Alright, it's been 7 months I know but "6 months on" sounded better.
A few weeks ago my Mum said to me "you never talk about your degree". She's right, I don't, and that got me thinking - why is that?
I suppose the main reason for that is this; I have a degree in Media Professional Studies but most of my experience is in events. Whilst at uni I took the opportunity to volunteer for as many events as possible and therefore build up my CV. That's what I enjoyed and it's now where I want to establish a career for myself.
Do I think I did the wrong course? In short, no. Part way through second year I told my personal tutor I thought I was on the wrong course. It came as a shock to her but I never considered changing. I stuck with it and carried on getting experience in the industry I had developed a passion for.
If I'd have been on a different course, I wouldn't have done everything that I have, both in uni and in terms of work experience, I wouldn't have met the people I have or made the amazing friends I did. I wouldn't be the person I am. Your experiences make you who you are and mine have certainly done that.
There are obviously things I would change about my course, but the less said about that the better. Overall, I wouldn't change my uni experience (maybe just some of the people I encountered along the way). If I could go back and do it all over again, would I choose a different course? To be honest, I really don't know.
I certainly wouldn't have this blog if it wasn't for my course.
Thursday 26 February 2015
Wednesday 25 February 2015
REBLOGGED: The Benefits of Attending University
Now this is one blog post I definitely agree with!!
University isn't for everyone. With the latest financial increase of student fees, I am not surprised that students are really considering another pathway to their goal. The increase in fees is such a hindrance for students today! As a university graduate, I thought I would offer my advice and share with you the 7 benefits of attending university. Now, I cannot lie. If the student fees were £9,000 a year when I was planning on going to university I am not 100% sure whether I would go. I am currently paying off my student debt and even though I am paying a much lower fee, it is still a large sum of money to be in debt with. My monthly payments make me want to cry every month but that's a decision I chose to make.
Apart from the money issue, there are loads of great reasons to attend university. It is always good to have the option and the decision shouldn't be made lightly!
So here are my 7 reasons to attend university..
1. EDUCATION
Okay, that sounds like the most boring title ever. However, I feel that I really enhanced my skills at university and I learnt how to become more organised and ready for the real world. My knowledge of the industry has vastly improved and I am a better worker for it.
2. FRIENDS
You make some amazing friends at university. I have a few very good friends and although once you leave you may not see them quite as often. You still have those memories and experience and well you can always plan a catch up!
3. SOCIAL LIFE
My social life was at a peak when I went to university. You experience so many crazy nights out that I don't think you would experience at any other point in your life. Of course you have to be careful and know your limits. But it's a great way to meet people and make new friends.
4. MOVING AWAY FROM HOME
I moved away from home to attend university. This isn't always the case and you need to really consider why you want to move in the first place. (Make sure you have a good reason to as living alone is expensive) I learnt how to take care of myself. After moving out of my parents house I found that I appreciated them so much more. You really don't know how much they do for you until you don't have them there. I was also able to grow as a person. I felt more independent and grown up.
5. STUDENT DISCOUNT
20% off at Topshop! This was probably my worst enemy when I was at university! Every time my student loan came through I would head over to Topshop! The student discount was crazy. You also receive discount in many high street stores it's like Christmas has come early.
6. TRAVEL
At my university I had the privileged of travelling all over. We had annual course trips to New York, Berlin and Tokyo. Although I couldn't really afford Tokyo or Berlin. I did visit New York for the first time and fell in LOVE! It was such an amazing experience for me and I felt so lucky! I have since been back and have made plans to travel there again later next year. It is just the most wonderful city.
7. WORK LIFE
My degree has helped me get a job! The qualifications that I received have really increase my chances of getting the career that I want. Like everything, having a well paid job and a successful career takes time. But it is something that I continue to strive towards.
There are so many incredible reasons to attend university. It really has to be the right decision for you! There are also negatives (money being one of them) university isn't cheap and it isn't a walk in the park. You have to work hard and get the most out of it.
There are quite a few things I would do differently. But I do not regret the experience. It made me who I am today.
Written by Roxanne
24th February 2015
Sprucenews
University isn't for everyone. With the latest financial increase of student fees, I am not surprised that students are really considering another pathway to their goal. The increase in fees is such a hindrance for students today! As a university graduate, I thought I would offer my advice and share with you the 7 benefits of attending university. Now, I cannot lie. If the student fees were £9,000 a year when I was planning on going to university I am not 100% sure whether I would go. I am currently paying off my student debt and even though I am paying a much lower fee, it is still a large sum of money to be in debt with. My monthly payments make me want to cry every month but that's a decision I chose to make.
Apart from the money issue, there are loads of great reasons to attend university. It is always good to have the option and the decision shouldn't be made lightly!
So here are my 7 reasons to attend university..
1. EDUCATION
Okay, that sounds like the most boring title ever. However, I feel that I really enhanced my skills at university and I learnt how to become more organised and ready for the real world. My knowledge of the industry has vastly improved and I am a better worker for it.
