Careers and Employability Service
Helping you create your future. Careers Handbook 2022
Your career starts here Four steps to career success.
What is a graduate job? You’ve heard the phrase, but what does it mean?
The perfect job application How to get hired, from CV to interview.
00
CONTENTS
Contents
01 Getting started 4-steps to career success
4
Your Careers team, here for you
6
How to prioritise your wellbeing
8
02 Gain experience
2
Enhance your CV and boost your wallet
10
10 ways to get work experience while studying
12
Stand out from the crowd with international experiences
14
Get the advantage with the Nottingham Advantage Award
16
Kick-start your career with sport
18
Start your future with the SU
20
Connect to a world of expertise
22
Four steps to career success
Please c lic k on the c ontents list to go to the desired page and use the top navigation bar to link to various sections.
03 Explore your options Taking your studies to the next level
24
What exactly is a graduate job?
26
Launch your career with Knowledge Transfer Partnership
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Six inspiring ways to spend time out
30
Unlock your business potential
32
Where in the world will your degree take you?
34
04 Getting the job Get employers to take notice of your CV
36
How to write the perfect covering letter
38
LinkedIn for beginners
40
Be the brightest STAR when applying for jobs
42
Get prepared for psychometric tests
44
New to the game
46
Your guide to interview success
48
Invited to an assessment centre?
50
3
01
GETTING STARTED
4-
1
to career success
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steps Your degree will open up a world of career opportunities. Many professions are open to graduates of any discipline, which is fantastic, but can also be a little daunting. Even careers that require a specific degree usually have various specialisms, so you will still be faced with choices to make about your future. We want to shed some light on what you’ll need to consider when deciding what to do after your studies. We’ve identified four steps you can take, but there’s no set order in which you should do them.
Your next steps nottingham.ac.uk/careers/students 4
3 4
1. Get involved: explore what's on offer at Nottingham ■
Discover new interests
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Meet more people
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Develop your skill set
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Gain work experience
2. All about you: what makes you tick? ■
What's important to you in a job?
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How do others see you?
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How can you build on your strengths?
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What skills do you need to develop?
3. Broaden your horizons: find out what's out there
Action you can take 1. Get involved with the Students’ Union (page 20) 2. S earch for part-time jobs through Unitemps (page 10) 3. E xplore modules on the Nottingham Advantage Award (page 16) 4. Find out about work experience options (page 12)
Action you can take 1. Talk to a careers adviser (page 9) 2. Take our quick and easy online exercises – nottingham.ac.uk/careers/no-ideas 3. Chat to family and friends 4. Develop your skills through our online learning platform, magpie nottingham.ac.uk/careers/magpie
Action you can take 1. Discover the career options with your degree nottingham.ac.uk/careers/mydegree
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Explore the career options with your degree
2. Chat to recruiters about their vacancies at our fairs
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Find out what different jobs and sectors involve
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Discover how further study could enhance your job prospects
3. Find out more about a sector at Spotlight On events nottingham.ac.uk/careers/events
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Set up your own business
4. Achieve your goal: secure a job, PhD, or master's ■
Make a successful application
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Create a professional LinkedIn profile
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Navigate psychometric tests
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Ace assessment centres and interviews
4. Explore your further study options (page 24)
Action you can take 1.
Get advice on the recruitment process (pages 36 to 51)
2. Book a place on our job-hunting workshops 3. Get job-hunting tips from a career mentor (page 22) 4. Talk to recruiters at fairs about what they look for in applicants
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01
GETTING STARTED
Your Careers team, here for you
Whether you know where your future lies or are undecided, our team is committed to helping you on your way to a career you love, and making the most of your time at Nottingham. 6
Talk to us
Explore your options
We're here to help you every step of the way.
Find your passion by exploring jobs and sectors.
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Our staff are based on Jubilee, Sutton Bonington and University Park campuses, and at Queen’s Medical Centre
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You can just turn up to a drop-in session or book an appointment to suit you nottingham.ac.uk/careers/appointments
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Discover the companies targeting Nottingham students.
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Talk to professionals at our Spotlight On events about how they got their role and what they do on a daily basis: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/spotlighton
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Take your research online – watch videos and get advice on our website: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/typesofjobs
If you’ve got a quick question, tweet us or send a private Facebook message: @UoNCareers or CareersUoN
Find graduate roles and internships ■
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There are plenty of occasions when you can talk to employers about their opportunities at our careers fairs and employer presentations: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/events
Sharpen your skills Hone your skills and get the course or job offer you want. ■
Attend our workshops and make your application stand out during the recruitment process for jobs, internships and postgraduate study: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/skillsworkshops
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Get a head start by going online for top tips on acing the recruitment process: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/furtherstudy or nottingham.ac.uk/careers/applications
On MyCareer, you’ll find hundreds of graduate jobs and internships in the UK and overseas: mycareer.nottingham.ac.uk/students
A life-changing opportunity "The interview went very well, and I’ve been offered the PhD studentship. I'm delighted and I know I wouldn't have done so well without your help and the confidence you inspired in me." Astrid Bowen MSc Developmental Disorders
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01
GETTING STARTED
How to prioritise
your wellbeing Thinking about your career and applying for jobs can be an exciting and rewarding process, but sometimes these activities can present challenges. Here’s how to look after your wellbeing: Stay positive when thinking about your future direction ■
Prioritise your wellbeing when exploring career options – as well as thinking about how you can use your skills and qualifications, consider what types of jobs and workplace environments will help you to feel happy and motivated, and check out how employers support staff and encourage healthy approaches.
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Permit yourself to think short term – focus on what you’d like to do for the next year, be open to possibilities, and enjoy the journey rather than putting pressure on yourself to find a ‘perfect’ lifelong career.
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Focus on what you can control – instead of dwelling on uncertainties about the future and what this might mean for your career, allow yourself to let go of anything beyond your control and turn your attention to identifying small positive actions that you can take now to make progress.
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Avoid comparing yourself to others – it's easy to think that everyone else is ahead career-wise, especially with people shouting about success and showcasing seemingly perfect lives 24/7 via social media, but remember, messages are often highly polished, and in reality, most people suffer knock backs and face challenges.
Read our Career Wellbeing blog series 8
Be kind to yourself when job-searching and making applications ■
Structure your job hunt – spending hours googling can be draining. Instead, give some thought to what you’re actually looking for and list criteria to guide your search. Then, identify relevant sources of vacancies and take a little and often approach to working through these to avoid becoming overwhelmed.
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Switch self-criticism to self-compassion – if you find yourself endlessly reworking applications because they’re not quite perfect, perhaps you’re being too harsh on yourself. Seek fresh perspective rather than agonising over it alone, this will help you to spot strengths and feel confident.
Channel a calm, capable, and confident vibe during interviews ■
Make time to prepare – not knowing what to expect at an interview can make you feel anxious, so read guidance carefully and ask questions if you’re unsure. Employers want to see you at your best, so they’ll be happy to provide clarity.
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Reframe interviews as an exciting opportunity – think of them as a conversation with interesting professionals who believe you have potential and want to help you succeed.
"The careers process, whether that be researching potential careers, applying to vacancies, or anything in between, is often accompanied by imposter syndrome, fear of failure, and feeling overwhelmed. Unfortunately, there’s no quick fix for such feelings. But, after 21 long years of getting quite impressively stressed, overwhelmed and worried about anything and everything, I’ve found a few things that help me, follow the link to read my tips."
