or saliva. A lot of the evidence we recover is invisible to the naked eye and requires extensive work to make it visible so that it can be photographed and retained for a court exhibit. For example, I use a specific aluminium powder to enhance ridge details of fingerprints, which works by binding to the amino acids in sweat to make them visible. The fingerprints can then be lifted off the surface using an adhesive tape, and then preserved on a plastic slide for viewing. The fingerprints can then be compared to a nationwide database to search for an identity match.

What did the application process involve?

Within a week of graduating I secured a job within Lancashire Constabulary as a public enquiry assistant, which involved working on the front desk at a local police station. The application process for this role was a simple online application form followed by an interview. Once employed by the constabulary, I could then apply for any internal vacancies that were advertised, and I was soon transferred to a CSI role. The application process for this was exactly the same, in the form of another online application form and an interview with two

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

It is important to gain as much experience as you can in a variety of settings in order to develop personal qualities and gain further ‘life experience’. Lancashire Constabulary have a huge focus on personal values, which are included in every application process, so it is a good idea to really concentrate on gaining varied experience in order to have a choice of example scenarios to demonstrate each characteristic. I took on many work experience placements and voluntary roles to expand on my own skills and knowledge, such as a weekly position at my local hospice, and a short term placement at a veterinary post mortem laboratory.

I also contacted the CSI department directly and organised a few days shadowing a current CSI to see what the role involved, and to show an interest in the organisation. If I was a first-year student again I would definitely get more involved with events around university, such as attending the Freshers’ Fair to sign up for a new hobby, or volunteering to organise a charity event.

What help and support did you access from the Careers Team?

I attended numerous career visit days where employers from a range of companies came and spoke to prospective students about current roles. Although there were no CSI representatives, I found them all to be worthwhile, even if only to discount certain jobs that I definitely didn’t want to do! The Careers Team were all very helpful and knowledgeable about a variety of roles available, and offered great advice throughout the course.

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

My biochemistry degree definitely gave me an advantage when applying for the CSI role, as it showed I had all the required knowledge combined with desirable skills such as laboratory work. Although many would choose a forensic science degree in order to become a CSI, the biochemistry course still contained many relevant aspects which are applicable to the role. I chose to study biochemistry as I didn’t originally have a particular career choice in mind, and I felt this course offered a broader range of opportunities. The range of course delivery methods were a huge advantage, such as seminars and group presentations, as they developed great teamwork and communication skills.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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Postgraduate Case Study MEGAN HOPWOOD GRADUATED WITH A BSC (HONS) BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE IN 2015.

AFTER A YEAR IN INDUSTRY WORKING AS A LABORATORY AND CLINICAL TRIALS TECHNICIAN, MEGAN RETURNED TO LJMU TO STUDY THE MSC IN INDUSTRIAL BIOTECHNOLOGY. SHE NOW WORKS AT CAUSEWAY SENSORS IN BELFAST AS A BIOLOGICAL PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT SCIENTIST

A graduate says ...

What relevant work experience or skills did you discuss during the application and selection process?

During the application and interview process, I ensured I included all of the relevant experience I had gained through my three-year BSc degree, my MSc degree, placement at Allergan and year in industry as a laboratory and clinical trials technician. When writing my CV, I listed all the key practical skills I had gained and developed throughout this time and I realised that this mounted to quite a lot so I felt it was important to include this in my CV as it would be the first impression the employer would form of me. My experience outside education, both in a wet chemistry lab and also in the healthcare sector as a clinical trials technician, gave me a range of skills from both a more technical and a patient-facing setting. I feel that these contrasting roles gave me well-rounded experience that my employer found desirable. Having the opportunity to complete an industrial lab placement at Allergan was definitely a bonus in securing my current job. My current employer was particularly impressed by the fact that the placements required interviews and that I had been successful to secure my place with them. Although I was assigned a mentor in Allergan, the independent work I carried out there was also desirable to my current employer as it proved that even within a well-established company, I was able to integrate and achieve my goals.

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

If I were to do it all again, I would try to gain as much experience as possible throughout my undergraduate degree rather than after I graduated. I am aware that trying to gain experience without prior experience is difficult, but be bold! Don’t be afraid to contact companies directly to ask if they have any volunteering opportunities or even a few days’ shadowing in a laboratory, as anything you can add to your CV is beneficial.

Having a broad range of experiences will allow you to plan better which career you would like to pursue, and this could be through part-time employment or volunteering. I would also recommend getting involved in the Erasmus programme, as not only do you gain work experience in a different country, but employers will also see your independence and ambition.

“

What does your current role involve?

As a biological product development scientist at Causeway Sensors, I am involved in the process of bringing our product from proof of concept through to biological applications. My tasks in this role vary from day to day and goals can change from week to week due to the early research stage that the company is in. This makes for an exciting and ever-changing role that requires me to be able to adapt and gives me the opportunity to explore many different avenues. As we are a spin out from Queen’s University and are based on site, with many collaborations in progress, I can further develop a range of existing skills as well as learn new ones, which is ideal for my professional development.

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

The role was advertised on a job website and interested candidates were required to send a CV. For my interview, I was asked to prepare a presentation on how my skills and experience would fit into a laboratory environment and in particular with the company. In preparation for my interview I researched the company extensively, and since it is a primarily physics-based company, I also familiarised myself with the core technology they use. For my presentation, I explained how my particular skills and experience gained from employment and university could benefit the specific needs of the company.

What help and support did you access from the Careers Team while studying at LJMU? I was recommended to use the services available in the Careers Zone by a peer while studying towards my Masters in Industrial Biotechnology and decided to utilise their expertise before applying for my 12-week placement as part of the MSc course.

Although my initial CV included all my relevant education and work experience information, I was pleasantly surprised at the vast improvements I was able to make following my meeting with Anja, one of the employability advisers. I also sought help from her with my covering letter to ensure I was able to express my full range of skills to the employer, and close to the completion of my MSc I was also given extensive help with job applications. This allowed me to secure interviews, both for placement and employment opportunities. I was also given lots of useful information on how to prepare for interviews and how to answer potential questions, which helped me secure a placement with Allergan as part of my MSc course.

My advice to current students would be to gain any work experience possible. Use personal contacts to gain experience, but if you don’t have any, as I didn’t, be persistent and email as many companies as it takes before you get the experience you need. Don’t just email one or two places, email 20 or 30! You only need to draft one email and then target it to the individual firm. I would also advise planning work experience in advance; summer holidays are the ideal time to gain experience, so you are not trying to juggle it with your university work! Also, take any opportunity you can to use the support provided by the Careers Team as they know exactly what to do to help you secure a job or a place on a Masters course.

LYDIA WATTERS, BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Spotlight on The Scientist Training Programme (STP) THE SCIENTIST TRAINING PROGRAMME CAN OFFER SCIENCE GRADUATES A CHANCE TO GAIN A JOB IN THE NHS WITHIN A VARIETY OF SCIENTIFIC SPECIALISMS, ALONG WITH FURTHER FULLY FUNDED TRAINING. CAREERS ADVISER LAURA ALDRIDGE TAKES A CLOSER LOOK AT THE APPLICATION AND INTERVIEW PROCESS FOR THESE HIGHLY COMPETITIVE JOB OPPORTUNITIES. What is the Scientist Training Programme (STP)?

The Scientist Training Programme (STP) is one of the routes for science graduates into healthcare scientist roles in England within the NHS. Those who are successful in gaining a place on the STP would be employed within the NHS on a three year paid training programme which includes workbased and academic learning. The STP also provides successful applicants with an opportunity to complete a funded, part time Masters degree at a university relevant to their chosen specialism.

Which scientific specialisms does the Scientist Training Programme enable applicants to train in?

The STP offers science graduates the chance to train in a broad range of scientific specialisms. You can find a full list of these specialisms on the STP website. Some examples of specialisms which LJMU science students have applied to in the past include: clinical biochemistry, clinical immunology, clinical microbiology, clinical pharmaceutical science and haematology and transfusion science. When you apply to the STP, you can choose a maximum of two specialisms, although you can choose multiple locations or employers as are available, in your preferred subject.

What degree classification or degree subject do I need to apply to the Scientist Training Programme?

To apply for the Scientist Training Programme you must have or be predicted either a first or 2:1 honours degree, relevant to the specialism which you are applying. Therefore, you can apply if you are in your final year, and if you have not yet graduated, although you must state your predicted degree result on your application form. Evidence of research experience either in the form of a higher degree (such as a Masters) is desirable but not essential.

(If you have completed your degree and have obtained a 2:2, you would only be eligible to apply to the STP if you have also studied or are studying a higher degree i.e. a Masters or higher-level qualification).

Before you apply to your chosen specialism for the STP, you should check the job description and person specification, to ensure that you match the skills and knowledge relevant for the specialism which you wish to apply to.

There is also a list of relevant degree subjects which the NHS accepts for the STP programme on the STP website.

What is the application process for the Scientist Training Programme?

The NHS usually open for STP applications around early January, although please keep an eye on the STP website for details. The first stages of your application is to to register on the online application portal, Oriel. You would then need to complete your application form which will require personal, academic, work experience and employment details. As part of this application form, you will also be required to complete a set of online questions which will test your suitability, understanding and motivation for applying to the STP. Following the submission of your application form, you will then receive details of how to complete the online aptitude tests. There is a minimum pass mark for each test, if you do not meet this pass mark then your application will not proceed any further. If you pass the online tests, you will be put forward for short listing. Your application form will then be

reviewed by the recruiters, and if you are successful you will then be invited to an interview and selection centre.

What happens at the interview and selection centre for the STP? The NHS uses a ‘multiple mini interview’ format for the STP. This means that if you are invited to interview, your interviews will take place on a circuit of several ‘stations’. Each station will last around 10 minutes and you will face a number of questions at each interview. The interviewers are likely to ask you questions which require you to show evidence and understanding of NHS values, and which test your awareness of the specialism(s) which you are applying to. Questions about ethical issues which affect the NHS are also common as are questions which test candidates’ general scientific knowledge. Please refer to our mini guide on the Careers Team website (www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers) for more information about multiple mini interviews.

What can I do to improve my chances of success for the STP? Make sure that you give yourself plenty of time to complete your application form. You can also have this checked by the employability advisers at Byrom Careers Zone. It is advisable as well to access some practice aptitude tests before completing the STP online tests. The NHS website recommends that candidates first access the practice tests, which are available here: https://www.trytalentq. com/. There are also further practice tests available on the ‘Careers Zone 24-7‘ section of the Careers Team website here: www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers.

It is also helpful to attend the open days which some of the hospitals offer which provide more details about the STP programme. These open days are usually listed on the STP website, once the NHS start accepting NHS applications. You should make sure too, that you find out as much as possible about the role of a healthcare scientist within the NHS. The NHS Health Careers website provides more information about what the different healthcare science specialisms involve.

Do I need experience?

Although some laboratory-based experience may be helpful, it is not essential as the STP is aimed at recent graduates. If you are selected for interview, some prior knowledge of healthcare services may also be an advantage and may inform your answers to certain types of questions. It is most important to demonstrate that you meet the person specification for the specialism which you are applying to. On their website the NHS state that; ‘successful applicants may have a variety of relevant qualifications, experience and potential, and in the past the cohort of successful applicants has included both new graduates and those with more experience’.

Have LJMU graduates been successful in gaining a place on the STP in the past?

Yes, despite the high levels of competition some LJMU graduates have received offers of places on the STP in the past. In 2017, one forensic science graduate received a job offer for the clinical pharmaceutical science specialism.

In 2018, one biomedical science graduate gained a job opportunity for the haematology and transfusion science specialism of the STP.

All the above information was correct at the time of going to print, but some information can be subject to change. Students are also advised to carefully read through all information on the Health Education England website here: http://www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-training-programme before making an application to the Scientist Training Programme. Some of the above information was taken from this website, accessed June 2018.

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www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

HIGH LEVELS OF COMPETITION FOR THE SCIENTIST TRAINING PROGRAMME There are extremely high levels of competition for the places on the STP although some specialisms receive more applications than others.

In 2017, there were around 21 applicants per specialism for The Scientist Training Programme. (The competition ratios of the number of applicants per post for different specialisms, for the last few years, are available on the STP website). Therefore, if you are applying to the STP you should most definitely apply to other options as well, such as other job opportunities or Masters Courses.

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What are my other options if I do not gain a place on the STP? There are other ways into healthcare science if you are not successful in gaining a place on the STP. For example, biomedical science graduates may also look for jobs as a trainee biomedical scientist, which are advertised on www. jobs.nhs.uk. Such roles can lead to HCPC registration.

For more information about how to become a registered biomedical scientist, please refer to the Institute of Biomedical Science website.

USEFUL WEBSITES FOR FURTHER RESEARCH: ❙❙ www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/ ❙❙ www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/join-programme/nhs-scientist-trainingprogramme ❙❙ www.ibms.org/home/

Some science graduates may also look for jobs as a medical laboratory assistant or biomedical support worker, as a way into a laboratory setting, and then apply for other more senior roles once they have gained some experience.

USEFUL FURTHER RESOURCES ON THE CAREERS TEAM WEBSITE

Please read the case studies of biomedical science graduates who have gained other types of job roles within the NHS.

❙❙ Laboratory Work Experience Mini Guide ❙❙ A Guide to Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) ❙❙ Careers Zone 24/7 – to practice psychometric tests.

Graduate Case Study JOSIE GOODWIN GRADUATED IN 2018 FROM BSC BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE AND GAINED A

PLACE ON THE SCIENTIST TRAINING PROGRAMME. SHE IS NOW WORKING AS A TRAINEE CLINICAL SCIENTIST, IN HAEMATOLOGY AND TRANSFUSION SCIENCE. What does your job within the Scientist Training Programme (STP) involve?

