Building My Skills 2016/17 Student Checkpoints All Regions
CHECKPOINT NUMBER: 1 CHECKPOINT TITLE: My Pathway Poster SUBMISSION DEADLINE: CHECKPOINT BACKGROUND: With every career or business sector there are numerous job roles requiring different skills, attributes and qualifications. It is important to remember that not everyone finds the same type of work attractive. You should pursue a career path which plays to your strengths and one that you will enjoy as this will help you to excel in your career. Each career pathway will have followed a different route. Career pathways can begin with any of the following: • Full-time education, e.g. at a school or college to study A-Levels, Highers, HND etc. • Part-time education or training • Work experience • An apprenticeship • Volunteering • Charity work • Working for a family member
STUDENT TASK: Choose a business sector that you are interested in. Some examples include; Agriculture, Finance, Government, Hospitality, Information Technology, Insurance, Law, Logistics, Manufacturing, Retail, Transportation. 1.
Select one job role in a business sector that you would be interested in choosing as a future career and one which matches your strengths and interests.
2.
Produce a 100 word summary of this job role which includes;
• Main features of the job • Responsibilities • Skills required • Qualifications needed You may find the following websites useful; • careerpilot.org.uk • nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk • plotr.co.uk/careers • prospects.ac.uk • e4s.co.uk • myfuture.com 3.
Referring to the career pathways above, prepare an A4 sized poster to illustrate your chosen path way which could lead to the job role you have selected.
Your poster should include reference to; • Education and training required • Reasons why you have chosen this • Positive and negatives for each selection • Career Progression
CHECKPOINT NUMBER: 2 CHECKPOINT TITLE: Online Appearance SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
CHECKPOINT BACKGROUND: Online appearance refers to the way in which you are perceived by the general public on the internet. This can include social media profiles (Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn), blogs, video blogs and websites which are associated with you. It is incredibly important to give the right impression as 95% of employers ‘screen’ potential interview candidates on social networking sites. Online appearance can be used in a positive way as a self-marketing tool. It gives candidates more opportunities to effectively communicate their values, skills, experiences and vision to potential employers. BUSINESS GUIDANCE: Make sure your profiles are up to date, but also accurate and tasteful. To be taken seriously in the professional world you should be careful what you share with the world online. Offensive statuses or an inappropriate profile picture could affect your chances of employment before you reach the interview stage. Use your social media profiles to demonstrate your strengths and shine a positive light on unique hobbies you have outside of work/school. Such as sponsored charity events or achievements. LinkedIn LinkedIn is the largest professional networking site online. It provides a way to discover new employment opportunities, contacts and relationships, connecting with millions of professionals in your field whilst becoming a leading tool in helping individuals establish their online professonal identity and brand. Think of linkedin as an online version of your CV! Twitter Twitter is a micro blogging tool which users post short 140 character updates about things that are going on in their lives called ‘tweets’. Twitter allows users to express who you are as an individual, follow and contribute to discussion, and reach large new audiences. Facebook Facebook allows users to create profiles, upload photos and videos, send messages and keep up to date with family, friends and colleagues. Individuals use Facebook to keep up to date with news, share photos, join groups, and organise events.
TIPS
- Share projects and accomplishments you are proud of e.g. a PowerPoint presentation you have completed in class
DO
- Include Images - Tweet regularly - Engage with followers
- Be mindful of what you post - Keep status updates brief - Vary your posts
- Use a professional headshot as your display picture - Reach out and make professional connections
DON’T
- Over and under post
- Over use hashtags.
- Forget to join industryspecific groups
- Be negative
- Make friend requests or accept requests from strangers
- Be self-centred
- Over share yourself
- Lie about education, experience or qualifications.
- Post chain status updates ‘re-post this or something bad will happen’
STUDENT TASK: 1.
Assess and annotate 2 of the 3 ‘dummy’ profiles attached identifying 3 positives and 3 negatives for each and explain the reasons why.
• Facebook • LinkedIn • Twitter 2.
Identify 3 positive interests or accomplishments that you could post about on social media that are individual to you.
CHECKPOINT NUMBER: 3 CHECKPOINT TITLE: Workplace Jargon SUBMISSION DEADLINE: CHECKPOINT BACKGROUND: When you start working, there is a great variety of things that you have to learn quickly; people’s names, how companies operate, what’s expected of you. But, one of the most important things is vocabulary used in the corporate world. Within any job sector or place of work from waitresses to doctors and from engineers to lawyers, they will use employment terms. There are many examples of jargon used in the corporate world, some industries have their own terminology but there is a lot that applies generically to employment. BUSINESS GUIDANCE It is important that you understand ‘workplace jargon’ so you are better equipped to navigate the workplace from the start of employment. During the session business guests will discuss some of the terms below. STUDENT TASK: 1.
In the context of the workplace please explain the difference between:
• Salary and Wages • Flexi-time and zero hour contracts • Redundancy and resignation 2.
Please complete the word search and/or the crossword.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT
PRE-EMPLOYMENT
Job Application – Form/paper which indicates interest in a place of employment and position within a company. Job Specification – A statement including a detailed description of the role, including all responsibilities, objectives and requirements. Person Description – Specifics describing the personal attributes desired in a potential employee.