Bryony Adshead Final year BA English
Read Bryony's blog post
Found this helpful? For more ideas, advice, and related content: Browse the Counselling Service’s self-help resources
Check out the Library’s Reading Well list
Visit the HealthyU web pages 9
02
GAIN EXPERIENCE
Enhance your CV and boost your wallet Does your bank balance look depleted after the first two weeks of term? Getting a part-time or temporary job will give your finances a boost and do wonders for your CV. The Unitemps team advertise parttime, casual and temporary jobs on campus and with local businesses.
What can you do? We advertise vacancies throughout the year, giving you complete flexibility over when you work and what you do. Some roles don't need any previous experience. You could get experience in: ■
Administration, for example, data entry and reception
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Events and hospitality, including working as bar staff, house-keepers and online conference assistants
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Specialist roles such as marketing, design, IT, engineering and web design
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Translation and other roles requiring foreign language skills
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Student helper roles for focus groups, photo and video shoots, promotional work, market research... and many more!
If you are an international student with questions about your eligibility to work in the UK, please contact the Visa and Immigration Team: nottingham.ac.uk/internationalstudents/advisers
Your next steps 1 10
egister at R unitemps.com
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Upload your CV
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I f you get through the initial application stage, we will contact you to find out more about you and tell you about the position
3
Apply for vacancies that suit your skills, availability, and interests
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fter further A shortlisting, we will contact you about the next steps
"I was thrilled with the idea of doing a temporary job that interweaved with my current education as well as my research-oriented career ambitions. This role has been an opportunity to hone skills that I already have, such as organisation, collaboration and customer service. While simultaneously enriching me with new skills, including research acumen and a greater understanding of business-specific literary resources." Gabriella Kisoi Final year MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management Job role: Library adviser Nottingham University Business School
Read Gabriella's blog post
"Be open minded! There are always interesting opportunities if you look around a bit. I recommend looking at jobs with casual or flexible working hours, as these are easiest to fit around lectures and studying. And finally, you don’t lose anything through applying for a job. Doing applications, writing cover letters and going to interviews all provide good experience." Katy Skillen Third year MNutr Nutrition and Dietetics Job roles: Casual bar staff and student blogger
"We have engaged with Unitemps multiple times in search of bright sparks to join the team and have placed eight new team members as a result. They have gained a range of experience, from planning events to setting up CRM databases, running social media accounts to website development, and lots more. They’ve had a huge impact on our business and they've benefited a great deal in the process too. We will certainly be engaging with Unitemps soon as we look to expand again."
Josie Clamp Founder and Director of Bright Lights 11
02
GAIN EXPERIENCE
10 ways to
get work experience while studying You’ve heard the word internship a lot. You might have even been told that it’s a CV must-have to get a job. In some industries this is true – most law and finance firms offer structured schemes, for example – yet often you can substitute internship with ‘work experience,’ ‘placement,’ ‘part-time job,’ and ‘volunteering’.
A perfect way to build my CV "During an appointment with the Careers team, I came across the Nottingham Consultancy Challenge (NCC). As I read up more about the NCC, I realised it was the perfect way to build my CV."
Devashree Vaidya MSc Work and Organisational Psychology (2020) 12
Read Devashree's blog post
"One of the main reasons I came to the University of Nottingham was because of the opportunity to do an optional Placement Year."
The real CV musthave is experience.
Dianthi Edirisooriya Third year BSc Economics
But, don't you need experience to get experience? Not at Nottingham! We offer lots of different ways to get experience. Take your pick:
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Apply for summer and spring internships with local small to medium-sized companies
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A six-week group project helping a local organisation solve a real business problem
The Academy offers you the chance to learn from, and be inspired by, industry professionals
Get a paid, flexible-hours placement with employers from local businesses to multinationals
Find your next internship from the opportunities listed on MyCareer
Gain a position with the Students’ Union Take on a position of responsibility with a club or society and ask about volunteering opportunities
Internship abroad Find out about the International Work Experience Grant to help with the costs of working overseas
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Researcher Academy Placements
Hundreds of internships
Explore a career of interest to you, build professional skills and ease the transition into working life
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Digital Marketing Academy
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Optional Placement Year
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Nottingham Consultancy Challenge
3 5
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Nottingham Internship Scheme
Part-time jobs with Unitemps Take on paid work on campus or in the local area to fit around your studies
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nottingham.ac.uk/careers/workexperience
Work shadowing Get a flavour of someone's responsibilities and job activities by spending a few days with them
Your next steps
Explore these opportunities and more on our work experience pages. 13
02
GAIN EXPERIENCE
Stand out from the crowd with
international experiences Do you aspire to be a global graduate? Do you want to enhance your employability while travelling the world? Do you dream of having an international career? If yes, then studying or working abroad during your degree can help you on your way.
What can you do? You have several options to explore at Nottingham: ■ Apply to study abroad for one semester, an academic year or summer placement - options dependant on your degree ■ Complete an internship or research placement ■ Go on an international field trip as part of your course ■ Volunteer overseas ■ Undertake a digital summer school or virtual internship
Why do it? Gaining international experience can make you more employable and give you a competitive advantage when entering the globalised workplace. You will develop increased confidence as you settle into a new culture and make friends, while facing the challenges of studying, working or volunteering in an international environment whether that’s in person or online. If you’re undertaking an experience in person, it’s a fabulous opportunity to travel, try new foods and explore the sights. Through a digital or virtual experience, you’ll gain crucial career skills such as working with others on projects across different time zones, managing your time and utilising digital collaboration platforms such as Zoom or Teams.
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Stefan Szablewski Second year BA History University-wide exchange: University College Dublin, Ireland
Annalisa Marano Third year MEng Mechanical Engineering including an Industrial Year Inter-campus exchange: China
Eye-opening and enjoyable
Genuinely the best months of my life
“I wanted to study abroad, but not on the other side of the world, so I applied to University College Dublin. Considering the pandemic, this ended up being a particularly wise decision because I was still able to attend physically. I feel immensely privileged to be able to say that I did something of note during the pandemic!
“I always wanted to study abroad somewhere totally different and that’s why I chose China. As a part of the university, it was reassuring to know that my university life would be similar in some respects, but I still got to experience a unique lifestyle and culture at the same time. I wanted to see what it was like to be truly independent without my friends and family.
Exploring Dublin was squeezed in with my studies, which I found doing from an Irish perspective both eye-opening and enjoyable, the same can be said of communicating with Irish students in seminars, albeit in an online format. I now feel more confident in both my ability to negotiate the complications and challenges that crop up in everyday life, and in the idea of studying, working, or indeed living abroad in future.
Although my course was quite intense, I still found time to travel. I went to Shanghai, Hangzhou, Chengdu as well as Japan and South Korea. Unfortunately, due to the virus I had to unexpectantly come back to the UK for the second semester.
Studying abroad was an invaluable way of having a great experience, while developing skills for life. I couldn’t recommend it enough!”
Of course, culture shock is real. Nearly everything was completely different. From the food to the sudden 30-degree heat made worse by the humidity, which resulted in completely cold showers I never thought I could enjoy. I’m incredibly sad that I didn’t get to complete the year, but I learnt so much about myself in that time.”
Your next steps Find out more about Study Abroad:
nottingham.ac.uk/studyabroad 15
02
GAIN EXPERIENCE
Get the advantage with the Nottingham Advantage Award Gaining the skills employers want has been made simple with the Nottingham Advantage Award. The scheme fits around your course, can connect you with employers, and is a great opportunity to meet new friends. Your Advantage, your choice The Award recognises and rewards your extracurricular activities, and with more than 130 modules to choose from, you are sure to find something that suits your interests. To name just a few opportunities, you could develop leadership skills, learn a language, practise mentoring or volunteer in the local community. It’s also accredited by the university, which means your achievements will be printed on your transcript when you graduate. To achieve the full Award, you need to complete three modules, and to ensure your studies come first, you can take only a maximum of two modules a year. This means the earlier you register, the better.
