Careers Adviser presentation, October 2015

1. International student briefing
- 10 effective job search strategies
Welcome to the
Careers and
Employability Centre
Whether you are looking for a job in the UK or elsewhere in the
world, this session will provide you with some strategies to improve
your chances of success.

2. 10 effective job search strategies
Your suggestions?

3. 10 effective job search strategies
1. Know yourself
Begin your job search by taking a thorough inventory of your interests, skills,
accomplishments, experience, goals, and values. Make a detailed list. The key to a
successful job search is to recognize what makes you a unique candidate and to
communicate this effectively to a prospective employer, both verbally and in writing
http://www.prospects.ac.uk/
2. Aim for the Right Target
Try to match your skills, interests, and values with the right career choice. For example, if
one of your goals is to get a larger salary, don’t focus on career paths that traditionally pay
low salaries. Conduct research on various fields and local companies within those fields.
Target those that are likely to have positions available
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/careerchoices

4. 10 effective job search strategies
3. Be Assertive and Proactive
Don’t wait around for opportunity to come knocking on your door. Instead make some
speculative applications
Being confident http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/applyingforjobs
4. Do some sleuthing
Explore the “hidden job market.” Many job openings exist only in the minds of directors, and
managers, long before the job is finally advertised to the public. Present yourself as the
perfect candidate at this early stage, an employer may snap you up without looking
elsewhere
Researching employers http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/researchingemployers

5. 10 effective job search strategies
5. Use your Network
Networking should be at the center of your job search strategy. Get the word out to friends,
trusted colleagues, and even relatives that you are actively looking for a job, and ask them
to keep their eyes and ears open for any opportunities.
Also, expand your network and join professional organizations, sign up for job search
newsletters and e-mail blasts, contact former professors and classmates, and participate in
online discussion boards
Networking tools http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/creativejobsearch
https://students.linkedin.com/uk
6. Get Help !

6. 10 effective job search strategies
7. Be Flexible
Part time jobs and volunteering are a great way to learn skills, gain experience, and earn
money while looking for a permanent position. They are also a way to prove your worth and
be first in line when a full-time position opens up.
Jobs/volunteering database http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/
8. Say It Clearly
When sending out your CV, catch prospective employers’ attention with a brief and concise
cover letter that clearly spells out how your qualifications match the job requirements.
Connect the dots for the reader, and make it obvious
why you’re the perfect candidate for the job
CV guidelines http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/applyingforjobs/cvs

7. 10 effective job search strategies
9. Keep Careful Records
Keeping track of your progress is important. Maintain a record of all the jobs you have
applied to, including communications, interviews, referrals, and follow-up actions. This will
help you build a network of valuable contacts.
10. Be Persistent
Job searching is difficult, and there are times when you will be discouraged. Just keep in
mind that everyone has been through the same grind at one point. Try to keep a positive
attitude, and look at your job hunt as an exciting challenge.
pyramid

8. 10 effective job search strategies
job
interviews
applications

9. Career planning sessions
this term..
Weds 28th October 12-1 – Get hired! Practical advice on applying for placements, internships & jobs
Most Tier 4 students can work part time and also apply for a professional placement year or vacation
internship (sometimes called a vacation scheme). Knowing when and how to apply is crucial if you want
to take advantage of this opportunity. This session will help you to make winning applications.
Tues 6th Oct 10-11 – 10 effective job search strategies
Not sure where, when or how to start looking for vacancies, or how to organise your job/placement
search? This session will provide 10 logical steps to help you to make positive applications and approach
employers with confidence.
Weds 14th Oct 12-1 (18th November 12-1) – How to build and promote your employability skills
‘Explain how your skills and experience meet the job description’ - most application forms will include a
question asking you to explain why you are the best person for the job. In this session you can explore
your skills and experience in advance
so that you will be able to answer this
question and make a positive impression.

10. Wednesday 4 November
11am – 3pm
The Amex Stadium
120+ exhibitors…
1 iconic venue!
All students welcome!
Sponsored by:
www.sussex.ac.uk/careersfair

11. Questions?
• Careers Adviser appointments
• CV advice, personal statements, cover letters etc.
• Talks – Introduction to placements,
Working part time, CVs etc.
• Events – every day!
• www.sussex.ac.uk/careers

12. International student briefing
- UK based graduate schemes
• Milkround.com - Graduate scheme search
• Prospects - Graduate scheme search
• Graduate Links - Graduate scheme search
• TARGETjobs - Graduate schemes and jobs. Includes immediate start
vacancies too
• GradDiary - A list of graduate schemes arranged by deadline
• Graduate-jobs.com - Graduate Schemes - Lists graduate schemes and
gives lots of information about how they work
• C
http://www.sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/graduates
chemes

13. International student briefing
- how to apply for jobs
• CV
• Cover letter
• Application form
• Linked in
• Interview
• Selection tests
• Assessment centre

14. International student briefing
- summary
1. Join a professional body to network, learn about the sector
and show your commitment (BPS, Law Society, ACCA)
2. Sign up with Gradlink (Africa, India, China, Malaysia) the
CBBC, UKITC, RBCC or other relevant business council.
3. Get involved with extra curricula activities and societies
Start now!

15. International student briefing
- Gradlink