Finding the hidden jobs
Objectives
This session will help you to:
• Understand the different routes into employment
• Find and research jobs and employers
• Re-assess and re-focus your job search strategy
Getting started
• What job do I want?• What have I got to offer?• What jobs are out there?
Deciding what you want
Skills, interests and values• What are you good at?
• What is important to you?
• What are you willing to do?
https://mycareer.wmin.ac.uk/
www.prospects.ac.uk
Targeting companies
• Business activity• Size• Training • Prospects• Culture
• Travel• Location• Salary• Benefits• Security
What’s out there?
• Large graduate recruiters
• Small medium enterprises
• Private sector
• Public sector
• Voluntary sector
• Self employment
Iceberg principle
70%
The open job market
The open job market
Advertisedposts
Advertisedposts
The hiddenJob market
The hiddenJob market
Direct approachesNetworking
Direct approachesNetworking
30%30%
Open job market
• Local and national press
• Jobcentre Plus
• Internet
• Recruitment fairs
• Recruitment agencies
Finding the hidden jobs
• Networking
• Work experience through temping and volunteering
• Speculative applications
• Cold calling - in person, by phone
• Informational interviewing
Networking
• Family, friends, fellow students
• Clubs and associations
• Tutors and careers consultants
• Previous employers
• Professional associations
• Alumni Association
• Social networking online
Networking
Generating opportunities• Most people find networking scary – US survey
said dying was only the third worst thing that can happen to you
• It’s the quality of your relationships and how you leverage your networking, not the number of business cards you collect
• Being interested Vs interesting
Networking
• Make it known that you are looking for work and what it is that you can do, enquire about what they do and if they know anyone in the industry who might be able to help you
• Use a broad spectrum of communication methods: face-to-face, phonecalls, emails, social networking sites, online discussion forums
• By utilising your network, you are utilising the network of everyone within that network too
The networking pyramid
Networking strategy – who, why, what?
Working the room – small talk, etiquette
Permission to explore / follow up
Follow up call
One to one
Keep in touch
Positive outcome
Networking/informational interviewing exercise
• On the back of your action plan – write “ME” in the middle of the page
• Pick one of the jobs that you’d like. Who do you know who might be able to help you with finding information about the job and potential vacancies?
Networking exercise
Runs own building firm and does own HR Tony
(Uncle)
Theresa(Neighbour) Works in a recruitment
agency
Jenny (Zumba)
Welfare officer in a bank
Matthew(Brother)
Julie(Friend)
H&S trainer
Sumi(Colleague)
Nigel(ex colleague)
TU Officeer
Mark(Her husband)
Plays squash with NHS HR manager
As you start chasing leads, you can add to it. The above does not include contact through groups (alumni association), online (linkedin) or ‘warm’ leads HR at work / at university.
ME
AGCAS video – Journey to Work
http://www.wmin.ac.uk/Default.aspx?page=20261
Informational interviewing
• Find someone who knows about a field or occupation
• Ask for a short interview
• This is not JOB SEARCH – it is RESEARCH
• Helps you to find out about roles and fields
• Can reveal the hidden jobs
• Widens your network
Speculative applications
• Do your research
• Target named person, with a relevant role in the organisation
• Develop a persuasive, targeted CV and covering letter
• Follow up with a phone call
• Ask for further contacts
• Be persistent
Re-boot your Campaign
• Applications for advertised vacancies
• Speculative approaches
• Networking and informational interviewing
• Recruitment consultants
• Freelance/consultancy work
• Know yourself, know your market
• Volunteering
Useful websitesCareer Development CentreVacancies - www.westminster.ac.uk/careersYour course, what next? http://www.wmin.ac.uk/page-20125
www.prospects.ac.ukwww.targetjobs.co.ukwww.totaljobs.comwww.milkround.comwww.get.hobsons.co.uk
www.insidecareers.co.uk www.monster.co.uk www.fish4.co.uk www.jobserve.com www.jobs.guardian.co.uk
Creative ways to boost your income: www.findextrawork.co.uk
Creative ways to boost your income: www.findextrawork.co.uk
Further information and guidance
Career Development Centre:• 20-minute quick queries:
CV, covering letter, application form checks• 45-minute :individual career coaching,
detailed career planning, mock interviews
CDC resources:• CV Guide• Videos and DVDs• Free sector-specific and general careers publications
(all services available up to 3 years after graduation)
Contact usHarrow
Harrow Campus
Room EG.16
Maria Hewlett Building
Nearest tube: Northwick Park
Central London
Cavendish House
1st Floor
101 New Cavendish Street
Nearest tube: Warren St/ Goodge St/Gt Portland St
Tel: 020 7911 5184E-mail: [email protected]
www.westminster.ac.uk/careers
In summary
• Know what you have to offer and what you want
• Know what’s out there
• Develop your network
• Plan your campaign
• Review it regularly
and, if you need help, seek advice and guidance
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