My job entails the analysing, interpretation and understanding of complex clinical data over a wide variety of clinical disciplines, including that of further haematological investigations.

This will involve clinical decisions and direct patient involvement to make decisions which are vital to diagnoses, and therefore treatment.

I perform these duties whilst also undertaking a part-time MSc in Clinical Science at MMU. My Masters Course will be in block placements throughout the three years, with heavy emphasis on research and development, which is later used within the workplace to investigate potential new clinical techniques and/or treatments. These modules are both required for completion of the Scientist Training Programme, and registration as a Health Care Professions Council registered clinical scientist.

Three things you like about your job: ❙❙ The opportunity to have direct patient contact and observe clinical outcomes. ❙❙ The end-point that this training programme leads to (as a clinical scientist) and career progression from this. ❙❙ The ability to make a real difference to a number of patients’ lives - by performing important clinical decisions and the researching of future technological advances What did the application process involve and how did you prepare for each stage?

The application form involved four short answer questions of 250 words each. I had to explain my motivation to do the STP, my current knowledge of healthcare science and recent developments in the field, as well as my experience of leadership. This was followed by online logical and numerical tests, which were challenging.

The Careers Team provided access to some similar example tests, which helped a lot as the

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

tests require a very different way of thinking. I would say these tests were the most difficult of the application process. I did lots of practice tests beforehand. It is also important to have a high level of concentration whilst doing the actual tests. The final stage was the multiple mini interviews, which consisted of four interview stations. The interview process is as described on the National School of Healthcare Science website (www.nshcs.hee.nhs.uk/). The actual interview process which I faced, was very similar to how it was described on this website.

What did the interview process involve?

The four interview stations (general science, specialist knowledge x2 and NHS values-based assessment) were a series of mini-interviews with ten minutes being spent at each station.

These were intense and demanding, with questions being difficult to predict. There was little encouragement given by the interviewers, so confidence and an up-beat attitude is key.

To prepare for these interview stations it is important to have a sound knowledge of the NHS constitution and STP programme details, as well as a thorough understanding of the specialism being applied for. However, the general science station is notoriously difficult to prepare for. Statistics and general scientific news was a large focus in my interview.

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

The Careers Team were especially helpful in providing both the moral support and equipping me with further information surrounding the STP, throughout the application process. Several members of the Careers Team were extremely helpful in proof-reading my completed application questions and helping me to cut them down to within the word count.

They also enhanced my understanding of the online numeracy and literacy tests. I had a mock

interview as well with Laura Aldridge (careers adviser). I was supported throughout the application and interview process and I couldn’t fault the staff.

How do you think that your BSc degree helped you to secure this job?

It has provided me with the required understanding and also developed my passion for the job role. Although there is only a small haematology content within my degree, the way this has been taught (and the passion from the lecturers) fed my ambition to learn more about this field outside of teaching hours. The underpinning science and laboratory testing, specifically that which I studied in the final year, was also relevant.

What relevant work experience did you draw upon during the selection process?

I worked as a medical laboratory assistant (MLA) within the NHS for over a year during my studies at LJMU. Within this job, my knowledge of clinical tests and the functioning of the laboratory was further developed, in addition to the knowledge which I gained from lectures. I feel that this experience was a massive advantage to me.

Further to this, I undertook voluntary experience within the haematology department at Aintree Hospital. This provided me with more specialist knowledge to give as evidence at interview.

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

I would advise current students to undertake as much relevant work experience as possible, namely voluntary experience within the NHS if possible. Also, I would recommend that students do further reading around their chosen scientific specialism, especially on recent technological advances.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Forensic Science A degree in forensic science enables you to pursue careers in the public and private sector, within law enforcement agencies and private providers of forensic services. The closure of the government-owned Forensic Science Service (FSS) in 2012 meant that forensic science graduates now need to access job vacancies available within private providers of forensic science services, for example LGC (who have a base in Runcorn), Forensic Access or Key Forensic Services Ltd. The Ministry of Defence and police support departments also employ forensic science graduates.

Students are provided with employability skills that are embedded within the programme. These skills are necessary to apply for employment opportunities in other non-forensic scientific disciplines such as military, civil service and other professional roles. Students will also acquire the skills necessary

for employment in analytical chemistry roles, such as in the pharmaceutical industry, quality control and quality assurance positions, trading standards and NHS laboratories.

Some graduates from this course have also moved into careers within medicine, following further study. Please see pages 20-25 for details of medical careers open to science graduates.

Graduate Case Study

BEN BUCKLEY GRADUATED IN 2014 WITH A FORENSIC SCIENCE DEGREE AND NOW WORKS FOR KEY FORENSICS AS A LABORATORY TECHNICIAN/DNA ANALYST

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

The application process for the laboratory technician position included three stages. The first was a phone interview. I prepared myself for that by researching the company, its history, achievements, where it was based and any other information I could find that might be of use. I also researched some of the tasks that were on the job description, such as reagent preparation methods. I made notes on all the relevant information and I kept that with me during the phone interview. It is important to be ready in plenty of time to avoid being caught off guard by the call and have all of your information organised to prevent you panicking or getting flustered.

The second and third stages were combined, and involved a faceto-face interview followed by a short practical assessment. Again, I prepared for the interview by reviewing my research notes regarding the company and potential tasks, as well as revising any relevant literature (such as COSHH or the Data Protection Act). The practical assessment is much harder to prepare for, as you never know what will be required of you until the day. I prepared for this by reviewing basic practical skills I acquired from university such as pipette use, preparing dilutions and anything else that seemed like it might be useful.

What does your current role involve?

I am currently employed as a DNA analyst. However I still assist with and carry out a selection of the tasks I had as a laboratory technician.

As a DNA analyst, I am currently involved in carrying out DNA extractions, PCR and setting up samples for capillary electrophoresis, but I am receiving more training on a day-to-day basis to build up new competencies. As a laboratory technician, a lot is required of me. I work

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

to assist all departments on site.

This can be preparing reagents, ordering supplies or conducting equipment calibrations. The job role is so diverse that there is never a dull moment.

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

Apply for placements that seem relevant to what you want to do; even if they are unpaid, chances are that it might lead to a job at the end of the line. Even if it doesn’t lead to a job, employers will see the experience and also that you’re committed. Do your research and prepare for your interviews. It’s all well and good knowing what you have been taught, but if you can’t apply the relevant parts to the employer’s needs, then you may go down in their estimations a bit.

My final bit of advice is if you aren’t successful with an application, don’t take it to heart. All it means is that someone was better suited to that company and their position. Ask for feedback from the employer so you can improve and remind yourself that at some point in the future, you will be the person best suited for the job.

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

I found many aspects of my degree to be useful during the selection process. The forensic chemistry module and skills module helped me, especially with the mock search and recovery exercise, giving me experience in the use of AP, LMG and KM reagents (which I would go on to prepare and quality check). Another useful part of the degree was the knowledge of COSHH and practical skills I gained in the skills module.

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Graduate Case Study KATE CANNON IS A FORENSIC SCIENCE GRADUATE WHO NOW WORKS AS AN

ANATOMICAL PATHOLOGY TECHNOLOGIST AT ALDER HEY CHILDREN’S NHS TRUST What does your job involve (e.g. main duties)?

My main role is to provide post-mortem examinations on patient samples as an aid to the diagnosis of foetal, perinatal and paediatric disease and to also assist with establishing the cause of death in suspicious circumstances.

I perform a wide range of technical procedures and provide technical support to histopathologists. These procedures involve the reconstruction of patients following different types of postmortem examinations, and maintaining the post-mortem room.

I also have to liaise with coroners’ officers, police officers, funeral directors, bereavement care and nursing staff, bereaved parents and users of the histopathology service ensuring the provision of a high quality, efficient service.

All of my work is carried out to specific standards set down by the professional bodies including The Royal Society for Public Health, The Association of Anatomical Pathology Technologists, The Clinical Pathology Accreditation and The Human Tissue Authority. There are strict rules which I adhere to regarding tissue sampling and storage as set out in our post-mortem consent process and by The Human Tissue Authority.

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

The first stage of the process was to complete an application form concerning my past education and employment. I described my laboratory experience from university and from my employment as a medical laboratory assistant at The Royal Liverpool and Broadgreen University Hospitals. By using the job description and person specification as a guide, I demonstrated my knowledge of health and safety, persona protective equipment (PPE) and patient confidentiality. I also mentioned that I was aware of The Human Tissue Authority and The Royal Society for Public Health.

The second and final part of the process was the interview. As soon as I was informed that I had the interview, I asked to come and look around the department first, I also asked to re-visit a mortuary that I had previously spent time at. This gave me a chance to have a good look around, meet potential colleagues and ask them any questions I had regarding the duties of the job and potential questions.

As well as demonstrating that I matched the job description, I described what I had seen and learnt during my tour of the department, at my interview. I also mentioned that I had visited another mortuary on a couple of occasions where I once observed a post-mortem.

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

I was able to mention the knowledge and skills that I gained regarding forensic samples during both lectures and practical exercises during my three years at LJMU. I was able to talk about the different types of things that you might expect to find on or around a body and how to collect them. I was also able to talk about the time that I spent in the laboratories at LJMU, and the skills which I gained from this.

and data protection when handling patient samples. It also helped with my accuracy skills when checking patient identification.

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

Always ask to visit the potential employer for a tour before an interview, it gives you the opportunity to have a good look around and ask questions. You can then talk about it during the interview and show that you are genuinely interested in working with them.

Any work experience, even for a week, would go a long way in helping you to gain some extra knowledge that you can draw from when answering interview questions.

If you can email or chat to people who work in the same field then definitely do, you can talk about it on application forms and also during interviews. This also shows that you have made an effort to learn more about the job.

Always use the person specification and the job description when completing application forms, the employer gives you them for a reason!

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

I definitely regret not having a ‘sandwich year’ spent in employment.

I feel that I missed out on such a wonderful and enriching experience that could have served me well in life. There were so many amazing opportunities which I didn’t even consider, as an extra year of education rather than earning money didn’t appeal to me at the time.

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

I attended several guest lectures from home office pathologists and crime scene investigators which were really helpful in understanding the individual roles involved in forensics. This gave me a valuable insight into these job areas, which helped me in future job interviews. It is not at all like it is portrayed on the television!

Due to these lectures, I was able to talk about the differences between a home office pathologist and a standard histopathologist.

I also gained an insight into the differences between various types of post-mortems and also the role of the crime scene investigator in the post-mortem room.

I also attended a tour and post-mortem viewing courtesy of the staff at The Royal Liverpool Hospital. Whilst I didn’t get to actually be in the post-mortem room, watching from the observation gallery was still insightful. I was lucky enough to observe a complete post-mortem, beginning with the external examination up to the reconstruction of the body. This allowed me to understand the role of the anatomical pathology technician, more than reading about it on the internet. I learnt that the anatomical pathology technicians are a lot more hands on than I first thought, particularly in adult post-mortems where the anatomical pathology technician would perform the whole evisceration.

My previous employment as a medical laboratory assistant also made me aware of the importance of patient confidentiality

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Graduate Case Study FORENSIC SCIENCE GRADUATE JENNIFER LARROSA SECURED A POSITION AS A FORENSIC LABORATORY OFFICER AT MERSEYSIDE POLICE FOLLOWING HER 12-MONTH SANDWICH PLACEMENT What did the application/selection process involve for the placement?

I sent my CV to Merseyside Police and was invited to an informal interview. After completing this process, I was offered a 12-month placement as a student laboratory technician.

What did your placement involve?

My role was laboratory based. I assessed items recovered from crime scenes and developed an evidence recovery plan, which utilises various chemical treatments to enhance latent fingermarks.

These marks can then be used in the identification or exclusion of suspects in criminal cases.

How have you benefited from the placement?

Working in the laboratory allowed me to acquire a more in-depth knowledge of both the practice and theory behind using chemicals to enhance latent fingermarks. I also gained an insight into other areas such as DNA recovery.

What help and support did you access from the Careers Team?

The Careers Team helped ensure that my CV was the best it could be.

Has it helped you to clarify your career aspirations?

My placement also helped me gain experience in other departments of Merseyside Police, which opened my mind to different career paths.

Has the employer offered you a permanent job opportunity upon graduation?

Near the end of my placement, full-time roles were advertised and due to the experience I gained I was able to apply. I submitted an application and was invited to a panel interview. Fortunately, I was successful and secured a position as a full-time forensic laboratory officer.

Have you got any tips for students who wish to get into a similar job area?

Placements are a good opportunity to gain experience, and I would highly recommend applying if you can. In interviews, knowledge of the organisation you wish to work for is key. Each employer has their own values and targets for the future, and it is important to understand them and demonstrate that you can fit in well with them.

Graduate Case Study ALICIA MOTTRAM GRADUATED IN 2017 WITH A DEGREE IN FORENSIC SCIENCE AND NOW WORKS AS A DRUG ANALYST FOR ASTRAZENECA What does your job involve?

My main role currently is conducting automated dissolution tests with HPLC finish, as well as performing uniformity of content testing, moisture determination and many other tests on a range of pharmaceutical products. I also have to conduct weekly preventative maintenance on the robots and instruments which we use, to ensure they are fully calibrated and in their best condition for testing.

Three things you like about your job

I like the opportunity to pursue a career within the company, being able to use all that I have learnt at university in a practical application and knowing what I am doing is making a difference.

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

I had applied for hundreds of jobs in my final year around Christmas time in the hope I would find something. I’d always aspired to work at AstraZeneca but knew how competitive it was. After actually being rejected by them for several jobs, due to lack of experience, the manager contacted me to ask whether I’d like to interview for a different job, in quality control. So my advice would be to apply for anything, even if you don’t think you will get it, because you still may get noticed for something else! I prepared for my interview by researching the company and becoming familiar with recent discoveries they had made, as well as knowing what my duties would entail. They seemed thoroughly impressed with the interest I had taken in the company so it is always worth going the extra mile.