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i Your extracurricular activities could count towards your Award. Find out how by talking to a member of our team.
Calum Heslop Fourth year BMBS Medicine
Diya Nakrani Final year MSci Natural Sciences
Three very different modules and experiences
You can never have too many transferable skills
“During my medicine studies, I became a First Responder supporting East Midlands Ambulance Service. To supplement my role, I completed a volunteering module to enhance my practical experience. The module enabled me to reflect on the skills I was learning and using, helping me identify strengths and areas of weakness to concentrate on developing and improving.
“On the Natural Sciences Student Ambassador Scheme module, I diversified my skill set and built my confidence by scheduling posts for social media platforms and presenting to audiences of prospective students.
During the Students as Change Agents module, I had the opportunity to further develop my innovative thinking and navigate independently through complex challenges. The virtual Nottingham Consultancy Challenge advanced my remote working skills, increased my adaptability in approaching tasks, and allowed me to receive valuable, constructive and positive feedback from a local employer.”
The Boots Commercial Enterprise module had nothing to do with my degree. I felt quite out of my depth when I started. However, I really enjoyed the module in a field I had never considered before. Don’t be put off from taking part in activities you don’t know much about. You never know what you are going to get out of new opportunities. The Award looks great on your CV and I can showcase myself at interviews, clearly explain my strengths and have the evidence to back myself up.”
Read Calum's blog post
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/advantage
Read Diya's blog post
Your next steps
View the full range of modules online and find out how to apply. 17
02
GAIN EXPERIENCE
Kick-start your career with sport Sport can produce successful candidates when it comes to the graduate employer market. The skills gained in the sporting environment whether participating or volunteering, are transferable to job applications, interviews and the workplace. Employers are aware of this, we’re aware of this, but are you? Don’t take our word for it, let the research show you… University of Nottingham Report – ‘Student Involvement in Sports and the Positive Impact on Graduate Outcomes’ (2019-20)
11.8% higher average salaries
for males and females involved in sport at university with lower levels of academic achievement
3.5% increase
in prospects
of female graduates who are sports club members
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73%
of employers stated that a student's involvement in sports, could make a difference in a hiring decision
Teamwork, interpersonal skills and problem-solving
came out on top as the three most important skills from the ISE study ‘What Do Employers Want’
5.6% improvement
in the graduate prospects of males with involvement in team-based sports
Graduates across all faculties involved in sport had an
increase in average wages to those graduates without a sports membership
Sebastian Garry MSc Finance and Investment
As someone who works in the Careers and Employability Service, I would always recommend having more than just your academic capabilities to talk about at interview. What makes you stand out from the crowd? Having been involved in the rugby team throughout my time at university, I know the direct impact sport can have when applying for jobs and graduate schemes alike. Playing rugby at university, captaining the first XV in my final year and having the role of social secretary gave me an abundance of specific examples to reference when applying for jobs. For example, from my experiences with the rugby team I learnt that I enjoyed being involved in projects that worked with lots of people and shared ideas, as opposed to a more individual working environment. Developing my leadership skills as captain and having specific examples of resolving conflict within the team during captaincy enabled me to use these at job interviews. My top tips: 1. Be proactive in being reflective on your experiences. What have you learnt? What worked well? How could you use this skill in your future career? 2. Keep a record of specific examples throughout your university journey to use in interviews 3. Don’t wait until it’s too late to get involved with University of Nottingham Sport. The earlier you start the more advantage you can take of the experiences on offer All these tips will help you when game point arrives. Will you use them to smash your first interview and get your career off to a flying start? Ash Watts Professional Services Projects Officer
I have taken part in a range of sports from football to triathlon. At university, a friend persuaded me to specialise in competitive cycling and I went on to compete in many BUCS championships as well as competing nationally outside of university. I believe taking part in sports is one of the best things you can do to boost your employability. Not only does it look good on your CV and give you another talking point in an interview, but you will grow as a person because of your sporting endeavours. Having the dedication and perseverance to work towards a long-term goal makes you highly attractive to potential employers as it shows your ability to see a difficult project through to completion. There are many transferable skills between sports and your career. Personally, I found my time management and organisation improved through my sporting activities; being busier in general forces you to structure your day. Furthermore, my ability to deal with setbacks developed, as a large part of competitive sport is overcoming adversity. In any career, you are met with hurdles, and to be successful it is important to learn from failure and quickly move on. Having this attitude in the workplace will allow you to constantly grow and advance your career.
Your next steps Find out how you can get involved in sport:
nottingham.ac.uk/sport 19
02
GAIN EXPERIENCE
Start your future with the SU
Your Students’ Union (SU) is here throughout your degree and beyond, with opportunities to discover your passion, excel at it, and make your CV outstanding. Whether you’re part of our societies, sports clubs and annual Varsity event, or trying your hand at volunteering with one of the many local and national opportunities on offer, your SU has something for you. Why not consider taking on a representation role such as a course or education rep, Halls of Residence rep, a member of the Democratic Procedures Committee or an Officer, to make real positive changes for your fellow students.
Getting involved in your SU can help you: ■ work as part of a team ■ develop your leadership skills ■ manage budgets and test your financial skills ■ make a positive impact on people and their communities ■ discover your hidden talents
Your next steps Find out more about the SU:
su.nottingham.ac.uk @UoNSU UofNSU Looking for a society? Try the Activity Matchmaker: uonsu-activities.co.uk
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Sofia Thomas Final year BA History
Kim Sandhu
Second year MNutr Nutrition and Dietetics
Elected Officer
Paid work
By running to become a full-time Officer you’ll work as part of team to achieve the things that really matter to students. You’ll be given support through a bespoke training programme and have access to mentoring, coaching and career development opportunities. Most importantly though, you’ll be giving back to your student community by influencing change and hopefully leaving a legacy for years to come.
There are lots of paid work opportunities within the SU from bar and retail work to being the first point of contact for students entering the Portland Building. You'll meet new people, be part of your SU community and develop valuable transferable skills that will be useful in your future career.
Sofia talks about the skills she’s gained:
Working in the SU has been a brilliant “opportunity to develop my skill set in
“
Throughout my time as Community Officer, I have significantly improved my communication, time management, and stakeholder management skills. As the main political representative for around 34,000 students, I have been able to enact change that has benefitted and will continue to benefit students at the University of Nottingham.
Here’s what Kim has to say about working in the SU Welcome Zone:
a fun and supportive environment.
This job has given me a chance to develop professional relationships while working as part of a larger team, as well as customer service and administration skills - all invaluable assets to me as a future dietitian.
”
One of the most important skills I have developed is the ability to manage expectations, especially in high-pressure situations, to ensure that tangible outcomes are achieved and maintained.
”
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02
GETTING STARTED
Connect to a world
of expertise Career Mentoring offers you the opportunity to be mentored by a member of our alumni community for four months. Mentors can share their experiences of life after university, provide professional and personal insights, as well as practical employability advice. Our career mentors can help you feel confident and prepared to embark on graduate life.
