This document provides information and advice for finding part-time work or voluntary opportunities. It discusses reasons for working or volunteering such as gaining skills, experience, and increasing employability. Tips are provided for researching opportunities, preparing a CV and cover letter, interviewing, and maintaining the relationship with employers. Students are encouraged to use the university's Job Shop and Placement & Careers Centre for assistance in the process.

1. Finding Part-Time Work and Voluntary opportunities Rebecca Weymouth Job Shop Manager Anthi Vakali Brunel Volunteers

2. Why work/volunteer? Money Social Skills Increase your employability Experience in the work environment

3. It’s all about the research..... What skills do you want/need to gain? Related to your course? Your career aim? What do employers want? A mini project It’s hard work, it will pay off! Put some time aside each week to search for employment When are you available for work? Timetable leave time for study

4. People skills Self-reliance Skills Teamworking supportive facilitatororganiser co-ordinator deliverer imaginative delegator open-minded Leadership dynamicmotivatorteam-builder confidence booster energeticcapable outward-lookingaccountablevisionary Interpersonal Skills listeneradviserpolitically aware initiator professional co-operativeconstructive Customer orientation welcomingfriendlycaring approachableconstructiveaccommodating tactfuldiplomatictolerant Oral communication educatortrainercommunicator presenterpromoterinfluencer humorousempathetictelephone skills Foreign languages specific language skillscultural awarenessinternational experiencewritten & oral expertisesensitivity Self-awareness/ confidence purposefulfocusedreflective perceptivehonestself-belief objectiverealisticbalanced Self-promotion skills positivepersuasivepleasant proactivepersistentambitious opportunistic Initiative and proactivity resourceful energetic flexible self-starter initiative self-disciplined Networking skills initiator trustful personable relationship-builder persistent developer resourceful respected Willing to learn motivated adaptable enthusiastic active keen learner inquisitive continual improver Action Planning decision-makerplanner organised negotiator responsive evaluator forward thinker target-driven able to prioritise

5. Generalist Skills Numeracy skills accurate logical problem-solver detailed & methodical consistent quick thinker analytical thorough Business acumen competitive entrepreneurial enterprising commercial foresight budgeter risk taker effective written communication Commitment dedicated trustworthy conscientious reliable loyal punctual knowledgeable Problem-solving Achiever successful results-oriented Project management creative practical logical astute agile mind IT/ computer literacy IT skills software packages keyboard skills Flexibility multi-disciplinary versatile multi-skilled willing mobile adaptable common sense task-oriented progressive

6. Lots to prepare........ CV Covering letter Application forms online/written Who will be your references? Contact via phone/email Research the company you are applying to.

7. Where to look..... Job Shop www.brunel.ac.uk/pcc/jobshop Local newspapers Gazette & Leader, Guardian, Times Jobs fairs Recruitment Agencies Websites monster/fish4jobs Direct approach Cold calling/letter writing Brunel volunteers

9. Recruitment Agencies First impressions count, prepare what you are going to say and dress to impress Take a hard copy of your CV and also a memory stick Know your timetable Be prepared for rejection and respond positively Get a business card and try and talk to the right person Follow up with an email to thank them for their time

10. Applying.... Apply in the format you have been asked to apply in Get your application checked, leaving time for corrections Send it before the closing deadline in the manner asked Keep a record of the jobs you have applied for

11. Interview!!!!!!! Prepare, prepare and prepare some more... Mock interview What might they ask you? Don’t be late, prepare the route you will take and how long it takes to get there Dress appropriately What do you want to know about them?

12. Job Offer!!!!! Get the most possible out of your experience Impress your employer + more responsibility = more skills for your CV.

13. Who can help? Placement & Careers Centre Help you think about the skills you want to gain Check your application/CV and covering letter Provide mock interviews On-line vacancy board, email alerts Brunel volunteers

14. Keep In Touch www.brunel.ac.uk/PCC www.facebook.com/BrunelPCC www.twitter.com/BrunelPCC