What help and support did you access from the Careers Team?

The employability advisers at Byrom Careers Zone helped me perfect my CV. A careers adviser also assisted me with interview techniques by giving me a mock interview. This practice interview made me feel so much more confident and highlighted areas I needed to improve on beforehand, so I was a lot calmer on the day.

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What relevant work experience, volunteering and Student Union activities did you use during the selection process?

At the interview, I made sure I spoke about everything I possibly could when it came to experience. I talked about what I had learnt during my university degree course and about my final year project. I also talked about my work experience, volunteering and sporting activities.

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

I would advise other students to do some form of work experience or volunteering that can relate to the job you potentially want. It is ideal to start doing work experience in the first year, or in the summer when your work load isn’t too big. I would also advise students to definitely pick a final year project that relates to the job you want so you can talk about it in interview, and make sure you enjoy it! It’s obvious to employers whether you enjoy what you do or not, and could be the difference in whether you get the job or not.

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

I would use my free time more wisely and volunteer, or get some form of work experience earlier on, ideally from the first year onwards. Third year is so much more stressful and trying to find the time to improve your employability is nearly impossible.

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

My final year project ended up being discussed during the interview.

The interviewers seemed impressed when I spoke about commonly using GC, HPLC, ICP/AAS and MS instruments in my studies so I would say it is important to talk about practical knowledge.

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Options open to all students from the School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences The Scientist Training Programme

If you are interested in working as a scientist within the NHS, you may wish to consider the Scientist Training Programme (STP). The STP is a graduate entry programme leading to more senior scientist roles. Please see pages 14 & 15 for more details.

Graduate scheme options for science graduates

Some large consumer goods or chemical companies like P&G, Johnson and Johnson, CRODA, Unilever etc. run graduate schemes in research and development or technical sales specifically for science graduates. As detailed earlier, some pharmaceutical companies also have graduate entry positions as do some cosmetics companies such as L’Oreal.

AB Agri (who manufacture animal nutrition products) also have graduate scheme opportunities. The Health and Safety

Executive also recruit regularly for trainee health and safety officers (employed by the Civil Service) and a science background can be helpful for these roles. The numerical and analytical skills science graduates can offer are also valued within the finance and business sector and many graduate roles are open to candidates from any degree background.

This includes roles in retail management, consultancy or finance and accounting – please see the information about graduate schemes later in this guide.

A career in teaching

Science graduates are able to go into primary, secondary or further education teaching by completing further training after their degree course. One of the most popular training routes into teaching is completion of a one-year PGCE (Postgraduate Certificate in Education). However, there are also other training options such as ‘School Direct’ or

‘Teach First’. It is also useful to be aware that some subjects are classed as ‘shortage subjects’ due to the low number of trainee teachers in these areas. Chemistry is considered a shortage subject and therefore increased bursaries are available for graduates who train to teach this subject.

To find out more about funding for teacher training, please check www.education.gov. uk/get-into-teaching. Please also refer to the ‘Routes into Teaching’ factsheet on the resources page of the Careers website www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers Final-year students who are thinking about a career in teaching (but who are unsure whether to apply for a PGCE or not) could consider the Graduate Teaching Internship Scheme, which offers graduates the chance to gain one term of paid school-based experience. To find out more about this scheme, please see www.tryteaching.org/

Work experience: general advice for all students If you are hoping to work in a laboratory setting in the future, it is important to remember that any work experience you gain in a laboratory is useful, even if this is not in the sector you eventually wish to go into. This will enable you to show that you have put into practice some of the laboratory techniques you have learnt during your degree course in an applied setting. Work experience may also enable you to expand your experience of using different types of instrumentation and it will show that you can work safely in a laboratory setting. It will also help you to demonstrate that you can work within a team in a laboratory environment. Laboratory experience can therefore be instrumental in ‘giving you the edge’ when applying to graduate level jobs later on. Science students may look for laboratory work experience in a hospital or industrial setting or even in a secondary school setting.

Some research organisations and pharmaceutical or consumer goods companies also offer summer or year-long placements in both scientific and non-scientific roles. These include companies such as AstraZeneca, GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis, P&G, the Wellcome Trust and Cancer Research UK. Check their websites for details and closing dates.

Research placements such as through the Nuffield Foundation

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

(http://www.nuffieldfoundation.org/nuffield-research-placements) can also be a useful way to test your skills in a work-based environment and to find out whether a career in research is for you.

Please download the ‘laboratory work experience’ booklet from the resources page of the Careers website for further information: www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers. You may also be interested in gaining work experience in a health or care setting, for example if you are hoping to pursue a career in medicine or in the allied health professions following your degree. If you would like to undertake voluntary work within a hospital, this can be arranged by contacting the volunteer co-ordinator for that hospital. Consult our mini guide about volunteering, which is available on the Careers website, for details of local hospitals. Please note that the application process for voluntary work in hospitals can take several months, so make sure that you apply well in advance of when you require this voluntary work. As volunteering opportunities in hospitals can sometimes be oversubscribed, it is also advisable to apply to more than one hospital and to also consider other types of work experience in healthcare such as volunteering in a care home or in a hospice. Paid jobs within the NHS are advertised on www.jobs.nhs.uk/

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Top 10 facts when applying to graduate medicine or dentistry courses SCIENCE GRADUATES WHO WOULD LIKE TO TRAIN AS A DOCTOR OR DENTIST CAN CONSIDER THE FOUR-YEAR GRADUATE ROUTE IN DENTISTRY OR MEDICINE. SOME LJMU GRADUATES HAVE BEEN SUCCESSFUL IN GAINING A PLACE ON THIS COURSE. CAREERS ADVISER LAURA ALDRIDGE OFFERS TEN FACTS TO BEAR IN MIND IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS OPTION:

01.

Start your planning and research early! Currently the deadline for applications to graduate medicine or dentistry courses, via UCAS, is 15 October of the year before you wish to start the course.

02.

Research academic requirements of these different courses carefully, as they can vary considerably between universities. Not all university admissions departments consider your A-level results when reviewing your application for a graduate medicine or dentistry course, and some focus more on your predicted degree result and other attributes. However, if there are A-level requirements for these courses, check them carefully and also find out which degree subject or result is required.

03.

Find out if the universities you are applying to require you to take any additional tests. Some of the universities also ask candidates to sit the BMAT, GAMSAT or UKCAT tests. In many cases, you need to sit these tests the summer before you apply to the courses, so check deadlines carefully.

04.

Obtain work experience. The work experience requirements will vary for different universities; however, all universities require some experience. If you are interested in medicine, it is useful to gain voluntary work within a hospital setting. However, other types of experience, for example volunteering in a care home or hospice can be just as valid and rewarding.

05.

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Have a back-up plan. There are a number of other health professions which offer an accelerated route for graduates.

For example, it may be possible for science graduates to train in some of the allied health professions (such as speech therapy, dietetics and occupational therapy) via a two-year Masters course. Similarly, there are also accelerated courses available in nursing, which science graduates may be able to apply to. There is also the option of the physician associate role. Therefore, make sure you consider the full range of pathways open to you.

06.

Work on your UCAS personal statement. It is really important to show evidence of your motivation for a career in medicine or dentistry within your UCAS application.

Work experience is also crucial in substantiating your personal statement.

07.

Be aware of competition. There can be as many as 10-20 applicants per place for graduate dentistry or medicine courses. Therefore, it is important to submit the strongest application possible and to obtain the best degree result you can. Please bear in mind that some candidates may have to reapply the following year if their application to a graduate dentistry or medicine course is rejected.

08.

Check out funding sources. Currently, it is possible to access NHS funding towards the cost of the four-year graduate dentistry and medicine courses. To find out more information about funding available, please refer to the NHS Bursaries website: http://www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students/816.aspx

09.

Remember that medicine or dentistry is a vocation.

Although these careers can be incredibly rewarding, remember that these four-year courses in medicine and dentistry are very intensive. Furthermore, following the fouryear course in medicine, it is necessary to complete a twoyear foundation programme (which includes rotation around different medical specialities). Following this, it can take many more years to train in some medical fields. Therefore, due to the commitment involved, it is important to think about whether medicine or dentistry is the right choice for you, and to research these careers as much as possible.

10.

Find out about the range of different specialities within medicine and dentistry. This can help with future career planning and may also be a topic you could be asked about at an interview for a place on a medicine or dentistry course.

All facts in this article were correct at the time of going to print. Some information can be subject to change, however, so please double check any facts (for example regarding academic entry requirements or funding) before applying to courses.

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You can also find out more by attending the ‘Applying to Graduate Courses in Medicine’ workshop which usually runs at least once per academic year. This workshop usually includes presentations from medical students. Keep an eye on our events website for details–

https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk/

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Graduate Case Study: Studying Medicine LINE DJEOKENG COMPLETED A BSC IN BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE FOLLOWED BY AN MSC IN INTERNATIONAL PUBLIC HEALTH AND IS NOW STUDYING A BACHELOR OF MEDICINE BACHELOR OF SURGERY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF EXETER Why did you decide to study medicine & train to become a doctor?

I have always been inquisitive about science. I am fascinated by how our human body works. I want to learn about its complexity and at the same time be able to use this knowledge to help people maintain, improve their health and prevent illness. I looked at various health care professionals’ careers pathway and I decided that the role of the doctor inspired me more and fits with my personality.

The continuous learning and training, the leadership role and the challenging work environment, are all aspects of the job that I really am passionate about.

What did the application and interview process involve for this course and how did you prepare for each stage?

The application process was done through UCAS. It is straight forward: it involves completing an online form with personal details, university choices, a personal statement and reference. You won’t be able to submit the application until UCAS has received your reference.

I would advise all prospective applicants to request the reference as soon as possible to avoid any problem with UCAS deadlines.

Once the application is submitted applicants receive an acknowledgment letter and email. Some universities require applicants to complete additional entrance tests such as BMAT, GAMSAT or UKCAT, and usually applicants must sit the tests the summer before they apply through UCAS. When test scores are released (UKCAT, GAMSAT, BMAT, etc.) universities apply a threshold and applicants receive an invitation to interview or rejection, depending on their score, and the quality of their personal statement and references.

I had my interview invitation in November and my interview was booked for February. The interview day started at 10 am and ended at 3pm. In the morning we were offered breakfast followed by a 2 hour session explaining what the medical degree entails and the interview process. We also practised ethical questions and PBL (problem based learning) style teaching. It was a very good day and it relaxed my nerves. We were also offered lunch and a tour of the medical campus.

The interview process was in ‘multiple mini interview’ format. There were 7 stations. Each station lasted 3 minutes and then I was allocated 3 minutes to read the next questions. It was a very quick process. The questions were all ethical style apart from one question was; ‘why do you want to be a doctor?’.

Facts & figures

What help and support did you access in the Careers Zone from members of the Careers Team?

The support which I accessed via the Careers Zone was excellent.

When I enquired about help for medicine interview preparation I was booked in for an appointment with Laura Aldridge (careers adviser).

She was a great help. We arranged several practice interview sessions.

The first one was untimed, the questions were based around the role of the doctor and demonstration of qualities and skills that I possess that are relevant to the role of a doctor. There were also reflective questions about ethical issues. The last session was timed to make sure I didn’t go over the 3 minutes allocated to answer the question (to duplicate the timings which would be used by interviewers for the

10-12 IS THE NUMBER OF APPLICATIONS WHICH THE UNIVERSITY OF NOTTINGHAM USUALLY RECEIVE PER PLACE FOR THEIR GRADUATE ENTRY MEDICINE COURSE.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

64 IS THE NUMBER OF DIFFERENT SPECIALITIES WITHIN MEDICINE.

actual multiple mini interviews).

The questions I practiced with Laura were excellent because they covered everything I was asked at interview.

I was also given plenty of questions to practise at home and further website links to where I could find useful information. I had lots of information and I felt very prepared. I still can’t believe I managed to gain a place at medical school and it is a dream come true!

What kind of work experience or employment had you done before getting onto this course? How did this experience help you get onto this course?

I worked as a health care assistant alongside NHS professionals for 2 years prior to applying. It was a great experience as it gave me an insight into life in the NHS. I have matured as a person and became even more passionate about science and helping others.

This job was a great opportunity to observe not only doctors but also other health care professionals such as nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, dieticians and how they work together as an interdisciplinary team. By working in a hospital I met so many patients from other countries around the world and it is a great opportunity to learn about different cultures and to respect their beliefs. I learned about responsibility toward patients, working with a person-centred approach. This entails involving the patient in decision making regarding their health and making the patient part of the team. My communication skills improved greatly both with patients and relatives. This experience enhanced my confidence and I now feel definitely ready to train to become a doctor.

What does your medicine course involve?

Medicine at Exeter is PBL (problem based learning) based. We are divided into groups of 8 and these groups change throughout the year to get us used to the fact that we will be working in different teams once qualified. Every two weeks there are clinical skills sessions. So far, we have learned basic life support, and procedures for examination of a pregnant abdomen and taking blood pressure. We have also had an assessment on these skills already. Life science is every two weeks and it involves anatomy and physiology sessions with anatomical models.

During PBL we study a clinical case every two weeks. We follow the life cycle, we start from conception, infancy, and adolescence to adulthood. We also have a clinical placement of two hours every two weeks at various places such as in a GP setting, hospital ward, chiropractors, maternity department and in schools etc.

We are assessed through AMK (applied medical knowledge) throughout the year and also have SSU (special study units) where we write a 2000 word essay on a topic of choice.