Inspiration and encouragement to help you reach your full potential
Mentor
Insight into what life is like in different roles and sectors
Practical support with job hunting and applications 22
Mentee
"The mentoring process was tailored to my needs which meant that I gained so much from my mentorship in addition to the insight into the sector. I struggled with public speaking, so we devoted a session specifically to that which was especially useful and provided me with tips and advice that continue to benefit me greatly in this area." Lowri White BA Classics (2021), mentee
Read Lowri's blog post
"For anyone who is wondering whether the Career Mentoring scheme is worth applying for, I’m urging you to do it!
Mila Apostolova Second year BA International Media and Communications Studies, mentee
It’s not only a great experience but also a great way to learn more about yourself and what you want for your future from experts in your preferred field of work."
Read Mila's blog post
"Before I started the scheme, I had a range of previous work experience but I was not sure of what career I wanted to do. Prachi helped tease out the skills I’d gained from my work experience and how to use those skills to find out what career I would like to pursue." Sharandeep Bhogal BSc Management (2020), mentee
Read Sharandeep's blog post
"Developing people is a core driver for me and one that gives me immense satisfaction; the mentoring complements my coaching practice and is something I look forward to.
Giles Woodhouse Chief Strategy Officer at Wessex Archaeology, mentor
Working with much younger people also helps me stay attuned to the needs and attitudes of the future workforce and so has relevance for my work where I oversee the human resources, and leadership and development functions."
Your next steps Find out more about the benefits and how to apply:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/mentoring 23
03
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Taking your studies to the next level If you’re serious about your future, then you’ll need to carefully consider how continuing your studies to master's or PhD level can help you achieve your ambitions.
Career essential or desirable
Time to develop
For some career areas, further study is a minimum requirement for entry into a profession, such as teaching and law. A PhD is now essential if you want to pursue an academic career.
You may be unsure what careers will suit you so continuing your studies offers you more time to decide. However, we recommend that you take advantage of the wide range of extracurricular activities available to enhance your personal and professional development alongside your studies. Employers will be interested in hearing about the additional skills gained during your masters or PhD as well as those developed through other activities.
In other career areas, such as journalism, and marketing, a masters – although not essential – can be advantageous. The same is true if you’re looking to become a patent attorney: a PhD is not a requirement but it is desirable.
Passion and expertise You may be motivated to continue your studies because you have a passion for your subject or want to specialise in a particular area. Depending on your longer-term career direction, a higher level qualification may be attractive to a future employer – for example, within the scientific or engineering fields. A postgraduate diploma in brewing will lead to opportunities within the food and drink industry and a life science PhD will be attractive to employers in the pharmaceutical sector.
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There are some opportunities specifically designed for postgraduate students such as Researcher Academy Placements and the new postgraduate stream of the Nottingham Advantage Award (page 16)
Ifigenia Constantinou MSc Occupational Psychology
I’m excited about the career prospects “I first heard about the MSc in Occupational Psychology during an event hosted by the Careers and Employability Service, and I quickly became interested in the subject. I was inspired by how I could make an impact … on employees so that they can be productive, fulfilled and enjoy working, while the organisation they work for is flourishing. Learning more about a topic that really interests me has been enjoyable, especially seeing how theory would apply to real-life conditions. The knowledge and skills I am developing now will be integral to my career in the future. There are countless opportunities to develop transferable skills and so many activities to get involved in. From being an academic representative to volunteering and participating in the Nottingham Postgraduate Advantage Award, I am grateful for it all.”
Read Ifigenia's blog post
Amanda Kale First year PhD Creative Writing
The PhD community is active, engaged, and welcoming “I will start by saying a PhD was never in my five (or even ten) year plan. But after completing my masters, I knew teaching in higher education and engaging with a community of writers, researchers, scholars and other creatives was the exact home for my career. There’s no correct way to be a PhD student. I began feeling like I needed a handbook on the way to act, behave, produce work and so forth. The term imposter syndrome comes to mind, and I had it bad. However, I quickly realised I wasn’t alone. In reaching out to supervisors, administration, and other peers, it became apparent that undertaking doctoral research is entirely what you make of it. Every person takes up the task differently, and there are no wrong answers.”
Read Amanda's blog post
Your next steps Check out our website for information about applying for a masters or PhD, and funding options:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/furtherstudy 25
03
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
What exactly is a
graduate job?
You hear it a lot. But what does the phrase ‘graduate job’ actually mean? A graduate job can be defined in several ways but here are just two: it can be a job for which a degree is the minimum entry requirement or a job that a graduate does.
direct Fact The entry route
file
What is direct entry?
What are they?
■ Often single vacancies with immediate start dates
■ A structured period of training lasting between one and three years ■ There are general management schemes where you move around the business and then specialise ■ There are functional schemes where you specialise from day one, for example HR, IT and supply chain management
Who offers them? ■ Companies of any size and sector ■ Small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) recruit significant numbers of graduates. These firms make up 99% of all UK private-sector businesses ■ In some sectors SMEs dominate and so direct entry is the route in. For example, within public relations, digital marketing and the environmental sector
When and how to apply? ■ Apply after the spring vacation so you could start after your exams ■ The recruitment process is likely to involve a CV or application form and an interview
Where to find vacancies? ■ MyCareer, our vacancy job board: mycareer.nottingham.ac.uk ■ National job sites, LinkedIn, national and specialist press sites, industry specific job boards, recruitment agencies ■ For links to graduate vacancies visit nottingham.ac.uk/careers/gradvacancies ■ For specialist job boards see our Types of Jobs pages nottingham.ac.uk/careers/typesofjobs
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Graduate Fact training file schemes
Who offers them? ■ Companies across a range of sectors including the public sector, accountancy, engineering, IT and telecommunications, retail and pharmaceuticals
When and how to apply? ■ Half of the UK's leading employers now recruit graduates all year round ■ For employers with a single deadline, most are either November, December or January ■ The recruitment process is likely to include an application form, psychometric tests, interviews and an assessment centre
Where to find vacancies? ■ Attend our recruitment fairs and talk to recruiters directly: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/events ■ MyCareer, our vacancy job board: mycareer.nottingham.ac.uk ■ Graduate directories such as The Times Top 100 Graduate Employers nottingham.ac.uk/careers/gradvacancies ■ Use the vacancy sources listed under the direct entry route
“During my degree, I participated in the Nottingham Consultancy Challenge which gave me a unique insight into the charity and social enterprise sector. I was involved in projects to increase community engagement for AgeUK and set up a marketing campaign for Pulp Friction, a social enterprise. What really inspired me was the experience of collaborating with a group of people with very different skills, all working for the same purpose which was ultimately going to make society better. It took me a few years to pinpoint which area of business I wanted to work in, and I have moved roles a few times. I have now moved into a marketing and business development role for an education and social mobility charity. I am indebted to the Careers team who have patiently coached me through every daunting interview, every lull in my career and countless covering letters.”
Ailya Syeda Hasnain BA English (2017)
Read Ailya's blog post
“I applied for a place on the business graduate scheme at Lloyd’s of London. This programme consists of four different sixmonth placements. What appealed to me most about this scheme was the rotations. As someone who doesn’t have a clue what he wants to do with his life, the more rotations, exposure and experience the better! The recruitment process was very long. I kept an Excel spreadsheet detailing my applications and what stage I was at, which was a great decision. The Careers team offered me some really well-structured advice and tips; and speaking to current employees of the company on LinkedIn allowed me to really hone in on what would be asked of me during the application process. My advice to students looking to secure a graduate scheme would be: keep on top of your applications, be proactive in your research and really try to get a sense of what is being asked of you at each stage of the process.” Max Cooper BA History (2020)
Read Max's blog post
Your next steps nottingham.ac.uk/careers/graduatejobs 27
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EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Launch your career with a Knowledge Transfer Partnership Want to apply your knowledge and create a transformative impact in a real-world project? Do you want to join one of the largest graduate recruiters in the UK?