2. FRIENDS
You make some amazing friends at university. I have a few very good friends and although once you leave you may not see them quite as often. You still have those memories and experience and well you can always plan a catch up!
3. SOCIAL LIFE
My social life was at a peak when I went to university. You experience so many crazy nights out that I don't think you would experience at any other point in your life. Of course you have to be careful and know your limits. But it's a great way to meet people and make new friends.
4. MOVING AWAY FROM HOME
I moved away from home to attend university. This isn't always the case and you need to really consider why you want to move in the first place. (Make sure you have a good reason to as living alone is expensive) I learnt how to take care of myself. After moving out of my parents house I found that I appreciated them so much more. You really don't know how much they do for you until you don't have them there. I was also able to grow as a person. I felt more independent and grown up.
5. STUDENT DISCOUNT
20% off at Topshop! This was probably my worst enemy when I was at university! Every time my student loan came through I would head over to Topshop! The student discount was crazy. You also receive discount in many high street stores it's like Christmas has come early.
6. TRAVEL
At my university I had the privileged of travelling all over. We had annual course trips to New York, Berlin and Tokyo. Although I couldn't really afford Tokyo or Berlin. I did visit New York for the first time and fell in LOVE! It was such an amazing experience for me and I felt so lucky! I have since been back and have made plans to travel there again later next year. It is just the most wonderful city.
7. WORK LIFE
My degree has helped me get a job! The qualifications that I received have really increase my chances of getting the career that I want. Like everything, having a well paid job and a successful career takes time. But it is something that I continue to strive towards.
There are so many incredible reasons to attend university. It really has to be the right decision for you! There are also negatives (money being one of them) university isn't cheap and it isn't a walk in the park. You have to work hard and get the most out of it.
There are quite a few things I would do differently. But I do not regret the experience. It made me who I am today.
Written by Roxanne
24th February 2015
Sprucenews
Tuesday 24 February 2015
10 Best Places to Eat in Liverpool for Under £10
REBLOGGED: Getting Started in Your Career
So you’ve graduated and your last four years of classes, exams and essays seem exciting next to trying to find your first job. Your resume is blank aside from some previous retail or serving stints, and you don’t know where to start.
Sound familiar? If so, fret not, I was once there too, and there’s also a whole lot more who are in your exact position. The good thing is, you’re just a stepping stone away from building the next layer of bricks to your foundation, of creating your career and hopefully one day, your dream job/position/role.
Here are a handful of tips that I learnt along the way that I hope will provide some helpful tips:
Go get experience. Period. Unfortunately, an education is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s table stakes. Employers care about the skills you’ve acquired in past jobs that can be transferred and leveraged for your their company’s objectives. Don’t have any? If you’re still in school, do a co-op program. If not, suck it up and do an internship or volunteer. Everyone has to start somewhere. The value when you’re starting off is not the money – it’s the experience.
Brands matter. The fastest way you can make yourself appear credible is align yourself with credible brands. Try to volunteer or intern at companies that are well known in the industry you want to get in to.
Leverage what you’re naturally good at. Generally speaking, people tend to enjoy doing what they are good at. If you’re an extrovert, creative and artsy, you probably don’t want to invest in a career full of analytics and numbers. Also, understand that “glamourous” jobs are not what they appear to be. Every girl wants to be a fashion buyer, dreaming of a work day full of fashion shows and picking out pretty dresses. Research, and ask around and you’ll be surprised that buying consists of 70% number crunching.
Be realistic. Shoot for the stars, why not, but be realistic at the same time. No, simply writing down what you want and chanting positive affirmations taught in The Secret will not score you that killer job and high pay. Set your goals and break it down in to steps on how to get there and understand that it takes time to build. I’ve noticed that when someone asks me about career advice and I ask what they field they want to get in to, the answer is either Marketing or Fashion. If you’re in Vancouver, I have to caution you – the ratio between the amount of jobs in these fields compared to those applying is quite vast. I’m not saying to give up your marketing dreams, I’m in marketing myself, but be open to explore other industries and roles. Check out Monster.ca and other job sites to know what’s on the market, what jobs are in abundance and other fields out there that you may never even thought of.
It’s who you know. Networking matters. People knowing who you are, liking you, referring you and thinking about you when an opportunity comes up is something that can open big doors. Being a likeable person and an effective networker is not something you’re born with – it’s an acquired skill that takes practice and reflection. Meet people with the thought of “what can I do to help this person” versus, “what can I get” and you’ll be amazed at how people gravitate towards you. Or, get a mentor to get you jump started. The Forum of Women Entrepreneurs have a popular mentorship program.
Support. There are many organisations out there that can be a valuable resource for you. YWIB (Young Women in Business) is a network that connects young women from a variety of careers and industries. They have an upcoming event called Beyond Pink on Nov. 19 – 20, a two day conference where 250 females will listen to a line up of successful business people, network, and take away real world skills.
Dress the part. How you present yourself matters. Dress for the part you want. Don’t dress like you’re going to a nightclub and don’t wear fake eyelashes or 4-inch pumps. