This presentation was done for our biennial Higher Education Careers Advisers in Chemistry day

1. What are employers looking for? Laura Woodward Advice and Guidance Specialist

2. My experience: 12 years generalist HR experience High volume recruitment Recruitment into scientific industry Running assessment centres and graduate recruitment programmes

3. CV’s Covering Letters Application Forms Interviews Assessment Centres

4. Common pitfalls Graduates assume having a good degree will be enough Selection criteria is not addressed in their application Don’t make clear why they want the job and/or why they want to work for the organisation Write too much Write too little Stand out for the right reasons!

5. CV’s and Covering Letters CV’s Keep to 2 sides Tailor to the job No need to include published scientific papers for non-academic role Avoid scientific acronyms Covering letters Address the selection criteria Make clear why they want the job Make clear why they want to work for the organisation

6. Application Forms Follow instructions As with CV/covering letters – ensure selection criteria is addressed Competency examples – HOW you do things

7. Assessment Centres Remember they are being assessed the whole day – this includes over lunch. Make sure you participate – particularly in group exercises – if you don’t do anything – there is nothing to mark you on. Interviews Competency based interviewing Provide a variety of examples Ask questions – have some prepared

8. Preparation An appreciation that preparation is key Research the organisation and ensure you have a good understanding of the position