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Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) offer you the opportunity to apply your academic knowledge to realworld challenges. They are a three-way partnership between an organisation, a university and a graduate or postgraduate (known as a KTP Associate). Projects are varied, spanning all academic disciplines and organisations of any size and in any industry. As a KTP Associate you can expect: ■ To take ownership of a project that is central to an organisation's strategic growth and development. Acting as the bridge between academia and industry, you’ll get a unique insight into both worlds by transferring the latest academic thinking into an organisation ■ Gain real commercial experience by being based in the partner organisation. You’ll see first-hand how the business operates and understand the commercial thinking behind your project ■ Full support of an academic team and the organisation to help you deliver your project ■ Access to a substantial training and development package to support your professional and personal development ■ The opportunity to gain further professional qualifications
KTP has over 300 project opportunities each year - what are you waiting for?
Georgiana Nica-Avram KTP Associate at the University of Nottingham
A meaningful transfer of knowledge from research to the business sector “For the past two years, in my role as KTP Associate, I worked on a collaborative project between N/Lab (University of Nottingham Business School) and OLIO – the world’s most popular neighbourto-neighbour sharing app. I joined this role shortly after finishing my PhD in Digital Economy, as it seemed the perfect opportunity to apply the knowledge I had gained so far, with an ethicallyminded company. The goal of this project was to harness the wealth of knowledge within N/Lab and apply the data science skills I developed during my PhD to help OLIO establish a successful business model. I spent most of my time at the university working closely with the academic team and applying our joint knowledge to address OLIO’s business goals. In retrospect, OLIO’s co-located work environment prepared me for the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic early on, while being involved in diverse and tantalising projects.”
Read Georgiana's blog post
Your next steps Find out more about KTP and access the latest opportunities:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/ktp 29
03
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Six
inspiring ways... to spend time out Taking time out can offer great personal and professional opportunities. You might take anything from a couple of months to over a year – how long isn’t important, it’s how you spend it. Decide what you want to accomplish.
Plan made and ready to go? Keep a time-out travelogue – record your experiences, the skills you’ve developed, and the lessons you’ve learned. This will help you reflect later, ensuring you can talk about it effectively with employers when the time comes. 30
1
4
The developer
The taster
An internship could be the career stepping stone you’ve been looking for. Competitive industries like the media often view these short gigs as a rite of passage. Equally, if you keep hearing “great application, but not enough experience,” figure out what experience employers want. Whether it’s developing soft skills or learning something technical, this is a great way to focus your time.
If you’re not sure what you want to do, work experience is a great way to investigate some options. Dip your toe in the office water cooler and find out if it quenches your thirst. If it doesn’t, at least you’ve ruled something out. Set up a series of short-term internships, try out different sectors, and decide what interests you.
Try thinking differently. You could cultivate project management ability by planning a trip to Everest Base Camp or develop coding ability with a free Codeacademy course.
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5
The linguist
The impact-maker
What better way to learn a language than to immerse yourself among native speakers? Travel is one of the most common reasons to take time out – for lots of obvious reasons – just don’t treat it as an extended holiday. Plan your time carefully. If you want to learn a language, why not teach yours while you’re out there too? Teaching English as a Foreign Language is a great way to get to know the locals, contribute to the community, and earn money.
Volunteering is a great way to give back and gain skills. There are lots of organisations that need your support and commitment, so take some time to think about what cause is close to your heart. Volunteering can be as challenging as it is rewarding, so think about what motivates you. Maybe you want to support your local community? Are you hoping to work in the charity sector? Has a news appeal for help piqued your interest?
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6
The pick-and-mixer If your response to each suggestion has been yes, yes, and yes, the good news is that you don’t have to just pick one. In fact, by taking a pick and mix approach, you might get more out of your time out than by restricting yourself to just one thing. Think beyond what you want to do. What do you want to achieve? By setting some objectives it could help you decide which ideas to progress with, and in what combination.
Your next steps Find out more about taking time out and how to talk to employers about it:
The adventurer If you’ve been bitten by the travel bug, backpacking is an exhilarating way to explore the world. You’ll get to put your planning and budgeting skills to work. Consider where you want to go and what you want to learn – think less aimless roamer, more intrepid explorer. Take time to immerse yourself in the local lifestyle and consider picking up some part-time work along the way. If a round-the-world trip isn’t the ticket for you, consider a seasonal job – summer and winter resorts are a way to get experience in a more structured environment.
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/yearout 31
03
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Unlock your
business potential At the Ingenuity Lab there are plenty of routes to developing your entrepreneurial ambitions. We are home to a diverse range of businesses and entrepreneurs, seeking to create impact in the world we live in and transform our future. If you have an idea for a business, then we can support you to unlock your potential.
Join the Ingenuity Lab We’re always looking for new members with ideas for innovative new businesses to join our growing network of students, researchers and alumni. Membership is free and gives you access to workspaces, mentoring, workshops and opportunities that can help make entrepreneurship a viable career choice.
Establish your business at the Ingenuity Lab The Ingenuity Lab offers a friendly and inspiring environment where students and alumni can explore their business ideas and start up their own enterprise. From monthly surgeries and group seminars to an internship scheme and our accelerator programme Scale, the Lab will provide you with the resources, inspiration and insight to get your business off the ground and grow your venture. In addition, for international students who have a viable business idea, we offer a number of endorsements for Start-Up visas each year. We offer support, services and mentoring by experienced Entrepreneurs in Residence and specialist consultants. They can help you develop your business and provide confidential advice in areas such as law, accounting, marketing and brand development.
nottingham.ac.uk/ingenuity-lab 32
The businesses creating impact Rob Avery-Phipps graduated from the university’s Ningbo Campus in 2012 with a master’s in International Relations. Inspired by his experiences in China, he decided to create the China Britain Regional Initiative (CBRI) upon his return to the UK, working directly with local authorities in China and the UK to generate economic, educational and cultural connections. Rob Avery-Phipps China Britain Regional Initiative MA International Relations (2012)
“The Ingenuity Lab is a brilliant network of diverse people and ideas who are united by the belief that we can make positive changes happen. The Lab has been instrumental in helping my business develop, grow, survive and adapt.”
Nellie Khossousi graduated from the University of Nottingham with a BSc in Economics in 2018 and joined the Lab last year. Her business, ThirdCultureNellie.com is a platform designed to equip people with the tools to affordably work and study abroad, by sharing paid programmes, scholarships, grants, application advice and affordable accommodation options. “The Lab has been a great way for me to meet other entrepreneurs, access expert advice on my business plan and also think about the legal side of things. I feel inspired and motivated, being part of an incredible community from all around the world. I am happy that I can still feel connected to the University of Nottingham.”
Nellie Khossousi Third Culture Nellie BSc Economics (2018)
Claire Mann, who received her PhD from the School of Education in 2013, won a host of awards including the £10,000 Impact Entrepreneur of the Year grant at the Ingenuity Programme Impact Evening 2021. Her business idea, ChangeXtra, aims to support and empower women going through the menopause through counselling, coaching, support and access to learning. Dr Claire Mann Ingenuity Programme Impact Entrepreneur of the Year PhD Education (2013)
Ingenuity Programme The Ingenuity Programme brings together people from a diverse range of backgrounds to explore and create solutions to some of the biggest social issues facing the UK today. The Programme, which runs annually from December to May, is delivered via an online insight and learning platform, a state of the nation summit, and a national business plan competition with significant investment and support available. With a network of over 60 leading universities, corporates, charities, public and third sector organisations, we work in partnership to tackle key social and environmental issues through enterprise. If you are passionate about finding business solutions that help tackle climate change, reduce poverty and inequality, improve health, or create community, then the Ingenuity Programme is for you. Find out more at
ingenuityimpact.org
Your next steps Contact us to find out how we can help you get your business off the ground. 33
03
EXPLORE YOUR OPTIONS
Where
in the world
will your degree take you?