What are your plans after finishing your medicine course?

It is early days to say which field of medicine I would like to specialise in, but at the moment I am fascinated by neurology and trauma.

Please note that usually applicants who have already completed a degree would apply to the four year graduate medicine course, but in this case Line took a place on the five year course at the University of Exeter.

50% OF SPECIALTY TRAINEE OR MEDICAL PRACTITIONER OPPORTUNITIES FOR NEWLY-QUALIFIED DOCTORS ARE IN GENERAL PRACTICE

25% MORE GPS ARE REQUIRED IN THE WEST OF ENGLAND BY 2020 TO KEEP UP WITH THE INCREASING DEMAND FOR THEIR SERVICES FROM THE PUBLIC. THIS IS INDICATIVE OF A NATIONAL SHORTAGE OF GPS.

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Graduate Case Study BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE NAZMEEN BIBI AFZAL IS CURRENTLY STUDYING ON A

POSTGRADUATE MEDICINE (MD) COURSE AT TRAKIA MEDICAL UNIVERSITY IN BULGARIA Why did you decide to study medicine in Bulgaria and choose this career path?

My reasons for studying here were because the course content was quite promising and because the tuition fees were much less than in the UK. Also, there is a vast amount of clinical work involved in the course which means you are in contact with patients a lot more, which aids your understanding a lot more.

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

I applied to study medicine through an agency who took care of my application process. I was required to submit my academic certificates, medical certificate etc. after which I sat the university entrance test. No interview was involved in the process. I prepared for the entrance test by strengthening my knowledge in the three sciences.

What help and support did you access from the Careers Team?

Whilst I was at LJMU I gained a lot of support from the Careers Team in terms of what skills I had, my strengths and weakness and how I could improve them. Moreover, I attended the lectures on studying medicine after graduating, delivered by Laura Aldridge.

How have you benefitted from previous work experience?

Previous work experience made me more aware of the duties of a doctor.

This enabled me to be sure that I was heading in the right direction to study something I would enjoy.

What does your medicine course involve?

The medical course involves two years of theory, which includes the three sciences as well as anatomy and medical ethics. From third year clinical work begins so we will be in hospitals more and applying our knowledge to patients, to provide a diagnosis.

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

If I was a first-year student again I would probably organise my time accordingly, because in first semester I did feel like I was working under pressure to be ready for exams. Otherwise I have had a lovely experience and I am looking forward to the next four years of studies here.

What are your plans after finishing your medicine course?

My plans for after finishing my medical course are to start my training, which hopefully will be in the United Kingdom. I aspire to become a neurosurgeon so I will have to apply for the UK neurosurgical speciality training programme which consists of eight training years.

If you are intending to study medicine abroad, and you wish to work in the UK after qualifying, then please make sure that any medicine course which you are intending to study abroad is recognised by the General Medicine Council (GMC). You can check this by going to the General Medical Council’s website: http://www.gmc-uk.org/doctors/registration_applications/evidence_of_qualifications.asp

Graduate Case Study BIOMEDICAL SCIENCE GRADUATE NOSHIN RAHMAN IS CURRENTLY STUDYING ON A GRADUATE DENTISTRY COURSE AT UCLAN

Why did you decide to apply for graduate entry dentistry?

I have been interested in studying dentistry for a long time. For me it is a career that encompasses so many things that I am passionate about: caring for others, applying my creative ability, and most importantly my passion in eradicating oral health inequalities and improving oral health education. I was determined to apply again as I was unsuccessful the first time around during my A-levels. Following my initial rejection, I was determined to gain more experience during my biomedical science degree to strengthen my application and enhance my skills.

What did the application process involve?

Entry requirements depend on the university you are applying to and it’s important to do your research on this. Graduate-entry dentistry at Aberdeen, King’s and Sheffield required me to sit the UKCAT in the summer whereas at UCLAN this was not a requirement. I sat my UKCAT in July whilst working on my personal statement and gaining as much relevant experience as possible. After completing my personal statement, I submitted my UCAS application before the October 15th deadline. In terms of work experience, I began gaining as much as possible in the two years prior to applying to ensure I had a competitive application. I received my first interview from Aberdeen in December, from UCLAN in January and Sheffield in March. Prior to my interview at UCLAN I was also invited to sit the entrance exam.

What help and support did you access from the Careers Team?

The Careers Team has been incredibly beneficial throughout the application process. I initially sought advice on my personal statement and I was given invaluable feedback on how to improve the structure and flow.

After receiving my initial interview, I called the Careers Team to seek advice on how best to prepare for it. The universities I applied to predominantly used a multiple mini interview (MMI) format to assess candidates and the Careers Team provided me with more information on how to prepare for this style of interview. I also attended two mock interviews with the Careers Team and the experience was vital in preparing and familiarising

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me with MMI. Following my mock interviews, the feedback I received allowed me to identify and discuss my strengths and weaknesses with the Careers Team and how best to improve them.

How did you benefit from previous work experience & career research?

My previous work experience and career research was essential in both my UCAS application and during interviews. Whilst writing my personal statement, reflecting on a range of different experiences demonstrated my passion and enthusiasm for the subject. A wide range of experience makes for a competitive application as it shows your motivation to gain a thorough understanding of the career. My work experience and career research was also an excellent talking point during my interviews as I was able to evidence my answers with my own experiences. Having gained experiences in general dental practices, hospital dentistry, orthodontics, maxillofacial surgery, prosthodontics and cosmetic dentistry I was able to reflect on a wide variety of settings and show that I had gained a well-rounded insight into dentistry.

What advice would you give first year students?

I definitely wish I had gone to the Careers Team earlier as I only sought personal statement advice a few weeks before the UCAS deadline. Also, I wish I had taken advantage of the wide range of societies offered at LJMU. The best advice I can give for first year students is to be prepared. Don’t wait until the summer before you apply to gain experience. First year is the best time to gain experience and be proactive about it. I’ve found that emailing practices and hospitals isn’t always the best way to get experience. Show your motivation and enthusiasm by going to practices and hospitals in person or call them up to find out more about their work placement opportunities. Gain some voluntary work experience as this is excellent to reflect on in your personal statement and interviews. Finally, do your research and be thorough about it. Find out exactly what each university is looking for in prospective students and ensure you are prepared to meet their entry requirements.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

23

Spotlight on careers within the allied health professions DID YOU KNOW THAT PHARMACY AND BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES GRADUATES MAY BE ABLE TO PURSUE AN ACCELERATED ROUTE INTO SOME HEALTH CAREERS? THE OPTIONS MAY BE BROADER THAN YOU THINK WITHIN ALLIED HEALTH PROFESSIONS. CAREERS ADVISER LAURA ALDRIDGE GIVES AN OVERVIEW OF WHICH OPPORTUNITIES MAY BE OPEN TO YOU. What are the allied health professions?

The ‘allied health professions’ is a term used for those careers which involve working directly with patients, but not as a doctor or nurse. The allied health professions include roles such as chiropodist, dietitian, occupational therapist, orthotist, physiotherapist, radiographer and speech and language therapist.

What are the options for science graduates within the allied health professions?

Some (though not all) allied health professions offer an accelerated route for graduates, which means that instead of completing another three or four-year undergraduate course, you may be able to qualify in some of these fields by completing a two-year Masters (or postgraduate diploma) course. Examples of allied health professions with an accelerated route for graduates include: dietetics, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, radiography and speech therapy. You can find a list of which universities offer recognised vocational courses in the allied health professions on the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC) website at http:// www.hpc-uk.org/education/programmes/. If you are looking for Masters courses which train you in a specific field, look for courses which are listed as ‘pre-registration courses’ as these qualify you to work in the related job area. You may still be able to consider the three-year BSc courses in the aforementioned fields as well. However, many graduates do choose the two-year courses if these are available, as they provide a faster route to training and qualification.

What academic qualifications do I need to apply to courses within the allied health professions?

If you are interested in applying to Masters courses in one of these fields, make sure that you check the academic entry requirements for each individual course carefully, as they may have both A-level requirements and specific degree requirements. You can find out specific requirements by checking with the admissions tutors for each course.

Do I need work experience to apply to some of these courses?

It is important to gain some relevant work experience before you apply to these types of courses. This may include, for example, work shadowing a professional who works in the field that you are hoping to go into. Different

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

universities may have different work experience requirement for their courses, so make sure that you research this carefully. Overall though, if you are hoping to go into one of the allied health professions, any work experience within a hospital or care setting would be useful. Voluntary work within a hospital environment can also give you a useful insight into what it is like to work in an NHS setting and will also show your commitment to working in a healthcare profession. To find out about voluntary work within hospitals, contact the volunteer co-ordinator for your local hospital.

How do I apply to these types of courses?

If you are applying to the two-year Masters (or postgraduate diploma) courses, then normally you would apply directly to the university which runs the course. There are some exceptions to this, however, so make sure that you research the application process of each individual university.

Some of these courses can also have a January start date and this may affect the timescale of when you need to apply, so make sure you also check application deadlines carefully with each university.

How competitive is the application process?

There are high levels of competition for places on some of these courses, such as the dietetics and physiotherapy courses. This is why it is important to ensure that you can make the strongest application possible by gaining relevant work

experience before applying. You can also have your application checked by the employability advisers at the Byrom Street Careers Zone. Also make sure that you have a back-up plan in case you are not successful in gaining a place on one of these courses.

Are there any other routes into the allied health professions?

If you wish to qualify within one of the allied health professions, you would normally need to complete a HCPC recognised course.

However, there are ‘assistant’ roles within the NHS you can apply to directly after your degree course, without completing another course. On the NHS jobs website, these roles are usually advertised as ‘assistant physiotherapist’, ‘therapy assistant’ or ‘assistant dietitian’. Some graduates may work in these roles before deciding to go on to complete a further course to qualify fully in the relevant professional field.

{

All facts were correct at the time of going to print. Some information can be subject to change, however, so please double check any facts (for example regarding academic entry requirements) before applying to courses.

Useful websites ❚❚ ❚❚

❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

{

Health Careers: www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/ Health and Care Professions Council: A website which allows you to search for NHS recognised courses which can train you in one of the allied health professions www.hpc-uk.org/education/ The Association of UK Dietitians: www.bda.uk.com/careers/home Chartered Society of Physiotherapists: www.csp.org.uk/professional-union/careers-development/career-physiotherapy NHS Bursaries Information: www.nhsbsa.nhs.uk/Students NHS Jobs: www.jobs.nhs.uk

Relevant employer events If you are considering a career in the allied health professions, you may be interested in our events about health related careers such as ‘a career in therapeutic radiography’.

Check our events page for details and dates - https://careers.ljmu.ac.uk

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

Graduate Case Study CALISTA DUFTON-KELLY GRADUATED IN 2015 AND IS NOW UNDERTAKING A

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA IN RADIOTHERAPY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL Why did you decide to apply for this postgraduate course, and choose this career path?

demonstrated that I could understand and apply scientific processes as well as providing written evidence of my research. I have previously worked in part-time retail jobs and this really helped with patient interaction as I find it relatively easy to make conversation and approach people I have never spoken to before in a polite and respectful manner.

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

What does your postgraduate course involve?

I had always been interested in cancer treatment and wanted a career that combined scientific research and application along with hands on patient contact. Radiotherapy is a perfect fit and is an area that is constantly growing and improving. There are lots of job opportunities available!

The application process involved a mandatory half day’s experience in a radiotherapy department. This is designed to help applicants decide if this job area is the right career choice for them. A written application form involves a short questionnaire about this day as well as a personal statement. After a successfully written application, I was invited to a selection day which involved a number of small sessions, including group chats with clinical staff and service users as well as team activities ending with an individual interview with the course leaders. I took the opportunity to attend as many open days or events for this course as possible to get to know the selection process and which personal qualities would make my application stronger.

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

I attended a talk arranged by the Careers Team which was led by Dr Mike Kirby, a radiotherapy physicist lecturer who teaches on the postgraduate diploma in radiotherapy at The University of Liverpool.

This was the first step in my application process and gave me a great opportunity to ask lots of questions.

How have you benefited from previous work experience?

There is a 50-50 mix of time spent studying at university, attending lectures and workshops etc. and learning hands on during a clinical placement over the 2 year course, running January-January.

The university work introduces students to the basic theory and science behind oncology and radiotherapy treatment, which grows throughout the term. Students then apply this knowledge to real life situations on clinical placement.

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

I would definitely get more involved in talks given at the university by external speakers to obtain a better idea of where scientific research is focussing and growing, and to gain a better understanding of future job opportunities.

What are your plans after finishing your postgraduate course?

I plan to apply for a band 5 radiographer position at my current clinical placement site 2-3 months before I finish the course so I can go straight into a job when I qualify.

I completed a Wellcome Trust funded research project at LJMU between the second and third year of my degree. This project

For application advice for postgraduate study, head to the Careers website and download our helpful mini guide and factsheets. www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER OPTIONS WITH YOUR DEGREE

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The spotlight on a career as a physician associate CAREERS ADVISER LAURA ALDRIDGE GIVES YOU AN OVERVIEW OF THIS EXPANDING AND EMERGING JOB ROLE WITHIN THE NHS. What is a physician associate?

A physician associate provides support to doctors in the diagnosis and management of patients. The tasks a physician associate undertakes include carrying out examinations of patients, diagnosing illnesses and taking medical histories from patients. Physician associates may also be called upon to analyse test results and to develop management plans for patients. They usually work under the supervision of a doctor.

What further qualifications are required to become a physician associate?

Science graduates would need to complete a two-year postgraduate diploma or Masters level course in physician associate studies.

There are a number of universities who offer this course in the UK and you can find a list of them by going to the NHS course finder - www. healthcareers.nhs.uk/career-planning/ course-finder. Please check academic entry requirements carefully with individual universities before applying to the course.