STARTING WORK Contract of Employment - This is an agreement between the employer and employee including details of pay, working hours, holidays, job title and description, place of work, probationary period, pension, notice and grievance. Salary - A fixed payment paid on a monthly basis quoted on an annual basis. Wages - Payment based on the number of hours worked typically paid on a daily or weekly basis. P11D - Gives HMRC information about benefits you’ve received from your employer apart from your salary. National Insurance - This is a tax on income more than £155 per week which builds up to an entitlement to certain state benefits, called national insurance contributions. Tax Codes – The amount of tax you pay depends upon how much income you earn. Different people have different tax codes depending on their circumstances. Payroll Number – A set of numbers assigned to an employee as a reference for their salary, usually three to eight digits long located at the upper right or left hand corner of a payslip. Payslips – Available electronically or paper-based, this records how much you have earned and how much tax and insurance has been deducted. Pensions – A fund into which a sum of money is added during an employee’s employment years and from which payments are drawn to support a person when they retire. National Living Wage (NLW) – For workers part and full-time aged 25 and above, this is £7.20 an hour. National Minimum Wage (NMW) – The minimum wage per hour a worker is entitled to in the UK. Workers must be at least school leaving age. From 2015 the hourly adult minimum wage is £6.70. Payroll – The total amount of money that a company pays to their employees
IN ROLE Pay Rise – An increase in the amount of money you earn for doing your job. Maternity/Paternity leave – A period of absence from work granted before and after the birth of their child.
Day Release – Allowing employees a day off to go on educational courses. Flexi-time – Working a set number of hours with start and finish times chosen between agreed limits. Zero hour contract – Employer is not obliged to provide any minimum working hours and the employee is not obliged to accept any work offered.
Equal pay – The right for both men and a woman to be paid the same for the same or equivalent work and is an aspect of sex discrimination law. Equality and Diversity – Organisations should have practices and policies in place under the Equality Act to ensure all workers are treat equally and given the same opportunities regardless of their race, sex, gender, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation, marriage, pregnancy and maternity. Sick Leave – Leave of absence granted because of illness. If you are off for more than 7 days in a row you have to provide your employers with a ‘fit note’ provided from your doctor. Whistle blowing – Raising a concern about wrongdoing in the workplace. This is not the same as a complaint. Secondment – Temporary transfer of a worker to another position. Networking – Interact with others to exchange information to develop professional and social contacts. Code of conduct – Set of rules outlining responsibilities and proper practices for an individual and organisation. Dress code policy – To ensure workers are safe and dressed appropriately by setting out a reasonable standard of dress. Promotion – The next step up in your career ladder. Corporate Governance – System of rules and processes by which a organisation is controlled. Salary Sacrifice Scheme – Give up part of your salary in tern for a non-cash benefit such as company cars, childcare vouchers. Professionalism – Refers to your conduct and qualities to mark a professional person such as competency, honesty, integrity, image, time management, being personable, appropriate dress, no swearing, remaining positive, be helpful, honesty. Negligence – Conduct that breaches a duty to take care of employees.
END OF WORK Gross Misconduct – Bad behaviour demonstrated by an employee which destroys the employee/ employer relationship. Disciplinary – Action took against an employee if an employer has concerns about their work, conduct or absence. Insubordination – Explicitly refusing to carry out a direct order from someone superior. Tribunal – An independent group of people who work to settle employment disputes. Unfair Dismissal – The ending of employment without good reason. Redundancy – Dismiss an employee because the job no longer exists. Resignation – Telling your employer you are leaving your job. Paid in Lieu – Payment to an employee for a notice period that they do not have to work. Garden Leave – Practice of asking an employee to remain at home on full pay and do not attend the workplace if they have resigned or been dismissed during their notice period. P45 – A certificate provided to an employee at the end of employment providing details of their tax code, gross pay and annual tax paid. This must be passed to their next employer. P60 – Also known as the end of year certificate, this is a statement issued to employees at the end of the tax year showing how much tax they have paid.
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1. Group of people who settle employment disputes 2. You receive a _____ when you move up the career ladder 3. Payment based on number of hours worked
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Complet e t he crossword below
2. Shows you the amount of money earned 7. Increase in money for doing the same job 9. Interacting with others in exchange of information 10. When you leave a current job you will _______
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Name:
Workplace Jargon
WORKPLACE JARGON CROSSWORD
14. When Men and Women are paid the same
8. The adult hourly __________ is £6.70 per hour
6. ‘Honesty’ and ‘Time Management’ are examples of what?
