Category Archives: Careers

Careers, News

Fewer Graduates feel universities are preparing students for the workplace than in 2019 as they enter a tumultuous jobs market

Many of this year’s graduates finished their degrees online and are due to enter the workplace amidst a tumultuous jobs market, however, fewer graduates felt like their university had prepared them for the workplace this year, with only 15% reporting that they felt completely prepared (down from 18% last year).

Graduate jobs board Milkround’s survey of nearly 3,000 students, graduates and young workers has revealed that 10% of the next generation of workers feel wholly unprepared for the workplace after their degree. A quarter (25%) felt that their university could have done more to prepare them (up from 15% in 2019). This, combined with the current climate, could be the driving force contributing to weaker graduate confidence, with 21% fewer graduates reporting they are confident they will work in their dream industry (62% in 2020, compared to 83% in 2019).

In terms of skills young workers feel they lack when they enter the workplace, they rank public speaking (45%), job function specific skills (e.g. knowing a particular IT programme) (44%), and confidence (43%) as their biggest concerns. More generally, students and graduates are worried they won’t learn fast enough (55%), or just won’t be good enough at the job (54%). Female students and graduates were more worried about their future career prospects than their male counter parts, whether that was competition from those with more work experience or networking opportunities (72% women vs. 64% men), low pay (50% vs. 40%), or candidates from more prestigious universities (40% vs. 36%).

Georgina Brazier, Graduate Jobs Expert commented:

“This year’s cohort of graduate workers are entering the jobs market at an incredibly difficult time, but we are starting to see green shoots as businesses look to make hires – particularly in industries like IT, Education and Logistics. Recent commitments from the Government, such as their ‘kickstart scheme’, should also provide some reassurance for candidates that more opportunities will start to open up. However, many graduates have already lost positions previously secured and the number of applications per vacancy is increasing, meaning each application process is going to be competitive. It’s important that graduates understand the skills employers are looking for and how they can access support to upskill themselves over the summer break.”

“There is more work universities and employers can and should be doing to support students and recent graduates over this summer, particularly with more leaving university feeling unprepared this year than last. However, for graduates looking to finesse their own skillsets, many universities have amazing post-graduation career support schemes in place and many businesses are offering virtual internships or training sessions over the summer.”

Graham Philpott, Lead Careers Consultant from Henley Business School suggested:

“Organisations’ senior managers often recruit graduates for their fresh approaches, their new ways of working, their insights into the younger generations. But to profit from these, the existing workers in the organisations need to understand this and be willing to listen and try new things. Their first line manager is a vital part of a graduate’s success – a manager with a supportive, encouraging, coaching approach will help them develop and embed these skills quickly – and all the potential that the recruiters spotted in the graduate will be realised far more rapidly because of it.”

COVID-19 has had a major impact on students and graduates

Students and graduates are also concerned about the impact that recent events will have on their careers. When asked what social and political factors will affect their prospects, this year’s cohort believe COVID-19 (56%) will have the greatest negative impact, followed by Brexit (19%). Young workers report that concern around COVID-19 makes them more likely to accept the first job they are offered (47%) after university and accept a lower salary (46%). In fact, 60% of respondents report that wider political, social or health uncertainty (e.g. Brexit or the impact of COVID-19) has caused them stress or anxiety.

Nonetheless, over two thirds (71%) said that COVID-19 has not impacted their decision on which industry or sector to go into. The NHS ranks first in terms of respondents’ ‘dream companies’ to work for, closely followed by Google. This remains unchanged from Milkround’s 2019 Candidate Compass. More broadly, a third (37%) of students and graduates want to work for a large corporation, potentially seeking greater job security. SMEs (32%) and global companies (26%) followed closely behind in terms of places young workers wanted to work.

Georgina Brazier, Graduate Jobs Expert at Milkround added: “The NHS has played an essential role over the last few months, and it’s understandable that this is reflected in the places graduates want to work. COVID-19 has heavily impacted graduate confidence, but importantly, many students and graduates continue to show resilience and are excited to start their careers. Over the next few months, it’s essential that employers really understand what it is the next generation of workers are looking for as they enter the workplace, and work out how they can support recent graduates in realising their dreams despite the current circumstances.”

