1. 1. Find a Part-time Job Join the Universitys Talent Bank Hristina Simeonova Employability Assistant Career Development Centre
2. 2. Objectives By the end of this session you should: Recognise the importance of skills desired by the employers Be able to identify skills that can be gained and developed from part-time work and other experiences Be familiar with the Universitys Talent Bank scheme, how to apply for it and the benefits you can gain from being part of it
3. 3. What are skills? Abilities acquired through education and other experiences. an ability to do an activity or job well, especially because you have practised it. Cambridge advanced learners dictionary Other terms in use: capabilities, competencies, abilities.
4. 4. Employers Expectations of Graduates Degree Experience Skills Carl Gilleard Former CEO Association of Graduate Recruiters
5. 5. Degree For some roles the subject knowledge gained from your degree will be utilised to some extent in the role. However, some employers will not necessarily care what your degree subject was, the final classification is important (ideally 2:1 or better) A degree is more than subject knowledge, it is a set of values, qualities, skills and experiences that employers value. Chief among these is the concept of committing to something for a long period and doing well. Degree + Experience + Skills = Employable
6. 6. Experience Ideally the experience will be relevant to the role you are applying for but Any experience which has enhanced your employability will be useful. Experience can be gained from: part-time work volunteering work experience/placements/internships extra-curricular activities clubs/societies/interests Degree + Experience + Skills = Employable
7. 7. Skills A combination of applied knowledge and experience which make you able to function effectively in the workplace. Skills gained in one job can be transferred to another. For example, customer service skills. Degree + Experience + Transferable Skills = Employable
8. 8. Selling skills gained in part-time roles to an employer Ideally, your part-time role would be related to your future graduate career but that isnt always possible and certainly isnt absolutely necessary. What skills has this woman gained in her part-time job as a receptionist that will be of use in her planned career as a marketing executive? Communication Working under pressure Customer service Multi-tasking Attention to detail Teamwork Commercial awareness
9. 9. Or this man who is working as a Data Entry assistant but wants to work in finance?
10. 10. Or this woman who works in the Library but wants to be a HR Executive?
11. 11. Some jobs require relevant experience Any job can give you useful skills but some jobs require relevant experience before you can do them at graduate level Examples include: Teaching, lab-based roles, most retail/sales roles, IT support roles (at 2nd and 3rd line) So how can you get experience in these? Part-time roles, volunteering, internships, university schemes
12. 12. Evidencing your skills in applications and interviews Typically in application forms and interviews you are invited to provide evidence of your skills. The questions will take the form of Describe a time when or Give an example of These competency-based questions are asking you to talk about your skills by telling a story about something that you did in your past.
13. 13. How to evidence your skills Context Where were you? What did you have to do? Scenario or problem Action What action did you take? What was your role? Be specific. Result What was the outcome and why? Would you do it differently next time?
14. 14. Finding part-time roles Easiest method: walk the streets, pop in and ask. The less energetic method: search online Career Development Centre job listings https://engage.westminster.ac.uk/ Google Part time jobs in London follow the link to indeed.co.uk over 7000 roles, Guardian over 200 roles. Other sources: local newspaper and Free-Ads style publications
15. 15. Got a non-relevant part-time job but want relevant experience? Consider volunteering. Visit http://do-it.org.uk there are thousands of voluntary opportunities in an around London all of which will provide you with an excellent opportunity to apply and further develop your skills and gain valuable experience whilst helping a charitable cause. If you want help with finding suitable volunteering, have a chat with Berekhet Berakhy at the Career Development Centre b.berakhy@westminster.ac.uk
16. 16. Want to go into teaching but lack classroom experience? Get in touch with the University of Westminster Associates in Schools (UWAS) team http://westminster.ac.uk/uwas Provides 15 days of classroom-based experience, supporting an experienced teacher
17. 17. Do you want a part-time role that is flexible around your studies, pays relatively well and will be a great source of skills and experience? Apply to join the Talent Bank!
18. 18. What is the Talent Bank Gives students the opportunity to apply for paid temporary and part-time vacancies across all campuses and various departments within the University of Westminster as well as with local employers. www.westminster.ac.uk/talent-bank
19. 19. Talent Bank Roles Administration Receptionist Social Media/ Marketing IT Events Call centre Library jobs Customer Service Web development
20. 20. Application Process Applications opened 24/7 Complete an online application form with a CV and a Supporting Statement Attend an Assessment Day Join the Talent Bank Apply for opportunities on and/or off campus
21. 21. Talent Bank Student Specification Demonstrated via Application form Supporting Statement CV Assessmen t Day Essential Self-motivated with enthusiasm, initiative and a can-do attitude x x Able to work independently and in a team x x Excellent written & verbal communication skills x x x x Excellent attention to detail x x x x Reliability and good timekeeping x x x Excellent customer service skills x x x Desirable Previous work experience x Microsoft Office Skills x x
22. 22. Talent Bank Deadlines Assessment days Applications must be received by Successful candidates notified Feedback sent to unsuccessful applicants 2015 Wednesday 22 July, 1-5pm Monday 6 July, 9am Thursday 16 July, 4pm Week commencing 27 July Wednesday 7 October, 1-5pm Monday 21 September, 9am Thursday 1 October, 4pm Week commencing 12 OctoberFriday 9 October, 9.30am- 1.30pm Wednesday 25 November, 1- 5pm Monday 9 November, 9am Thursday 19 November, 4pm Week commencing 30 NovemberFriday 27 November, 9.30am- 1.30pm
23. 23. Talent Bank Case Studies
24. 24. Things to remember when applying Apply before the deadline e.g. 9am on 6 July Tailor your CV Tailor your Supporting Statement and provide examples based on the Student Specification Title your CV as instructed Think about how you communicate with us prior & after your application
25. 25. Contact us Central London 1st Floor, Cavendish House 101 New Cavendish Street London W1W 6XH T 020 3506 6305 E talentbank@westminster.ac.uk www.westminster.ac.uk/talent-bank
26. 26. Follow us on facebook.com/uowcareers twitter.com/uw_careers blog.westminster.ac.uk/careers
27. 27. Thank you for listening