Following successful completion of this twoyear training course, candidates can then look for jobs as a physician associate within the NHS. What are the academic entry requirements for the physician associate training course?

Normally, candidates who wish to apply for the postgraduate course in physician associate studies would need to have completed a degree

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

in a relevant science subject. Some universities may require a 2:1 classification or above in your first degree, while others may accept a 2:2 degree result. There may also be additional A-level or GCSE requirements. Please check academic entry requirements carefully with individual universities before applying.

in a hospital or care home. Such experience can also help you to clarify if a career within a healthcare setting is for you.

What does this training course involve?

The course involves theoretical study of key areas of medicine and also includes clinical training in a range of settings. During the course, students will undertake placements and spend time learning about general hospital medicine.

What are future job prospects like for physician associates?

The future job market for physician associates looks positive. The Health Careers websites states that; ‘training opportunities for physician associates are expected to increase by 220% in 2016/17’.

How can you apply for this course?

Normally it would be necessary to apply directly to the university who offers the course. Some universities advertise places for this course via www.jobs.nhs.uk Please check with each university for details of their application procedures and deadlines.

This course has a January start date at some universities but an autumn start date at others.

What other careers can the physician associate role lead to?

From the physician associate role, it is possible to progress into careers within management or research. There are also more specialist posts available such as a physician’s assistant (anaesthesia).

What kind of work experience is required to apply for relevant courses?

The universities who offer this course may request different levels of work experience.

However, it is helpful to gain some experience within a healthcare setting prior to applying.

This could include, for example, volunteering

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{

Some information in this article was taken from the Health Careers website. All facts were correct at the time of going to print. Some information can be subject to change, however, so please double check any facts (for example regarding academic entry requirements) before applying to courses.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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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 School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, you have your own dedicated Careers Adviser, Laura Aldridge. You are likely to meet Laura 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:

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Signposting to useful resources and information

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Expert job sector advice and information tailored to your needs

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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

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

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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

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 ...

{

“

{

❚❚

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

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

27

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.54 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.

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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:

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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: ❙❙ ❙❙ ❙❙

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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

31

#GetintoTeaching

USE YOUR DEGREE TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT ON STEM EDUCATION

The national shortage of STEM teachers means graduates with a degree in a science, maths or technology-related area are in great demand.

We welcome applicants from a variety of different degree backgrounds, not just those who hold a degree in the specific subject areas.

There are sector scholarships and generous government bursaries of up to £32,000* to help you start your career in teaching, plus great opportunities for career progression.

You’ll also be inspiring young minds and helping to shape the future of STEM education.

If you have the potential and passion to teach, call the Faculty Admissions Team for an informal chat. The team can answer your questions and will guide you through the options available, including information about Subject Knowledge Enhancement courses and subject-specific A Level requirements.

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

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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.

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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?

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

33

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

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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?

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

My postgraduate experience ...

KIMBERLEY GEORGE GRADUATED IN FORENSIC SCIENCE IN DUBAI BEFORE COMING TO JOHN MOORES TO STUDY FOR A MASTERS IN FORENSIC BIOSCIENCE.

“

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.

“I chose LJMU because the course was exactly what I was looking for. I wanted an authentic UK student experience and felt I was most likely to get that at LJMU. “Studying in the UK is very different to studying in Dubai. Doing coursework, writing reports and presenting work has all been new to me. Fortunately though LJMU’s academic support skills sessions are excellent. They are not compulsory but are there if you need them. In my eyes, if you go along to the sessions you have everything to gain and nothing to lose. I love the fact that one-to-one support sessions are also available so, if you don’t feel comfortable getting the help you need in a group, you can see someone on your own.

“Although my Forensic Bioscience class is quite small, I share many lectures with other forensic students including anthropologists, chemists, drug analysts and biologists. This is really useful as we all have our own way of looking at the same subject so we learn from each other.

“On graduation I’d like to get a job as a Forensic Biologist and later to work as a CSI Officer. I love the UK and am very happy I came to study here.”

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

35

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.

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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.

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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

36

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.

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

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www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

SUPPORT AND OPPORTUNITIES AT LJMU

37

Placement Learning Support Unit PHARMACY AND BIOMOLECULAR SCIENCES STUDENTS HAVE ACCESS TO A PLACEMENT LEARNING SUPPORT UNIT. HERE IS WHAT THEY DO AND HOW THEY CAN ASSIST YOU.

We recognise that sometimes it can be difficult being a student, and you won’t feel satisfied or successful. Coaching is a way of helping you to improve, develop, learn new skills, find personal success, achieve aims and to manage life change and personal challenges. We know sometimes you just need someone on your side to ask the right questions. Coaching in this respect is a learning relationship which will benefit you particularly if you don’t feel you are managing your development.

How it works in practice You can make an appointment and discuss different aspects of your personal development, such as:

❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

What students say ...

?

Graduate skills e.g. managing your time, working in groups.

Experiences, e.g. finding a placement, writing a CV or cover letter for a placement.

Professional identity e.g. fitness to practice.

Degree subject e.g. understanding how you learn best.

Emotional intelligence e.g. motivation, managing stress.

When asked what they most enjoyed about their appointment students across the Faculty have said…

❚❚

❚❚ ❚❚

These areas are crucial to you managing as a student. We want to equip you with the tools that will help you get where you want to be in life.

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CONTACT DETAILS: The team is managed by Jamie Fearn (Placement Support Unit Manager), along with Work Based Learning Officers and administrative support. We are located in room 904 James Parsons, Byrom Street.

You can email us on scienceplsu@ljmu.ac.uk, call 0151 231 2079 or visit www2.ljmu.ac.uk/scs and click on Placement Learning Support Unit.

{

“

In the Faculty of Science we feel the purpose of your time here is for you to be equipped with a set of skills, knowledge, understanding and personal attributes that make you more likely to make choices and behave in ways which mean you can be satisfied and successful both now and in future.

❚❚

The team “made it very clear what was required to give in our feedback and the benefits of engaging in the process. It has really helped me to learn to break down my work and highlight my skills developed.”

“That it was a very informal meeting, where I could ask all the questions that I had…”

“It was really beneficial and the members of staff in the office are so helpful and very friendly. Lovely atmosphere!”

“It was greatly beneficial to me as I was given very helpful advice in how to pursue potential placement providers and was followed up with an interview detailing all that was discussed.”

Placement Case Study LEYLA ENNIS IS IN HER FINAL YEAR OF STUDYING BIOCHEMISTRY AND PREVIOUSLY TOOK A PLACEMENT YEAR AT EUROFINS FORENSIC SERVICES WORKING AS A DNA ANALYST What did your placement involve (e.g. main duties)?

My main role at Eurofins Forensics Services was to extract DNA from buccal swabs and prepare them for a process called Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) which creates multiple copies of DNA through a heating and cooling process. The resulting DNA profiles generated are then loaded to the National DNA Database for comparison against crime scene swabs.

Please list three things which you enjoyed about your placement: ❙❙ I gained laboratory experience and became more confident in a laboratory setting. ❙❙ I built a good relationship with colleagues both within and outside of work. ❙❙ I really felt valued as part of the team.

What did the application and interview process involve for your placement and how did you prepare for each stage?

I researched the company through their website and learnt about the company’s values and mission statement. I then contacted the Placement Learning Support Unit (PLSU) here at LJMU and attended a series of one to one coaching appointments with Samantha Forde. The feedback and support that I received from the PLSU team was invaluable as it helped secure my dream sandwich placement with Eurofins. The PLSU team will arrange mock interviews that are tailored to your choice of placement, which helps increase your confidence for possible interviews. The mock interview I had involved competency based questions, this helped me know what to expect and how to answer them at my interview. I cannot recommend the PLSU team enough.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Which relevant skills did you draw upon during the selection process?

I drew upon my hands on experience of PCR and strong understanding of molecular biology, which was taught to me here at LJMU. What advice would you give to other students to improve their employability? ❙❙ It is really important to stand out in your CV and cover letter, and to demonstrate your key strengths which make you different to everyone else. ❙❙ Don’t just say what you are good at; you must back it up with examples. ❙❙ Make sure that you really research the company that you are applying to and bring yourself up to date with any current news about that employer. Find out about for example, about their key competitors.

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

I would definitely plan my time better, ensuring I read lecture notes before I attended lectures.

What aspects of your degree course were useful during your placement?

During modules at university I learnt that good lab practice (GLP) is really important for the safety of yourself and others. For example, GLP is wearing personal protective equipment (PPE), keeping your work area clean and tidy and reporting any broken equipment or spillages. At Eurofins, PPE and GLP served as an anti-contamination method, protecting the sample from our own DNA.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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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

39

Thinking about

postgraduate study?

ARE YOU CONSIDERING

POSTGRADUATE STUDY AS A NEXT STEP? WE LOOK 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.

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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

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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

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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.

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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

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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

41

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:

❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

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

❚❚

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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Graduate Case Study ANGELA CLUCAS GRADUATED IN 2016 WITH AN MSC IN SPORTS NUTRITION AND NOW RUNS HER OWN BUSINESS CALLED NEXT LEVEL NUTRITION Please tell us more about the business, which you have set up, and your job role within this?

I am the owner and performance nutritionist at Next Level Nutrition (www.nextleveliom. com). The company has been running for two years now, as it was set up immediately after my MSc in Sports Nutrition at LJMU. I work with a variety of clients from elite athletes to ‘weekend warriors’ (i.e. those who only exercise at weekends). I also work with busy parents, and everyone in between. The MSc at LJMU really gave me the confidence in my own ability to go and start a business and take what I had learnt in the classroom out into the real world.

A big contributor to this was the placement I did and the opportunity to work in elite sport whilst still studying was invaluable.

What do you enjoy about your work? ❙❙ I enjoy helping my clients; seeing them

reach their personal bests, or just having more energy and zest for life. ❙❙ I like being my own boss. Travel is a big part of my life and being able to work from anywhere and not having limited holidays mean I can take Next Level wherever I go. It is the perfect balance for me. ❙❙ I like meeting new people. Being a business owner has led to some interesting opportunities such as being asked to talk at corporate events on both nutrition and setting up a business. I love having the opportunity to try to inspire others to make a change.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

What help and support did you access from the Centre for Entrepreneurship?

I took part in their three-day training programme after which we were invited to pitch our business idea for funding. I was awarded £1600 which allowed me to invest in vital equipment and technology needed to get set up. As a student just finishing my MSc, this was a fantastic boost and prevented me from having to take a bank loan.

Please tell us about your past work experience or employment history, prior to setting up your own business?

After finishing my undergraduate course, and before starting my MSc, I worked in various IT and finance companies where I learnt valuable customer service, administration and marketing skills. These skills have proved invaluable now I am working for myself, as I know both how to and how not to run a business!

Do you have any advice for students who may be considering the possibility of setting up a business?

Go for it! You can always start small, set it up on the side while working and then build it up.

If it doesn’t work out, you can always get a job to raise more cash and try again. Don’t be put off by the people who say ‘what if it doesn’t work?’ My response to this is; ‘but what if it does?’ Avoid getting into debt with any big

investments and take things one day at a time.

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

If I was a first-year student again I would take every opportunity available to me. I would advise current students to volunteer for everything, to network with others, to ask questions and listen more. The connections you can make at LJMU will serve you for a lifetime if you take the time to network sincerely.

Which aspects of your degree or MSc were particularly useful and relevant to the work that you now do?

The chance to take a placement in elite sport, in my case with Huddersfield Giants Rugby League, was an invaluable learning experience.

It enhanced my understanding of what is required of a performance nutritionist in the field. The ‘real world experience’ of my lecturers was invaluable. I knew that what I was learning was being applied in the real world, not just in a lecture theatre. This gave me the confidence to know I could hit the ground running with my business, as I knew that I was prepared for what was happening today in the field of nutrition.

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

42

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 the opposite page.

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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LJMU VOLUNTEERING 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.

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, volunteering and work experience from the Careers website at www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers/

LJMU CareerSmart Internship Programme

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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

44

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.

{ { MATURE STUDENTS

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

45

Skills-based CV 1

If you include a personal profile at the start of your CV, ensure it is targeted at the role and organisation by highlighting key skills, knowledge or experience.

Keep it concise and focused. Include the job title and company name to personalise further.

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List entries in this section in reverse chronological order.

Education and Qualifications

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2015-2018 Liverpool John Moores University BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science (2:1 – 67%) Studying relevant modules, including Human Physiology and Genetics; Histology and Drug Effects; Immunity and Infection; and Cancer: Bench to Bedside, gave me a broad understanding of human bioscience and diagnostic science (including medical microbiology, immunology, histology, medical genetics, haematology, and cancer) as well as biochemistry, physiology, molecular and cell biology.

Include relevant details for your degree, e.g. modules that have helped you develop the knowledge required for the role.

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

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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 developed 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.

Amir Rashid 123 Liverpool Road Manchester M23 1AB

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Email: amir.rashid@gmail.com Mobile: 07912 345678

I am a driven and ambitious Biomedical Science graduate with previous experience in customer-facing roles and a thorough understanding of human bioscience and disease. My university studies, previous employment and extracurricular activities have helped me develop strong communication, networking and leadership skills. I am enthusiastic to pursue a career in medical sales and keen to join Ashfield Healthcare as a Trainee Medical Sales Representative.

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2008-2015 South Manchester High School A-Levels: Biology (B), Chemistry (B) and General Studies (C) 9 GCSEs at grade C or above including Maths (C), English (A) and Biology (A*)

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Skills Profile Communication and networking skills Five years’ experience in customer-facing roles developed my communication and interpersonal skills to a high level. Thanks to my ability to build a strong rapport with customers and my persuasive sales manner, I regularly exceeded my sales targets. As a student representative at LJMU, I fed back student issues and concerns during board of study meetings. By improving my professional network among senior staff in the faculty, I was able to resolve any issues professionally using tact and diplomacy.

