ď §
EMPLOYABILITY an Employers Perspective Mike Simpson Mott MacDonald Ltd
Introduction − overview of the Mott MacDonald Graduate
recruitment process − skills and competencies − some examples − some conclusions − questions
About Mott MacDonald − a management, engineering and development
consultancy − operating in 140 countries − 13,000 staff − multi-disciplinary professional services provider − placed 8th in the Sunday Times
’20 Best Big Companies to Work For’
2008 Graduate Intake (UK) ď §
Number of Graduates required
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247
Current offers made
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205
Applications received
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3,500
Recruitment Process ď §
Application
Interview
Offer
Application Form ď §
Qualifiers
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Differentiators -
appropriate degree to meet minimum standards set by professional institutions.
answers to the questions: Your Inspiration Your Career Choice
Application Form ď § Differentiators
-
some examples
Career Choice ‘Whilst at school architecture was my main spiration, however after a period of work experience I realised I was interested in the practical aspects of the building and decided to go into engineering. I feel Mott MacDobald provides the range of buildings to inspire me and pushes what is thought as possible.’
The Interview
− testing for behaviours, skills and competencies
− about 1 hour long
Skills and Competencies ď § - communication
- flexibility/adaptability
- teamwork
- self awareness
- innovation
- motivation
- initiative
- interpersonal skills
- problem solving
- analytical skills
Example Questions • Why does a career in consultancy appeal to you? – communication – understanding
• What attracts you to Mott MacDonald? – communication – initiative
Example Questions • Which subjects of your degree did you find the
most interesting and why? – self awareness – analytical skills
• What was the greatest challenge you faced whilst
completing your final year project? – problem solving – flexibility/adaptability – innovation
Example Questions • Can you tell me about a time when you’ve worked
as part of a team? – teamwork – interpersonal skills
• Have you ever set yourself and achieved any
goals? – initiative – motivation
Example Questions • Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? – initiative – motivation – realism
• What are your interests outside University? – socialiser – loner
Conclusions ď § - academic success is a Qualifier, not a
Differentiator - transferable skills, competencies and behaviours
are Differentiators - ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is
vital - employability is about research, skills, and seizing
the moment.
QUESTIONS?
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www.mottmac.com