5. required if off work sick for more than 7 days
4. Contract with no set hours of work
3. Payment based on number of hours worked
2. You receive a _____ when you move up the career ladder
1. Group of people who settle employment disputes
DOWN
16. Fixed monthly payment
15. Raising a concern in the workplace
13. When a Mother is pregnant and leaves work she goes on _______
12. Not being at work due to illness
11. When a job no longer exists you are made ______________
10. When you leave a current job you will _______
9. Interacting with others in exchange of information
7. Increase in money for doing the same job
2. Shows you the amount of money earned
ACROSS
WORKPLACE JARGON WORD SEARCH
Whistleblowing
Wages
Tax
Secondment
Salary Sacrifice
Rules
Resignation
Promotion
Professionalism
Positive
Pension
Payroll
Negligence
Maternity Leave
Job Application
Integrity
Tribunal
Insubordination
Honesty
Gross Misconduct
Garden Leave
Flexitime
Equality
Equal Pay
Dress Code
Disciplinary
Day Release
Competency
WORDS
CHECKPOINT NUMBER: 4 CHECKPOINT TITLE: CV & Covering Letter SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
CHECKPOINT BACKGROUND: CV stands for ‘Curriculum Vitae’. It is an outline of your educational history and relevant experiences. It is the most common document prepared for job applications. A CV is a flexible and convenient way to make applications. You need to “sell” your skills, abilities, qualifications and experience to employers on your CV. A CV should be accompanied by a covering letter, a short snappy summary relevant to the employer you are sending your CV to. Many companies use online applications in their recruitment process. These are often submitted alongside your CV and covering letter. Online applications include: personal details, your skills, abilities, knowledge and experience. What information should a CV include? • Personal details (name, address, telephone number and email) • Education history in chronological order – most recent first • Work experience • Interests, achievements and relevant skills • Evidence of attributes that make you a perfect candidate for the position • Anything highlighting employability skills (evidence of team working, organising or planning) • References – normally two referees are sufficient - one academic (perhaps your tutor) and one from an employer. BUSINESS GUIDANCE: Use the Internet to find examples of high impact, individual CVs - On average an employer will receive 140 CVs for every 1 position they advertise highlighting how important it is you stand out from the crowd. Do not produce a CV from a standard template, your CV should be personalised, creative, eye catching and individual. If your CV and covering letter are hard work to read e.g. unclear, badly laid out and containing irrelevant information, any potential employer is likely to just move on to the next one. Your CV should be no longer that 2 sides of A4 ideally printed double sided. Tips • Use appropriate email address e.g. dave.smith@hotmail.com • There is no need to include your age on your CV • Application forms vs. CVs – be prepared to transfer your CV information to a company application form • Always include a covering letter with your CV • Make your CV specific to the job role you are applying for • If posting your CV, don’t fold it STUDENT TASK: 1.
Produce your own CV that includes;
• Personal details • Skills • Qualities (You may wish to refer back to Checkpoint 3) • Qualifications • Any relevant experience 2.
Produce a covering letter based on your application explaining your suitability for a job role of your choice. Refer back to the sector you looked at in Checkpoint 1.
CHECKPOINT NUMBER: 5 CHECKPOINT TITLE: Preparing for Interview SUBMISSION DEADLINE:
CHECKPOINT BACKGROUND: This is it, the final stage in the job application process. Remember you have been invited to an interview because you have potential; the employer is already on your side and believes you could be a great fit for their workplace – it is important you keep it that way. BUSINESS GUIDANCE: Research shows over 60% of candidates admitted to feeling the pressure beforehand. Never underestimate the importance of preparation – it is key! Fail to plan and you are planning to fail. At your job interview you are certain to be asked specific questions about: • Your CV • Your potential employer • The industry • Why you are the right person for the role
During your preparation make sure you have: • Researched the company and the marketplace by looking at the company website • Check out the annual report and look for a press or company news page • Research the job role you have applied for and what it might include • Research who you are meeting and their job roles are • Decide your travel arrangements • Planned what you are going to wear • Plan to be 30mins early • Prepared answers for main questions: why do you want this job, what are your strengths and weaknesses, why should we hire you over someone else? • When waiting for your interview read some of the literature available in reception. This will keep your mind/hands busy and help calm your nerves
Interview do’s from the ‘Building My Skills’ team • The BIG entrance (remember the 7 second rule) • Relaxed posture (hands, arms and breathing) • Eye contact (look at their nose if you need to!) • Solid nodding (acknowledge them correctly) • Smiling & make warm gestures • Humour (but be careful) • Avoid distractions • Take notes and refer back • Ask a question • Sell yourself. Be positive about your experiences • Be prepared to answer tough questions • Turn your mobile phone off • Quote real life examples when you have used certain skills • Take time to answer questions. Make sure you understand it and think about your response. • Follow up after your interview asking for feedback
Interview do not’s from the ‘Building My Skills’ Team • Try not to be late. If you are going to be late ring the company in advance to let them know and your estimated time of arrival. • Slouch or appear uninterested • Swear or use slang • Tell fibs. If you get the job and your employer found out you were not being honest, you can be dismissed. • Discuss controversial topics – religion, gender, politics • Criticise other companies, former employers or colleagues. You never know who knows who and you may be labelled as a gossip or troublemaker. • Don’t assume you have the job. The biggest turn off is someone who is over-confident.
STUDENT TASK: 1.
Describe three ways to prepare for an interview which will improve your chances of being successful
2.
Prepare possible answers to the following:
• Two good reasons why you should be chosen for the opportunity • Your strongest skill or attribute • Identify a possible weakness and explain how you would overcome this 3.
Prepare two questions that you could ask the interviewer.