My networking and negotiation skills were further illustrated by securing a number of speakers for the LJMU Men’s Hockey Team, including the head coach of England’s U21 squad.

Strong writing skills gained from completing reports and essays for university assignments.

Feedback from my lecturers has highlighted my confidence in using appropriate scientific terminology as well as my concise and professional writing style.

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Teamwork and leadership I have developed strong leadership skills in my role as captain of the LJMU Men’s Hockey Team, securing new sponsors and increasing membership by 15%. Thanks to implementing changes to the team’s training and my ability to motivate team members, the team finished third in the North West Universities Men’s Hockey Cup in 2017/18, up from 11th in 2016/17.

I have strengthened my teamwork skills through completing group projects at university and working as a waiter at Emilio’s Italian. Sharing out the workload fairly and assisting colleagues during busy times was essential to maintain team spirit and reduce waiting time for customers.

As an experienced member of staff at Bosch Communication Centre, I was jointly responsible for designing and delivering training sessions for new employees, which further developed my leadership skills. I also initiated and managed a buddying scheme for new staff.

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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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2016-present Bosch Communication Centre, Liverpool – Call Centre Assistant To help fund my studies, I have been working part-time as a call centre assistant. I mostly work on the Lufthansa contract, where I am responsible for dealing with both private and commercial booking requests. As an experienced employee, I have been involved in training new members of staff on a regular basis during the past year. Since completing my BSc course, I have been working at BCC full-time over the summer taking on additional staff trainer responsibilities.

2015-2016 Emilio’s Italian Restaurant, Liverpool – Waiter (part-time) Working in this busy restaurant has developed my ability to work under pressure and deal with customer complaints promptly and professionally. Through building a rapport with customers and being knowledgeable about special offers, I gained advanced skills in upselling customers.

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.

❚❚ 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

IT skills Confident user of Microsoft Office programmes, including Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

I am able to learn new software and systems quickly as demonstrated as a call centre assistant, where I used the booking system confidently after a short training period.

Employment History

Additional information to include

❚❚ 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?

Commercial Awareness Thanks to my varied employment history, I have developed a good insight into working in a commercial environment. Experience in customer-facing roles taught me the importance of understanding customers and building strong relationships. I appreciate the need to be aware of developments within the healthcare sector and the NHS and understand the impact on patients.

As a result, I have started keeping up-to-date with relevant news stories and scientific research.

2013-2015 South Road News Agent, Manchester – Sales Assistant (part-time) My duties involved serving customers, stocking shelves, and preparing newspapers for delivery.

As a loyal employee, I was trusted to cash up the till at the end of the shift and bank the day’s takings. I was also made a key holder, which demonstrates my maturity and reliability.

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Captain of LJMU Men’s Hockey Team for 2017/18 Course Representative for L5 BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science course during 2016/17 Voluntary Experience Oct 2016 – April 2017 Whiston Hospital, Prescot – Volunteer My duties as a volunteer involved signposting visitors to the appropriate ward and providing assistance and refreshments to patients. Through interacting with staff, I gained a better understanding of the roles of different members of the multidisciplinary healthcare team.

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Interests As a student member of the Institute of Biomedical Sciences, I enjoy keeping up-to-date with the latest scientific research. I am also interested in current affairs and have been following the ongoing developments and reforms of the NHS in particular. In my spare time, I enjoy keeping fit by playing hockey and tennis for my local clubs.

References available on request

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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GETTING THE JOB

Chronological CV 1

If you include a personal profile, ensure it is targeted at the role and organisation. Keep it concise and highlight relevant experience, skills, knowledge and interests.

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List entries in this section in reverse chronological order, i.e. starting with your current studies.

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Liverpool John Moores University MPharm Pharmacy (expected degree classification: 2:1)  Studying relevant modules like Pharmaceutical Science and Practice, Dosage Form Design, The Profession and Practice of Pharmacy, and Medicinal and Biomolecular Chemistry helped me develop an excellent understanding of the role and responsibilities of a pharmacist as well as knowledge of OTC medicines.  Teaching includes laboratory and dispensary sessions, which allow me to improve my accuracy in dispensing medicines and give me the opportunity to practise and receive feedback on patient interaction and interviewing techniques. This has greatly strengthened my verbal communication skills and ability to adapt the language I use with different patients.  I enjoy work-related and problem-based learning. Dealing with various clinical practice scenarios during simulation visits has developed my problem-solving skills. For example, when prescriptions contain medication unsuitable for the patient or risk drug interactions, I analyse the information and identify an alternative solution that will ensure patient safety.

Briefly highlight any relevant modules and knowledge gained from these. Include any other useful information about your degree, such as work-related learning and relevant skills developed from your studies.

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A brief summary of your A-Levels and GCSEs is sufficient.

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Keep this section fairly short by providing a brief summary of the role and any relevant skills you have developed.

2008-2015 St Mary’s High School and Sixth Form, Chester  A-Levels: Biology (A), Chemistry (B), Geography (B)  10 GCSEs grades A*-C, including Biology (A*), Maths (B) and English (B)

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If you have any interests that relate to your chosen role, make sure you include these at the end of your CV. This illustrates to a prospective employer that you have a real enthusiasm for your chosen sector and career.

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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”.

Lynne Smith

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A highly-motivated, approachable and enthusiastic final-year Pharmacy student with experience of working within a number of busy community pharmacies and other customer-facing settings. I have excellent attention to detail, strong communication and listening skills and integrate well into a multidisciplinary team environment. I am eager to embark on a challenging pre-registration position within a community pharmacy.

EDUCATION 2015-present

PHARMACY-RELATED EMPLOYMENT AND EXPERIENCE April 2018-present Robinsons Pharmacy, Chester - Pharmacy Assistant  My role involves delivering a high standard of customer service in a busy pharmacy, using strong interpersonal and listening skills and WWHAM to identify customers’ needs. I always ensure I am articulate when explaining medication use, show discretion when dealing with sensitive information, and query incorrect medication or doses with prescribers.  I play a key role in the dispensing process, utilising skills and knowledge acquired at university, paying careful attention to detail and double-checking to ensure that medicines are correctly labelled to minimise the risk of error. Moreover, I clinically check prescriptions using the BNF and advise patients on P medicines and GSL medicines.  Being responsible for ordering stock helped me to develop extensive knowledge on OTC medicines and their legal categories, enabling me to confidently advise customers on their health conditions and use of other medications applying ENCORE.  Excellent written communication skills enhanced by writing patient information leaflets, e.g. a leaflet on FAQs around blood pressure. By using clear, informative language appropriate for members of the public, I achieved a good response. Many customers commented on how helpful the leaflets were and asked about blood pressure testing.

An Employability Adviser says ...

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

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. Also make reference to any relevant skills you have used and improved.

Dec 2017 Royal Liverpool University Hospital  One-day placement shadowing and observing the pharmacist on ward rounds in different areas of the hospital. I developed my clinical awareness and understanding of the pharmacist’s role in the decision-making process regarding patient treatment.  This experience helped me to recognise the importance of communicating effectively with other members of the multidisciplinary team when discussing patient care plans.  I expanded my understanding of drugs used within the hospital context to prevent conditions such as blood clots and learnt how to confidently calculate dosing regimens.

March 2018 Arrowe Park Hospital, Wirral  Two-day placement shadowing the pharmacist and the technicians to learn more about how these roles interact. I observed pharmacists taking drug histories, counselling patients and checking prescriptions and visited the dispensary and aseptic unit.  I also met healthcare staff on the renal unit and considered treatment by looking at blood results, creatinine levels and renal function.

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11A Liverpool Road, Chester, CH2 3AB l.smith2@2015.ljmu.ac.uk, 07799 112233

2016-2017 Lloyds Pharmacy, Chester - Pharmacy Assistant  This role involved carefully checking prescriptions and dispensing/labelling medication, working accurately and methodically. I always double-checked my work to ensure accuracy.  I built up positive relationships with regular customers by remembering their names and understanding their medications and conditions. Using tact, sensitivity and strong listening skills when discussing health issues with patients demonstrates my interpersonal skills.  Keeping up-to-date with store targets and promotions developed my commercial awareness and I actively encouraged customers to participate when appropriate.  Other responsibilities included contributing to effective stock management by completing stock checks and orders, professional presentation of displays, as well as producing and printing labels using a variety of computer packages, including in-house dispensing systems  I also assisted with healthy lifestyle services such as checking blood pressure, contraception and smoking cessation, gaining a good understanding of these additional services offered.

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OTHER EMPLOYMENT 2014-2016 M&S, Chester - Customer Service Assistant I familiarised myself with the company’s products and services and developed strong customer service skills on the shop floor recommending the best products for customers.

2012-2014 Millers News, Chester - Retail Assistant I dealt with customer enquiries using effective communication skills, processed cash and card payments, carried out stock checks, and prepared newspapers and basic food items for delivery.

ACHIEVEMENTS AND POSITIONS OF RESPONSIBILITY  

Course representative for MPharm at LJMU for academic years 2016/17 and 2017/18.

Raised £1,500 to fund a trip to India during summer 2016, where I volunteered in an orphanage teaching English, supervising the children and assisting in their care.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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Interests: As a member of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society and BPSA, I ensure I keep upto-date with developments in the pharmaceutical sector. I also enjoy reading articles on the Chemist and Druggist website and pay particular attention to any news stories affecting community pharmacies. In my spare time, I regularly go to the gym to keep fit and also enjoy hiking in North Wales.

IT skills: Competent using all Microsoft Office programmes, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Access, which I have used throughout university.

REFERENCES  Mrs Katherine Rice, Manager, Robinsons Pharmacy, email: KRice@robinsons.co.uk  Dr Lewis McKay, Senior Lecturer, LJMU, 0151 231 5614, email: L.A.McKay@ljmu.ac.uk

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

GETTING THE JOB

47

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.

11A Liverpool Road Chester CH2 3AB Mrs Gill Clarke Senior Pharmacist Jones Community Pharmacy 134 Preston Road Liverpool L11 3UJ

20th November 2018

Dear Mrs Clarke, I am writing to express my interest in the pre-registration pharmacist vacancy advertised on your website and enclose my CV for your consideration.

I am a final-year student on the MPharm degree at Liverpool John Moores University. My degree studies have prepared me well for a career in community pharmacy, providing me with relevant knowledge and skills. Through studying modules like The Profession and Practice of Pharmacy, I have learnt about OTC medicines and the importance of the pharmacist’s role in the multidisciplinary team. I also enjoy attending guest lectures by experienced pharmacists, which developed my understanding of the profession, a pharmacist’s role and responsibilities as well as continuing professional development.

As you can see from my CV, I have gained extensive experience working in community pharmacies alongside my degree studies. Completing short placements in hospital settings confirmed my desire to pursue a career in community pharmacy, as I enjoy building up lasting relationships with patients and pride myself on remembering the names of regular customers. Working as a pharmacy assistant at Robinsons Pharmacy has given me the opportunity to put into practice the skills and knowledge developed on my degree. Interacting with customers has strengthened my interviewing and counselling skills, using techniques like WWHAM and ENCORE, and as a result I am confident in advising patients on their health conditions and the safe and effective use of their medication. From my own experience as a customer in my local Jones Pharmacy branch, I know how much emphasis you put on providing knowledgeable and professional customer service, so I am confident that I would make a strong addition to your team. This commitment is further illustrated by your annual customer satisfaction survey; taking the time to listen to customers’ opinions about their experience in your pharmacies and implementing suggestions for improvement ensures that customers feel valued and have confidence in their local pharmacy service.

My written communication skills have been developed to a high standard by completing a number of essays and assignments for university. Feedback from my tutors highlighted my confident use of appropriate scientific terminology and my concise writing style. During my employment at Robinsons Pharmacy, I have put these skills to good use by producing a range of patient information leaflets, which were well-received and increased the uptake of healthy lifestyle consultation sessions on topics like blood pressure, contraception and weight management. I noticed on your website that you have an ever-increasing online library of patient factsheets and I would be keen to contribute to the expansion of this useful patient resource.

Having spoken to one of your current pre-registration pharmacists at LJMU’s pre-registration pharmacy employer event recently, I was impressed to find out about the training and development you provide to all your junior pharmacists. I am committed to my professional development, which I demonstrated by regularly completing CPD records alongside my employment at Robinsons Pharmacy. My interest in current issues and developments in the pharmacy sector can be further illustrated by my membership of the RPS and BPSA as well as my subscription to the Chemist and Druggist newsletter.

I hope that on consideration of my CV, you will be persuaded of my real enthusiasm for a career in community pharmacy. I would be available for interview at your convenience and look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,

Lynne Smith

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

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GETTING THE JOB

Applying for laboratory work experience and graduate roles If applying for work experience or graduate jobs within a laboratory setting, it is important to tailor the information on your CV to this context. This includes highlighting any relevant scientific knowledge you have gained through your academic studies, practical coursework and (where applicable) relevant work experience. Showing an understanding of what is required to work effectively in a laboratory setting is also essential. This could include an understanding of working safely in a laboratory environment, e.g. knowledge of relevant health and safety policies, safe use of equipment, appropriate disposal of hazardous substances or tissue samples etc.

If you have gained relevant work experience alongside your degree or during the summer break, ensure that this is featured prominently on your CV. Not only does this demonstrate to prospective employers that you have been proactive to build up relevant work experience outside of an academic setting, but it also illustrates that you are able to operate effectively in a commercial/NHS laboratory.

Provide a brief outline of your duties and highlight relevant laboratory and transferable (e.g. teamwork, communication, time management, problem-solving) skills gained.