Whether you’re a UK student considering a career abroad, or an international student returning home or seeking a role in a different country, we’ll help you turn your jet-setting ideas into a reality.
How Passport Career can help We’ve subscribed to Passport Career, an online global job-seeking resource, so that you can access it for free. It can help with everything from exploring your options, researching employers, and finding opportunities, to relocating and navigating a new culture.
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Monthly webinars on a range of international job-seeking topics
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Over one million vacancies in 200 countries, updated daily
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80 country profiles including advice on where to find vacancies,
top employers, shortage skills, recruitment practices and business etiquette ■
Relocation advice to ease your transition to a different country, from visa information to cultural norms
Going overboard Down Under “Until I met other people who were doing it, I never knew about the options for working in Australia.
Jade Walley BA Philosophy (2016) Professional Year Co-ordinator, Engineering Education Australia
Read Jade's blog post
I was meeting people from all over the world who were temping, being sponsored or had been headhunted. As my social circle grew so did my professional network. They gave me the knowledge and inspiration to take a leap of faith and I decided to stay and work in Melbourne. But applying for a visa isn’t as easy as sharing a beer over the barbie. Although I never used a migration agency, a lot of my friends found this an easier though more costly route. Government websites
are great research tools as well. With so many visa options available, a little time spent planning can lead to a life-changing decision. Coming overseas with a versatile role under my belt and a university degree made me a very attractive candidate for temp agencies. This tasting platter of jobs was like my own graduate programme. I experienced a new place, industry, and role every few months. Temping was a great way to gain real career experience. Now my career path has come full circle since joining a subsidiary company of the Australian governing body of engineers.”
If you don't ask, you don't get
Luke Harrison MEng Mechanical Engineering with Aerospace (2017) Thermofluid Systems Engineer Rolls-Royce Deutschland Ltd
Read Luke's blog post
“During my early years at Nottingham, I set myself the goal of working as an engineer overseas. While undertaking the Rolls-Royce graduate scheme in Derby, I sought every opportunity to make this happen. Even with successful interviews, internal restructuring still prevented me from achieving my goal. After nine months of hard work post completing the scheme, I was finally offered a position near Berlin working on the development of business jet engines and I moved to Germany just before the global pandemic set in. Though recent times have been tough, I’m still enjoying the experience and am working with a great team on fluid analysis
and integration of the largest aero-engine power gearbox for the UltraFan® engine. If you want to work abroad, my main advice to you is to be bold and ask for what you want from those around you. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. This advice even led me to secure a summer internship just by directly asking for it from a potential fourth year tutor. Also don’t miss out on the many opportunities available while at Nottingham. I would have liked to do a year abroad but missed the deadline (page 14). As well, consider volunteering overseas during the summer or undertaking a summer internship abroad.”
Your next steps Passport Career and other resources can be found on our continent-specific webpages along with links to job sites, agencies and company listings:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/workingabroad 35
04
GETTING THE JOB
Get employers to take notice of your CV 30 seconds may be all you have to make a first impression. In a competitive job market a CV is your prime marketing tool, but busy employers may only scan it for a few seconds before deciding if they want to hear more from you – or not.
Master your copy Keeping your CV up to date is a task ‘future-you’ will thank you for. Have a master copy CV, which you can update with volunteering assignments, work experience and your latest achievements while they're still fresh. With each job application and as your experience expands, return to your CV and decide what should make the cut.
Make an impression Consider how you might approach an essay or assignment. If you are purely descriptive, you are not going to bag the big marks, and the same goes for your CV. Avoid listing duties and responsibilities. Concentrate on highlighting the process and results of your actions. What did you bring to the role that someone else might not have?
“I had a CV consultation with the Careers team, it was fantastic. She was incredibly friendly and has really helped me decide what to include as well as how to organise the information. Even if you think your CV is done it's definitely worth one of the team looking it over!” Undergraduate student School of Veterinary Medicine and Science
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T C N O A W P D E D M S N D I D E A P OR ITH NT D E IN A T T A
U O S E R
LY NT E IST NS O C
I O P N I D P E AT
W W
T
EDED T A RM V O SFO N IN RAN
K O TO R DE N U
G LE E D
Examples of how to make an impact with action verbs Before:
I led a team of students to complete a project to gain more social media interactions for a local business.
ED
EX
D E S I N A G OR
ST ED TE VIS AD
ED L K OR EFU TW RC E N
IED F I PL M I S
D TE A ER N GE
D TE I U CR E R
D E AT V I T O M
D SE I RV E P SU
After:
Supervised and spearheaded a team of students to develop and test a new social media strategy for a local business resulting in increased engagement.
For more CV tips and to book a CV review, head to:
Before:
Developed my original idea to come up with a better design and improve on the old concept.
After:
Researched alternative options and adjusted my original design to produce a new and improved solution with increased efficiency.
For more action verbs: nottingham.ac.uk/careers/verbs
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/cv 37
04
GETTING THE JOB
How to write the perfect covering letter While your CV lists your achievements, skills and interests, your covering letter provides the opportunity to bring them to life and show how they fit the role you're applying to. If you're feeling daunted by the blank page, read our tips on what to cover.
Get off to the right start
If you have a full named contact, use it. If not, why not telephone the organisation and ask them for the main contact? If you can't find anyone specific, stick to 'Dear Sir or Madam'.
Make your opening pitch
Include the job title or position you’re seeking (if you’re writing a speculative application) and where you found the opportunity. Briefly outline your credentials, and motivations for applying for the role. Make it powerful, punchy and concise. You can expand in more detail in following paragraphs.
Demonstrate that you understand the role
Explain how you meet (or exceed) the job criteria, and show that you possess relevant experience and skills based on past experience. Give concrete examples, which echo key words in the job description – the employer will be scanning for these.
Bring your CV to life
Refer to your CV or other application documents to provide backup evidence. You don’t need to say it all, or duplicate your CV, in your covering letter. Your covering letter should animate key points of your experience that are relevant to the job description.
State what the employer can offer you Geeta Gosyne MSc Workplace Health and Wellbeing “I had numerous consultations with two members of the Careers team with regards to CVs, covering letters and my career path. They were very friendly and highly knowledgeable in their respective fields. I thoroughly enjoyed these sessions as it broadened my scope and made me feel very confident entering the job market. I highly recommend these services.”
Your next steps For more covering letter tips, head to: 38
If the organisation’s culture and development opportunities attract you, then say so. This is also your opportunity to demonstrate that you have researched their activities and possess true motivation for the role. Be specific, and link their mission to your own interests.
Close on a positive
Make your closing line constructive, not rambling. If you used a named contact, end with ‘Yours sincerely’, otherwise use ‘Yours faithfully’.
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/coveringletters
Example of a great covering letter
This gives you an idea of what to include in your covering letter, but don’t follow this word for word! Your covering letter has to reflect your skills and how they relate to the job or role you are applying for – so that means a tailored covering letter for every job you apply for.