 

Careers, News

How to Get Head-hunted in 2020

New research, conducted by executive search firm Novo, found that 14% of people are currently considering a new job, even in these uncertain times. Interesting, this figure skyrockets five-fold for those at executive level, with 70% currently seeking a new executive role.

With many looking to switch roles in 2020, it’s important to stand out from the crowd, and one of the best ways to land your dream job is to get noticed by head-hunters. In light of this, several of Novo Executive Search and Selection’s directors have given their invaluable advice on how you can get noticed in today’s climate, which employees of all levels can learn from.

The 5 key tips include:

ALWAYS TAILOR YOUR CV

Don’t apply for everything and anything, as you’ll get known by recruiters and red-listed. Only apply for precise roles that really do match your exact discipline and marketplace experience. Try to speak with a particular recruitment contact who is advertising the role in advance of applying to precisely ascertain what the client would like to see upon a suitable CV.

INCREASE YOUR VISIBILITY

One of the most effective ways of being recognised and identified as a talent, is to participate actively in dialogue within your field/industry. Speaking at industry events or conferences, having articles published or being quoted in relevant articles will all increase your visibility. Although the cultural fit between an individual and a potential employer will be a crucial element of the recruitment decision, most search consultants will be seeking individuals with specific skills and experience. If you’re acknowledged as an expert or specialist, you have a greater chance of being identified.

GET RECOGNISED FOR YOUR SUCCESS

The more successful you are, the more likely it is that you’ll be approached by a search firm. People who stand out are easier to find. What matters is what other people think of you; your colleagues, your former colleagues, your competitors. Are there enough people out there who will recommend you and suggest your name if they are asked their opinion?

MAKE THE MOST OF SOCIAL NETWORKING

LinkedIn, other social networking sites and search engines have changed some elements of the search process. Whilst the traditional ‘black book’ approach remains valid, most researchers will also use a plethora of online tools as part of their ‘long-list’ building process. As a result, it is advisable to build yourself a compelling social media profile. Treat LinkedIn as your marketing board. Update it on a daily basis with constructive and thought-provoking articles, comments, likes and invitations to new search consultant contacts. Ensure also, that any of your articles, industry comments and/or PR is visible online. Over-exposure is not advisable, but some visible presence online will lead to more search specialists finding you more often.

NETWORK CONSISTENTLY (AND FOR THE LONG TERM)

Many people talk about networking, fewer actually do anything about it. Networking effectively amongst your peer group and across your industry is a powerful way to increase your chances of being noticed. Make an effort to stay in touch with talented and well-connected colleagues over the long term. This is far more genuine and more likely to reward you than the ‘suddenly enthusiastic’ networking that people often end up trying when they need a job.

Careers, Education, Recruitment

Bristol named no. 1 City Outside London Where Graduates Want to Work

Recruitment platform TalentPool has revealed the top ten UK cities outside London where graduates want to work.

New analysis of the 100,000+ graduate and early career job seekers registered on the site, showed Bristol is the most popular city to look for work outside of the capital – for the second year running.

As the leading platform for start-up and SME jobs, it comes as no surprise that TalentPool candidates also showed an interest in the vibrant startup scenes in Brighton, Edinburgh and Birmingham.

Manchester, which scores well in rankings for business and liveability, was a popular choice. And other top ten locations, including Liverpool and Southampton, are popular cities among millennials, according to Totally Money.

Top 10 UK cities outside London where graduates want to work:

  1. Bristol
  2. Oxford
  3. Brighton
  4. Southampton
  5. Birmingham
  6. Liverpool
  7. Leeds
  8. Edinburgh
  9. Manchester
  10. Nottingham

The ranking mirrors findings of the Good Growth Cities report, released earlier this month by PwC and Demos, which also sees Bristol, Oxford, Southampton and Edinburgh among the top 10 UK cities for living and working.

Sophie Hudson, TalentPool’s Director of Marketing and User Experience, said of the new data:

“There’s no denying that London offers graduates a broad choice of career-launching and boosting opportunities. However, great opportunities – particularly with startups and small companies – certainly aren’t restricted to the capital. As we’re seeing at TalentPool, there’s an appetite to work for new and fast-growing companies around the country.”