Were you trained in techniques or the use of equipment you were unfamiliar with? Working in a specialist laboratory or science setting usually requires you to learn a range of new skills on the job, so having demonstrated your ability to do this effectively in previous work experience will strengthen your application.

Ensure that the laboratory skills you outline on your CV match the particular requirements of the role. Give emphasis to the instrumentation and laboratory techniques you can use and mention specific practical projects, e.g. your dissertation, if relevant. Your laboratory skills can be included within the education and relevant experience sections on your CV, or alternatively you could include a dedicated ‘laboratory skills’ section on your CV. If you have no or very little work experience in a relevant setting, opting for a skills-based

approach to your CV allows you to illustrate your suitability for the role. This involves including a detailed ‘skills profile’ on your CV, which outlines the skills you can offer to a prospective employer and provides evidence for where and when you have developed and demonstrated these. Your laboratory skills should be featured prominently within this section, so make this the first entry in your skills profile. Give prominence to the laboratory skills which are listed as essential on the job advert. Ensure that the skills outlined on your CV (both laboratory skills and transferable skills) match those required for the specific vacancy, so always check this against the job advert and amend your CV to suit each vacancy. For further information, take a look at the skills-based CV example in the ‘Laboratory Work Experience’ mini guide which you can download from the ‘Careers Resources’ section on www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

Interviews for laboratory-based job roles It is important to remember that many science employers value an applicant’s personal skills and qualities just as highly as their more specialised scientific or technical knowledge. Therefore make sure that you also follow all the advice on the previous pages about how to give evidence of your skills and qualities in an interview. However, in an interview for a laboratory-based position, applicants may well face some technical questions which may fall into the following categories: About your laboratory skills: You may encounter questions about the types of instrumentation you are competent in using and which laboratory techniques you have experience in:

❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

What would you say your major laboratory skills are?

What kind of equipment are you most confident in using?

What experience do you have of analytical techniques?

About your current course of study: Try to consider how the laboratory skills you have gained from your degree are relevant to the role you are applying to: ❚❚ ❚❚

Tell us about what you have learnt from your degree course which makes you suitable for this job role?

Tell us about a piece of scientific

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

research you have been involved in?

What were the outcomes?

Please explain your choice of dissertation topic to us.

Which relevant modules have you studied which relate to this job role?

Tell us about a particularly relevant scientific article you have read recently?

Scenario-based questions: The interviewer may ask you to talk through how you would handle a particular scientific scenario: ❚❚ ❚❚

❚❚

Describe one laboratory technique to me in detail, and talk me through a situation when you may use it.

Tell us about a scientific experiment you carried out which did not go as well as you expected. What did you learn from this?

Give me an example of drug-drug interaction and explain with the mechanism of action what you would do to prevent it?

About your knowledge of that job role and sector: The employer may ask questions which test your awareness of the role you are being interviewed for: ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

What do you know about the products we produce?

What methods do you think we employ in our laboratories to test samples?

What interests you about natural

❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

products as opposed to modern pharmaceuticals?

Who are our main competitors?

How do you feel about the prospect of becoming a healthcare scientist?

What do you think are the current issues facing the NHS?

About ethical issues: You may face questions which test your awareness of ethical issues relating to the role you are applying to. There are often no ‘right or wrong’ answers to these questions, but you may need to show an understanding of the moral arguments surrounding certain dilemmas. ❚❚ ❚❚ ❚❚

What are your views on genetic testing?

What do you think about organisations outside the NHS providing NHS Healthcare?

Should the NHS fund fertility treatment for people over 40?

Work experience in a laboratory setting can really help you to substantiate your answers in job interviews. Please refer to our ‘laboratory work experience’ mimi guide to find out more about strategies for looking for work experience, as well as the article about interviews on p.48&49.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

GETTING THE JOB

49

Example CV for Laboratory work <ĂƚĞ tŝůůŝĂŵƐŽŶ

ϵϬĂ EŽƌƚŚĞƌŶ ZŽĂĚ͕ tĂƌƌŝŶŐƚŽŶ͕ t Ϯ ϯDE DŽďŝůĞ͗ Ϭϳϳϴϵ ϭϮϯϰϱϲ͕ ŵĂŝů͗ Ŭ͘Ś͘ǁŝůůŝĂŵƐŽŶΛϮϬϭϲ͘ůũŵƵ͘ĂĐ͘ƵŬ

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2 3 4 5

WĞƌƐŽŶĂů ƉƌŽĨŝůĞ

,ĂƌĚǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŵŽƚŝǀĂƚĞĚ ĨŝŶĂůͲLJĞĂƌ ŝŽŵĞĚŝĐĂů ^ĐŝĞŶĐĞ ƵŶĚĞƌŐƌĂĚƵĂƚĞ ǁŝƚŚ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶƚ ůĂďŽƌĂƚŽƌLJ ƐŬŝůůƐ ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĨƌŽŵ ƵŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ƐƚƵĚŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ǁŽƌŬ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ͘ >ŽŽŬŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƉƵƚ ŵLJ ƚŚŽƌŽƵŐŚ ƐĐŝĞŶƚŝĨŝĐ ŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ŵLJ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĂƚƚĞŶƚŝŽŶ ƚŽ ĚĞƚĂŝů͕ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ͕ /d ĂŶĚ ƚŝŵĞ ŵĂŶĂŐĞŵĞŶƚ ƐŬŝůůƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƉƌĂĐƚŝĐĞ ŝŶ Ă ƐƵŝƚĂďůĞ ĞŶƚƌLJͲůĞǀĞů ƌŽůĞ ŝŶ Ă ůĂďŽƌĂƚŽƌLJ ĞŶǀŝƌŽŶŵĞŶƚ͘ / Ăŵ ĐŽŶĨŝĚĞŶƚ ƚŚĂƚ ƚŚĞ >ĂďŽƌĂƚŽƌLJ ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶƚ ǀĂĐĂŶĐLJ Ăƚ ĞƐƚ >ĂďƐ >ƚĚ ǁŽƵůĚ ďĞ ƚŚĞ ŝĚĞĂů ĨŽƵŶĚĂƚŝŽŶ ĨŽƌ Ă ůŽŶŐͲƚĞƌŵ ĐĂƌĞĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐĐŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ŚĞĂůƚŚĐĂƌĞ ƐĞĐƚŽƌ͘

ĚƵĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ YƵĂůŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶƐ

ϮϬϭϲ – ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ >ŝǀĞƌƉŽŽů :ŽŚŶ DŽŽƌĞƐ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ

^Đ ;,ŽŶƐͿ ŝŽŵĞĚŝĐĂů ^ĐŝĞŶĐĞ ;ĞdžƉĞĐƚĞĚ ĚĞŐƌĞĞ ĐůĂƐƐŝĨŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ͗ Ϯ͗ϭͿ  ĐĐƌĞĚŝƚĞĚ ďLJ ƚŚĞ ,ĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ĂƌĞ WƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ŽƵŶĐŝů ĂŶĚ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƚŝƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ ŝŽŵĞĚŝĐĂů ^ĐŝĞŶĐĞ͘  DŽĚƵůĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ͗ DĞĚŝĐĂů 'ĞŶĞƚŝĐƐ͖ ĂŶĐĞƌ͗ ĞŶĐŚ ƚŽ ĞĚƐŝĚĞ͖ ,ŝƐƚŽůŽŐLJ ĂŶĚ ƌƵŐ ĨĨĞĐƚƐ͖ ůŽŽĚ͕ EĞƌǀĞƐ ĂŶĚ ,ŽƌŵŽŶĞƐ͘  DLJ ĨŝŶĂůͲLJĞĂƌ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚ ǁŝůů ƚĞƐƚ ĂŶĚ ĞǀĂůƵĂƚĞ ƚŚĞ ĞĨĨĞĐƚŝǀĞŶĞƐƐ ŽĨ ĚŝĨĨĞƌĞŶƚ ďƌĂŶĚƐ ŽĨ ŵŽƵƚŚǁĂƐŚ ŝŶ ŝŶŚŝďŝƚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞ ŐƌŽǁƚŚ ŽĨ ĨŽƵƌ ŵŝĐƌŽďŝĂů ƐƉĞĐŝĞƐ͘  DLJ ĐŽƵƌƐĞ ŚĂƐ Ă ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĂƉƉůŝĞĚ ĨŽĐƵƐ͘ WƌĂĐƚŝĐĂů ůĂďŽƌĂƚŽƌLJ ƐĞƐƐŝŽŶƐ ŚĂǀĞ ŐŝǀĞŶ ŵĞ ƚŚĞ ƐŬŝůůƐ͕ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĨŝĚĞŶĐĞ ƚŽ ŽƉĞƌĂƚĞ ƐĂĨĞůLJ ŝŶ Ă ůĂď ƐĞƚƚŝŶŐ͘ dŚŝƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞƐ Ă ƚŚŽƌŽƵŐŚ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŽĨ K^,, ƌĞŐƵůĂƚŝŽŶƐ͖ ĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ ŽĨ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ŵŝĐƌŽďĞƐ͕ ƉƌŽƚĞŝŶƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŝƐƐƵĞ ĐƵůƚƵƌĞƐ͖ ƉƌŽĨŝĐŝĞŶĐLJ ŝŶ ŬĞLJ ůĂď ƚĞĐŚŶŝƋƵĞƐ ;Ğ͘Ő͘ E ƌĞĐŽǀĞƌLJ͕ W Z͕ ,W> ͕ d> ĂŶĚ ŵŝĐƌŽƚŽŵLJͿ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŶĨŝĚĞŶƚ ƵƐĞ ŽĨ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ,W> ŵĂĐŚŝŶĞƐ͘  / ŚĂǀĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ǁƌŝƚƚĞŶ ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ƐŬŝůůƐ ƚŚƌŽƵŐŚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚŝŶŐ ůĂďŽƌĂƚŽƌLJ ƌĞƉŽƌƚƐ ĂŶĚ ĞƐƐĂLJƐ͕ ƵƐŝŶŐ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ƐĐŝĞŶƚŝĨŝĐ ƚĞƌŵŝŶŽůŽŐLJ͘

ϮϬϬϵ – ϮϬϭϲ tĂƌƌŝŶŐƚŽŶ ,ŝŐŚ ^ĐŚŽŽů ĂŶĚ ^ŝdžƚŚ &Žƌŵ ŽůůĞŐĞ  Ͳ>ĞǀĞůƐ͗ ŚĞŵŝƐƚƌLJ ; Ϳ͕ ŝŽůŽŐLJ ; Ϳ͕ DĂƚŚƐ ; Ϳ  ϭϬ ' ^ Ɛ ;ŐƌĂĚĞ Ͳ Ϳ͕ ŝŶĐůƵĚŝŶŐ ŽƵďůĞ ^ĐŝĞŶĐĞ ; Ϳ͕ ŶŐůŝƐŚ ; Ϳ ĂŶĚ DĂƚŚƐ ; Ϳ͘

>ĂďŽƌĂƚŽƌLJ džƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ

:ƵŶĞ – ƵŐƵƐƚ ϮϬϭϴ DĂŶĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ ŝŽŵĞĚŝĐĂů ZĞƐĞĂƌĐŚ ĞŶƚƌĞ͕ ^ƵŵŵĞƌ /ŶƚĞƌŶƐŚŝƉ I secured a place on the Wellcome Trust’Ɛ ƐƵŵŵĞƌ ƐĐŚŽůĂƌƐŚŝƉ ƐĐŚĞŵĞ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ŽŶ Ă research project on “Hyporesponsiveness of intestinal dendritic cells to TLR stimulation”.  DLJ ƌĞƐƉŽŶƐŝďŝůŝƚŝĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞĚ ĐĞůů ĐƵůƚƵƌĞ ƉƌĞƉĂƌĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ĂƐƐŝƐƚŝŶŐ WŚ ĂŶĚ ƉŽƐƚͲĚŽĐƚŽƌĂů ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚĞƌƐ ǁŝƚŚ ƚŚĞ ĂŶĂůLJƐŝƐ ŽĨ ƌĞƐƵůƚƐ͘  / ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĂŶ ŝŶƐŝŐŚƚ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ďŝĚͲǁƌŝƚŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐ ƚŽ ƐĞĐƵƌĞ ĨƵŶĚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ĞĨĨĞĐƚŝǀĞůLJ ůŝĂŝƐĞĚ ǁŝƚŚ ƌĞƐĞĂƌĐŚĞƌƐ ŽŶ ŽƚŚĞƌ ƉƌŽũĞĐƚƐ ƚŽ ŶĞŐŽƚŝĂƚĞ ŽǀĞƌ ƚŚĞ ƵƐĞ ŽĨ ƐŚĂƌĞĚ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ͘  DLJ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ƐĂĨĞůLJ ĂŶĚ ĂĐĐƵƌĂƚĞůLJ ŝŶ Ă ůĂďŽƌĂƚŽƌLJ ƐĞƚƚŝŶŐ ďLJ ĂĚŚĞƌŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƌĞůĞǀĂŶƚ ŚĞĂůƚŚ ĂŶĚ ƐĂĨĞƚLJ ƌĞŐƵůĂƚŝŽŶƐ ĂŶĚ ^KWƐ ǁĂƐ ĂůƐŽ ĚĞŵŽŶƐƚƌĂƚĞĚ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ŝŶƚĞƌŶƐŚŝƉ͘

6

Briefly highlight your duties as well as relevant laboratory and transferable skills gained from your work experience.

7

Provide a brief overview of your other employment focusing on relevant skills gained as well as any achievements.

8

Highlight any relevant interests like membership of professional bodies.