9 Castle Road Nottingham NG2 1PP Jane Stanley HR Manager Freedom Now 44 Long Road Nottinghamshire NG22 8FP
Dear Jane Stanley I am writing in response to the role of Human Resources Officer at Freedom Now, as advertised on your website. I am a final-year history student committed to building a graduate career in the third sector, with work experience of human resources in a charity. Additionally, for the past year I have been a training officer for Night Owls, a student volunteering society for student safety and wellbeing on nights out. This role would build on my previous experience as a HR administrator at Barnardo’s, where I quickly learned new processes and procedures including adapting to a recently implemented payroll system. My verbal and written communication skills are excellent, from interpreting data for impact reports for the Board of Trustees to training student volunteers. I am confident in addressing large groups of people, for example when delivering safety awareness talks in lecture theatres during my university’s welcome week. Equally, I adapt my communication style to suit individuals, which has been important in my peer-to-peer mentoring for incoming society reps. As you will see from my CV, I work well within a team both in a professional setting and as a member of my university's medley swimming team. Equally my degree course also demands the ability to work on my own initiative and complete complex tasks independently, such as researching and writing a 10,000-word dissertation to a non-negotiable deadline. I understand that Freedom Now is committed to the safety of women in Nottinghamshire, which aligns with my experience around student welfare in the city. I am particularly interested in your current project to promote the safety of women refugees in the area. This opportunity to work at a diverse and progressive charity will build on the experience and skills I have already gained with a national charity and through volunteering. I hope to be able to demonstrate my suitability for this position further at interview. Yours sincerely Jasmine Langley
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04
GETTING THE JOB
for beginners These days your online presence isn’t complete without a LinkedIn profile, and you might have been thinking about it for a while, without knowing where to begin.
Follow our four steps to get started:
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1
Think of LinkedIn as an online CV
2
Build your network
Use the headline to summarise who you are and your career goals, and then add your education and work history to build a picture of your knowledge, skills and experience. Don’t forget to add a professional photograph to help your profile stand out.
First of all connect with friends and other students from your course. Add in your lecturers and, if you have a part-time job or volunteer, your manager and colleagues. If you speak to an employer at a careers fair or event, follow up afterwards with a message and request to connect.
3
Explore your interests
4
Find job opportunities
Search groups for the sectors you are interested in working in and request to join. You can also search for companies, and follow them. You’ll gain great insight into industry trends and company updates, which is invaluable when working on an application, or preparing for an interview.
Try LinkedIn’s Job Search tool to find advertised vacancies, and set up alerts so you don’t miss out on any opportunities. You’ll also see posts from individuals to say their company is hiring, or see vacancies listed in company posts, so use a range of channels to help your search.
Aashna Khan Second year MSci Biotechnology
How I approach professionals to expand my network "Having a regular step-by-step process to follow has not only helped me make some great connections but also removed a lot of the worry and stress. ■
Start by reading about new and relevant research in your field of interest
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Design some well-researched questions to ask the author. Contact the paper’s author by sending a personalised LinkedIn invite message, highlighting that you've read their paper and would like to talk to them more about it
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At the end of the conversation, ask if they have any advice for new graduates who want to get into this type of work. I’ve found this an invaluable way to gain great insights that I wouldn’t have been able to elsewhere and has really helped me with knowing how to find good opportunities
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Thank the person for their time and, if appropriate, keep them updated with the progress you make and how beneficial it’s been putting their advice into practice"
Read Aashna's blog post
Your next steps nottingham.ac.uk/careers/linkedin
Find more help on getting your social media up to scratch. 41
04
GETTING THE JOB
Be the brightest STAR when applying for jobs The STAR technique is the best way to showcase your experiences, whether that is in an application form, covering letter or during an interview.
What does STAR stand for?
S T A R S – Situation: describe the situation and when it took place T – Task: explain the task and what was the goal A – Action: provide details about the action you took to attain this R – Result: conclude with the result of your action
Your next steps For advice on making job applications:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/applications 42
Answering competencybased questions Questions that are focused on demonstrating your skills are called competency-based questions and this is where using STAR can really help provide a structure to your response. It helps you to remember vital bits of information and think through the important details. But what does it really look like in practice? Here’s an example:
STAR structured answer
S As part of my module on cultural identity I had to research an individual project and present it to my seminar group during a student conference. T I chose to discuss the power and control of the media and develop an interactive component alongside the presentation.
Question: Describe a time when you have demonstrated excellent presentation skills. Unstructured answer As part of my course, I had to present at a student conference. I chose to present on ‘The power of the media’, incorporating interactive elements to engage the audience. The audience seemed to enjoy the presentation and I passed the assessment which I believe demonstrates my experience of planning and delivering presentations effectively.
A When delivering the session, I was aware that I was presenting to a small group so incorporated a game about headline usage and news topics. I ensured that I used credible sources and citations to evidence points and strengthen discussions within the group. Additionally, I prepared handouts for the participants and assessors and used a clear structure for the presentation. R I was awarded 72% for this module and was complimented on my ability to engage the audience and communicate a complex argument clearly.
The most important element “Recently, I’ve been trying to use the STAR technique at interviews.
Katy Skillen Third year MNutr Nutrition and Dietetics
The Action part can be the most important element. The STAR technique means that you have built up to this point, creating more emphasis. It also gives you the chance to explain why you chose this action, providing interviewers with an insight into your mindset and thought patterns.” My top tip is to make it personal; talk specifically about what you did, and not what your team did. For example, say “I did,” instead of "we did.”
Read Katy's blog post 43
04
GETTING THE JOB
Get prepared for psychometric tests Psychometric tests might sound scary, but knowing what to expect can be half the battle and will help you to prepare in advance. It helps to see them as an opportunity to stand out from your fellow candidates.
What are psychometric tests? Psychometric tests are another way for employers to assess candidates alongside the more traditional methods such as CVs, applications forms, and interviews.
In general, they can be split into four areas:
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Motivation and values
Situational judgement
Aptitude and ability
These are used to test your personal values and what motivates you. These questions have no right or wrong answers, but should be answered honestly.
Used to assess your response to given workplace scenarios, these tests will look at your behaviour and competency in that situation.
You will usually be presented with a numerical, verbal or diagrammatical reasoning scenario. These are the most widely used types of psychometric tests and have definite right or wrong answers.
Personality and interests These test are used to judge your personality traits and values. The questions have no right or wrong answers, but it's important to answer honestly rather than what you think the employer wants to hear.
Mayokun Obe BSc Mathematics (2018)
The feedback was most helpful “Psychometric tests are a common part of the graduate job experience. Applying for roles, especially with a large corporate company, means that you will be subject to some form of testing. I stumbled across Graduates First while looking at what the Careers and Employability Service had to offer. Graduates First is a library of free psychometric tests that simulate the online testing experience. Having access to these tests had a huge impact on my preparation for upcoming assessments. When you sign up to Graduates First, you are given a personal login, and your performance is tracked with each practice attempt. This was great for me to be able to monitor my progress and let me know that I was getting better at testing. What I found most helpful was the feedback I received from my practice tests. My advice would be to remain calm when sitting any test, ensure you are working in a quiet environment and keep persevering. Good luck!”
Read Mayokun's blog post
Have a go at some practice tests Through Graduates First you can access: • numerical, verbal and logical tests
There are short videos to help you navigate the process of preparing for a psychometric test including tips, step-by-step guides and a jargon buster. The Top Employer Profiles and Job Assessment Stages section link to information about how each organisation approaches its recruitment process and the kinds of assessments you may face. Over 100 organisations are profiled on the site.