Despite uncertainties around Brexit, TalentPool candidates also showed an interest in opportunities abroad. And more than 600 intrepid job seekers were willing to consider posts as far away as Antarctica.

For more about TalentPool, visit: www.talentpool.com

Business Advice, Careers, L & D

Entrepreneur and BBC Apprentice offers useful careers advice ahead of 2020

Kayode Damali, the well-loved, cheeky BBC Apprentice from 2018 and cited among the Top 10 ‘Most Powerful Young Entrepreneurs in the World’ offers tips on changing your career – and how to stand out from the crowd as the ‘new year, new job’ motivation inspires many others to do the same.

I can now say I now know what works effectively to securing a dream job.

My own career journey spans from working at Charlton Athletic Football club in merchandising to featuring on the 2018 BBC Apprentice. Now I am a public speaker and an entrepreneur with a recently launched educational and professional podcast, The Right Route, in collaboration with national leading in training provider Qube Learning – and I hope I can help inspire other people to achieve their career goals.

After Christmas, many people feel a negative weight of returning to a monotonous cycle that leaves them feeling uninspired and lacking in enthusiasm in their workplace – and faking it can only last so long!   Here’s my tips for finding a new career in 2020:

Choose your path carefully

It’s important to remember that while changing careers can be exciting, a considered approach is key to choosing the right route.  Don’t accept a job because it’s looks like a glossy escape from the doom and gloom of your current situation, really think about whether you can see yourself working there in years to come. The grass is not always greener, and a hasty decision could mean you end up looking for another role soon after.

Before making contact, really read the company website, make sure you know what the business ethos is, what their company values are, who their clients are and ask yourself ‘would you be a good fit, would it suit you?’ Social media also means you can sneakily check out the people, their employers and make contact on LinkedIn.

CV top tips

  • Your CV is what will get you that interview. It’s the chance to showcase your experience, skillset and show a business how they can benefit from hiring you. Your summary paragraph is the opportunity to hook them in right off the bat, let them know what you have to offer, what it is that makes you stand out and remember, though predominantly work focused they will want to know about you and how you fill fit in.
  • Make it relevant. Employers needs will be different so ensuring your CV is topical to them will help encourage their interest in you. There is no point in sending one general email to all potential employers, this could get you are discounted very quickly before they even know what kind of professional you are. Personalisation and relevance are imperative, it shows you have done your research and taking the time to get to know them and their brand.
  • Don’t lie! Always be honest There is a high risk you will get found out and sometimes your time out of work is what makes you interesting. Were you travelling? maybe volunteering? You are who you are and that is what makes you a one-off.
  • Include personal information about you. What do you love? I don’t mean your pet or favourite food! Potential employers are always keen to hear about what you do outside of work – do you have a sports team you play for regularly, are you a champion of chess, where is your top travelling location and why, tell them something attention- grabbing.

Interview Tips – Prepare to Succeed

  • Being prepared will come off positively, knowing the job spec, the people interviewing you and having questions ready for them will show you have made the effort.
  • When discussing your work, have examples that you can talk them through as this is the chance to showcase your knowledge and experience.
  • Some interviewers like to throw a ‘weird’ question out there, for example ‘what would you do if you were trapped inside a giant’s pocket?’. They want to see how you react and are keen to know what your escape strategy would be.
  • Finally, whatever your experience, whether it be heavier on work experience, an Apprenticeship or Traineeship over academia such as college or university, remember both are valuable.

Be proud of who you are and what you have to offer, show courage and confidence in your abilities and this in turn will result in professional and personal success.

People don’t have to follow the ‘norm’ – however one of the biggest skills you can have is being able to communicate with people from all over the world.

The Right Route podcast series inspiring content will help those looking to take the right steps into the professional and learning side of life.

For more information and advice, visit our Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-right-route-your-options-your-choices-your-career/id1481185026?ign-mpt=uo%3D4
Spotify:  https://open.spotify.com/show/7IV70Oeeq9bv3Vk7ahh5kI