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www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

1

If you include a personal profile, keep this concise and tailor it to each role by highlighting specific skills, experience, knowledge and interests relevant to the position. You can also include the company name and job title to personalise your profile further.

2

Providing further detail about your degree studies, including information about professional accreditation, relevant modules and practical projects allows you to highlight what relevant knowledge you have developed in an academic setting.

3

You can also provide a brief overview of both practical (i.e. laboratory) and transferable skills you have gained on your course.

4

Briefly summarise your A-Levels and GCSEs (or any similar qualifications).

5

If you have relevant experience in a laboratory or healthcare setting, list this prominently on the first page and separately from your other employment history to draw the reader’s attention to this experience. If you don’t have relevant experience, use a more skills-based approach to demonstrate your suitability for work experience or graduate opportunities. Refer to the sample skills-based CV in our ‘Laboratory Work Experience’ mini guide.

DĂLJ – ƵŐƵƐƚ ϮϬϭϳ DĂŶĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ ZŽLJĂů /ŶĨŝƌŵĂƌLJ͕ sŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ DŝĐƌŽďŝŽůŽŐLJ ĞƉƚ͘ / ǀŽůƵŶƚĞĞƌĞĚ ĨŽƌ ƚǁŽ ĚĂLJƐ Ă ǁĞĞŬ ĂƐƐŝƐƚŝŶŐ ƐƚĂĨĨ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ DŝĐƌŽďŝŽůŽŐLJ ĚĞƉĂƌƚŵĞŶƚ͘  DLJ ĚƵƚŝĞƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞĚ ƉŝƉĞƚƚŝŶŐ ƵƌŝŶĞ ƐĂŵƉůĞƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚĞƐƚ ƚƵďĞƐ͕ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŝŶŐ ƚĞƐƚ ƚƵďĞƐ ŽŶ ĂŶ /Z/^ ŵĂĐŚŝŶĞ͕ ŬŝŶŐ ƐĂŵƉůĞƐ ŝŶƚŽ ƚŚĞ ĚĂƚĂďĂƐĞ͕ ƉƌŽĐĞƐƐŝŶŐ ŐĞŶŝƚĂů ƐǁĂďƐ͕ ĨůƵŝĚƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŝƐƐƵĞ ďƌŽƚŚƐ͕ ƉůĂĐŝŶŐ ĂŶƚŝďŝŽƚŝĐƐ ŝŶƚŽ ĂŐĂƌ ƉůĂƚĞƐ ĂŶĚ ŝŶĐƵďĂƚŝŶŐ ƚŚĞŵ Ăƚ ƐƉĞĐŝĨŝĐ ƚĞŵƉĞƌĂƚƵƌĞƐ͘  KƚŚĞƌ ƚĂƐŬƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞĚ ŝŶŽĐƵůĂƚŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ƐƚƌĞĂŬŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƵƌŝŶĞ ƐĂŵƉůĞƐ ŝŶƚŽ ĚŝĨĨĞƌĞŶƚ ƚLJƉĞƐ ŽĨ ĂŐĂƌ ƉůĂƚĞƐ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ŵLJ ŵĂŶƵĂů ĚĞdžƚĞƌŝƚLJ͘  / ŐĂŝŶĞĚ ĐŽŶĨŝĚĞŶĐĞ ŝŶ ĂƐĞƉƚŝĐ ƚĞĐŚŶŝƋƵĞƐ͕ ŝŵƉƌŽǀĞĚ ŵLJ ĂďŝůŝƚLJ ƚŽ ǁŽƌŬ ƵŶĚĞƌ ƉƌĞƐƐƵƌĞ ĂŶĚ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ŵLJ ƵŶĚĞƌƐƚĂŶĚŝŶŐ ŽĨ ƌŝƐŬͬ K^,, ĂƐƐĞƐƐŵĞŶƚƐ ĂƐ ǁĞůů ĂƐ ƚŚĞ ƐĂĨĞ ŚĂŶĚůŝŶŐ ŽĨ ĐůŝŶŝĐĂů ƐĂŵƉůĞƐ͘  / ĚĞŵŽŶƐƚƌĂƚĞĚ ĞdžĐĞůůĞŶƚ ŽƌŐĂŶŝƐĂƚŝŽŶĂů ƐŬŝůůƐ ĚƵƌŝŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ƉůĂĐĞŵĞŶƚ͕ ĞŶƐƵƌŝŶŐ ĂƉƉƌŽƉƌŝĂƚĞ ĞƋƵŝƉŵĞŶƚ ǁĂƐ ŬĞĚ ĨŽƌ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ŽĨ ƐƚĂĨĨ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĞƚŝŶŐ Ăůů ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ ƚĂƐŬƐ ƚŽ ƐĞƚ ĚĞĂĚůŝŶĞƐ ĂŶĚ ƚŽ Ă ŚŝŐŚ ƐƚĂŶĚĂƌĚ͘

ĚĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů ŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ,ŝƐƚŽƌLJ

ϮϬϭϲ – ƉƌĞƐĞŶƚ ŽƐƚĂ ŽĨĨĞĞ͕ tĂƌƌŝŶŐƚŽŶ – ĂƌŝƐƚĂ ;ƉĂƌƚͲƚŝŵĞͿ  dŚŝƐ ƌŽůĞ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞƐ ǁŽƌŬŝŶŐ ĞĨĨĞĐƚŝǀĞůLJ ŝŶ Ă ƚĞĂŵ ďLJ ƐŚĂƌŝŶŐ ƚĂƐŬƐ ŽƵƚ ĨĂŝƌůLJ ĂŵŽŶŐƐƚ ƚĞĂŵ ŵĞŵďĞƌƐ ƚŽ ŵĂŝŶƚĂŝŶ ƚĞĂŵ ŵŽƌĂůĞ ĂŶĚ ŬĞĞƉ ǁĂŝƚŝŶŐ ƚŝŵĞ ĨŽƌ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ ƚŽ Ă ŵŝŶŝŵƵŵ͘  / ŚĂǀĞ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉĞĚ ƐƚƌŽŶŐ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌ ƐĞƌǀŝĐĞ ƐŬŝůůƐ͕ ďƵŝůĚŝŶŐ ƵƉ ƌĂƉƉŽƌƚ ǁŝƚŚ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ ĂŶĚ ĚĞĂůŝŶŐ ǁŝƚŚ ĂŶLJ ĞŶƋƵŝƌŝĞƐ ĂŶĚ ĐŽŵƉůĂŝŶƚƐ ƉƌŽĨĞƐƐŝŽŶĂůůLJ ĂŶĚ ƉƌŽŵƉƚůLJ͘  DLJ ǀĞƌďĂů ĐŽŵŵƵŶŝĐĂƚŝŽŶ ĂŶĚ ŝŶƚĞƌƉĞƌƐŽŶĂů ƐŬŝůůƐ ŚĂǀĞ ďĞĞŶ ƐƚƌĞŶŐƚŚĞŶĞĚ ĨƵƌƚŚĞƌ ĨƌŽŵ ƵŶĚĞƌƚĂŬŝŶŐ ƚŚŝƐ ƉƵďůŝĐͲĨĂĐŝŶŐ ƌŽůĞ͘

ϮϬϭϰ – ϮϬϭϲ ^ŵŝƚŚƐ EĞǁƐĂŐĞŶƚ͕ tĂƌƌŝŶŐƚŽŶ – ^ĂůĞƐ ƐƐŝƐƚĂŶƚ  /Ŷ ƚŚŝƐ ƉĂƌƚͲƚŝŵĞ ƉŽƐŝƚŝŽŶ͕ ŵLJ ĚƵƚŝĞƐ ŝŶǀŽůǀĞĚ ƐĞƌǀŝŶŐ ĐƵƐƚŽŵĞƌƐ͕ ƐƚŽĐŬŝŶŐ ƐŚĞůǀĞƐ͕ ĂŶĚ ƉƌĞƉĂƌŝŶŐ ŶĞǁƐƉĂƉĞƌƐ ĨŽƌ ĚĞůŝǀĞƌLJ͘  Ɛ Ă ůŽLJĂů ĞŵƉůŽLJĞĞ͕ / ǁĂƐ ƚƌƵƐƚĞĚ ƚŽ ĐĂƐŚ ƵƉ ƚŚĞ ƚŝůů Ăƚ ƚŚĞ ĞŶĚ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ ƐŚŝĨƚ ĂŶĚ ďĂŶŬ ƚŚĞ day’s takings. I was ĂůƐŽ ŵĂĚĞ Ă ŬĞLJ ŚŽůĚĞƌ ƐŚŽƌƚůLJ ĂĨƚĞƌ ƐƚĂƌƚŝŶŐ ĞŵƉůŽLJŵĞŶƚ ŝŶ ƚŚĞ ƐƚŽƌĞ͕ ǁŚŝĐŚ ĚĞŵŽŶƐƚƌĂƚĞƐ ŵLJ ŵĂƚƵƌŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ƌĞůŝĂďŝůŝƚLJ͘

ĚĚŝƚŝŽŶĂů /ŶĨŽƌŵĂƚŝŽŶ  /d ^ŬŝůůƐ͗ ŽŵƉĞƚĞŶƚ ƵƐĞƌ ŽĨ D^ tŽƌĚ͕ džĐĞů͕ WŽǁĞƌWŽŝŶƚ ĂŶĚ KƵƚůŽŽŬ͘  ůĞĂŶ͕ ĨƵůů h< ĚƌŝǀŝŶŐ ůŝĐĞŶƐĞ ŚĞůĚ ƐŝŶĐĞ ϮϬϭϲ͘  Ɛ Ă ƐƚƵĚĞŶƚ ŵĞŵďĞƌ ŽĨ ƚŚĞ /ŶƐƚŝƚƵƚĞ ŽĨ ŝŽŵĞĚŝĐĂů ^ĐŝĞŶĐĞ͕ / ĨŽůůŽǁ ĚĞǀĞůŽƉŵĞŶƚƐ ŝŶ ŵĞĚŝĐŝŶĞ ĂŶĚ ƐĐŝĞŶĐĞ ǁŝƚŚ ŐƌĞĂƚ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚ͘  DLJ ŽƚŚĞƌ ŝŶƚĞƌĞƐƚƐ ŝŶĐůƵĚĞ ŽƵƚĚŽŽƌ ĂĐƚŝǀŝƚŝĞƐ ůŝŬĞ ŬĂLJĂŬŝŶŐ ĂŶĚ ŚŝŬŝŶŐ͘ / Ăŵ ĐƵƌƌĞŶƚůLJ ůĞĂƌŶŝŶŐ ƚŽ ƉůĂLJ ƚŚĞ ŐƵŝƚĂƌ͘

ZĞĨĞƌĞŶĐĞƐ

 ƌ dŽŵ ^ŵŝƚŚ͕ ^ĞŶŝŽƌ >ĞĐƚƵƌĞƌ Ăƚ >:Dh͕ Ϭϭϱϭ Ϯϯϭ ϭϮϯϰ͕ ƚ͘Ă͘ƐŵŝƚŚΛůũŵƵ͘ĂĐ͘ƵŬ  ƌ ǀĞ ĂǀŝĞƐ͕ ^ĞŶŝŽƌ ZĞƐĞĂƌĐŚĞƌ͕ hŶŝǀĞƌƐŝƚLJ ŽĨ DĂŶĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ͕ Ϭϭϲϭ ϭϮϯ ϰϱϲϳ͕ Ğ͘ĚĂǀŝĞƐΛŵĂŶĐŚĞƐƚĞƌ͘ĂĐ͘ƵŬ

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

50

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.

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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

51

GETTING THE JOB

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

52

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.

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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.

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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 GUIDES Our handy mini guide on ‘Preparing for Interviews’ summarises some key advice if you are about to face an interview. Our mini guide on “Multiple Mini Interviews’ explains this new format of interview and how to negotiate them.

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

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.50.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

GETTING THE JOB

53

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.

Multiple Mini Interviews (MMIs) The multiple mini interview (MMI) format means essentially that a candidate will be interviewed by more than one interviewer. With this kind of format, candidates will usually rotate around different tables or ‘stations’ where at each station they will face different types of questions. Some MMIs (for example for dentistry or medicine) can include other types of exercises such as a role play or even a practical exercise. Usually a candidate’s time at each station will be timed so that the interview does not over-run.

The above are just examples and not an exhaustive list, MMIs may occur in other interview situations as well.

Students who are applying for job opportunities within the science or healthcare sector would be most likely to face MMIs. For example, students may encounter the MMI format if applying for the following types of opportunities:

For example, for National Health Service (NHS) interviews e.g. for The Scientist Training Programme (STP), interviewers may use a ‘values based’ style of interviewing. This means that candidates will face questions which ask them to give examples of times when they have demonstrated a particular NHS value.

Therefore, it is important that prior to the interview that candidates familiarise themselves with the NHS Constitution and its values and behaviours: https:// www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/thenhs/about/Pages/nhscoreprinciples.aspx

❙❙ The Scientist Training Programme (STP) ❙❙ Graduate entry dentistry or medicine courses ❙❙ Physician associate training courses ❙❙ Pre-registration placements which employers are recruiting for via the ORIEL selection process. (This would only apply to pharmacy students).

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

During an MMI, it is likely that each interview station will assess a particular skill, quality or area of knowledge which the employer is looking for.

Therefore, each interview station usually has a theme and it is helpful if a candidate can recognise what each station is testing.

Please refer to our mini guide about MMIs on the Careers Team website for more information - www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

CAREER PLANNING GUIDE

54

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 ...

“

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.

www.ljmu.ac.uk/careers

GETTING THE JOB

55

Help and support available to you..

01.

02.

03.

04.

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

❙

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

❙

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

❙

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

❙

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