• expert feedback reports • work personality questionnaires
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/psychometrictests 45
04
GETTING THE JOB
New to the game
Game-based assessment has been created to help support employers with their decisions during their recruitment processes. It’s an accessible, engaging, and quick way for employers to access your abilities and personality traits. It is an alternative to traditional psychometric tests. 46
This style of testing allows employers to assess your general mental ability, such as reasoning, problem-solving, verbal, and numerical ability. They are also trying to work out if you have key personality traits that are essential to the role and organisation.
SIX GAME-BASED ASSESSMENT TIPS
1 4
Read the instructions carefully before you start
Make sure your device screen is not cracked
2 5
If accessing the game via your mobile, remember to set your phone to ‘do not disturb’ to avoid getting a call at a crucial moment
If you have a disability, make the recruiter aware as this can be accommodated through the system
3
Make sure you're in a quiet place where you can focus on playing the game
6
Don’t try to secondguess what they are looking for; be yourself – it’s meant to be fun!
“Although people say you can't prepare for game-based assessments as it's so random, there are ways you can boost your confidence before doing them. I used the university's Graduates First resource to really understand how psychometric tests work. I was able to practise various game-based assessments and get feedback. This resource is completely free and something I always recommend. I then researched companies I was interested in working with and looked at their game-based processes. I used Glassdoor.com, YouTube, and The Student Room to really understand what type of games they offered as an assessment.
Saumya Surendran MSc Entrepreneurship, Innovation and Management
I then went to the app store on my phone to find any games that could resemble the gamebased assessments. Although the games were not the same as the ones that job interviews offer, this helped me develop skills such as accuracy and time management. As a result, this led me to be much more confident. My advice for any students who may be faced with this type of assessment is to research the company and its application process.”
Read Saumya's blog post
Your next steps Sign up free for Graduates First and practise using three games-based assessments:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/games
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04
GETTING THE JOB
Your
guide
to interview success Fear of job interviews comes from the unknown - what will they ask me? How will it go? Keep it simple! There are three key areas that employers assess during interviews. We've summarised these with example questions you could be asked.
"I had heard that careers support would be available throughout our studies and as alumni. Now in the position where I am nearing the end of my education, I started to investigate the options, and the support I have received has exceeded expectations! I first engaged with the Careers team after receiving my first interview offer, when I felt like I was way out of my depth! I booked a coaching session with one of the advisers, and completed a practice video interview on Modern Hire beforehand. As many interviews are now being held online, at least in early stages, this helped me feel more comfortable with the process.
Hannah Wright MSc Mental Health: Research and Practice
Read Hannah's blog post 48
After such a positive experience the first time, I did not hesitate to get back in contact as soon as I had another application to complete. It was straightforward to book on MyCareer for a time that suited me, and I could tailor the type of support I was looking for. I have always been unsure if I am actually doing applications correctly but I was able to discuss all of these things with the Careers team, and I came away confident that I had done the best application I could."
You will need to show that you:
1
Want the job Employers will often open an interview with a question to explore your motivation for the job. Having a great answer prepared can be a brilliant way to get off to a good start, leaving your interview nerves behind.
Example question: Why have you applied for this role?
Why does this job appeal to you? Refer back to the job description and your application form to remind yourself why this job is a good fit for you and have in your mind two or three points that neatly outline why this is the job for you.
2
Do the job
3
Will get on
Be a
Take time to consider your strengths and skills and how you can put them to good use in the role. Employers ask questions to establish how well you understand their organisation and how your skills and strengths relate to the role you’re applying for. Check the job advert or person specification for the skills and strengths the employer is looking for. Come up with examples of when you have used these strengths and skills.
Employers are looking for people who want to work for their company, have similar values and will get on well with colleagues. Find out as much as you can about the company; facts and figures, their customers and competitors and their values. Has the company been in the news recently and why?
Typical questions might be: What are your three key strengths? Give an example of when you worked as part of a team to achieve something
Example question: What are the main challenges facing the company in the next two to three years?
S T A R
Answering questions
Use the STAR technique (page 42) to come up with examples of your transferable skills. STAR stands for:
Situation Task Action Result
Using this method will help show the employer you have the skills to do the job.
Asking questions At the end of the interview you will always be asked if you have any questions about the job or organisation. Use your research on the company to help you devise a couple of well-thought-out questions that show real interest.
Your next steps For more information on the different types of interviews and how you can best prepare head to our website:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/interviews 49
04
GETTING THE JOB
Invited to an assessment centre? If you’re just starting to apply for graduate jobs, chances are you haven’t been to an assessment centre before. At first glance they can be quite daunting, but knowing what to expect is half the battle. Plus, you’ve got this far, you deserve to be there.
What happens at an assessment centre? Assessment centres can be held in person or online via video conferencing platforms. The structure of an assessment centre will vary but here are some of the activities our students and graduates have encountered. Activities give candidates the opportunity to demonstrate the skills required to be successful in the workplace, for example, communication, teamwork, analytical and problem-solving. It is important to remember that you are not competing against other candidates so stay focused on your own performance.
i You can let employers know about your additional needs. Time and activity adjustments can be arranged to ensure everyone has the same opportunity to show their potential.
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“I found that the best resource for preparation is the company’s own website, here you can read about their values, goals and the different career paths. Beyond this the Careers team have access to a range of practice resources that simulate this process.” James Nayler Second year Finance, Accounting and Management with Placement Year
Welcome and introductions
When am I being assessed?
Psychometric tests
Listen carefully to the structure of the day and the activities taking place to understand the skills and competencies being assessed. Make sure to introduce yourself to the organisers and other candidates.
Although some parts of the day will not be linked to a task or may be informal, it’s good practice to assume you are still being observed.
You’ll be asked to complete different types of tests: see pages 44-45.
Written exercise
Case study
You will need to process and analyse information relevant to the role before communicating your findings and recommendations in writing.
You will be required to process and analyse information relevant to the role and professionally present your findings and recommendations.
Group activity
Presentations
In-tray exercise
You will be assessed on your ability to work as part of a team. Effective communication, creative thinking and working towards achieving the task will be encouraged.
You’ll be assessed on analysing the information, tailoring the content and delivering clearly and confidently.
Time-restricted simulated business tasks where you need to analyse, prioritise information and make decisions.
Interview You will be assessed on your suitability for the job role: see pages 48-49.
Your next steps Find out more about preparing for assessment centres:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/assessment
Attend an assessment centre workshop:
nottingham.ac.uk/careers/skillsworkshops 51
A big thanks to ... our students, alumni, and employers for sharing their stories and case studies for our Careers Handbook! We've loved reading about your experiences and stories, and we’re sure our students can’t wait to read them too.
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Aashna Khan
James Nayler
Ailya Syeda Hasnain
Josie Clamp
Amanda Kale
Katy Skillen
Annalisa Marano
Kim Sandhu
Ash Watts
Lowri White
Bryony Adshead
Luke Harrison
Calum Heslop
Max Cooper
Claire Mann
Mayokun Obe
Devashree Vaidya
Mila Apostolova
Dianthi Edirisooriya
Nellie Khossousi
Diya Nakrani
Rob Avery-Phipps
Gabriella Kisoi
Saumya Surendran
Georgiana Nica-Avram
Sebastian Garry
Giles Woodhouse
Sharandeep Bhogal
Hannah Wright
Sofia Thomas
Ifigenia Constantinou
Stefan Szablewski
Jade Walley
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Careers and Employability Service
+44 (0)115 951 3680 nottingham.ac.uk/careers CareersUoN @UoNCareers blogs.nottingham.ac.uk/careers
nottingham.ac.uk
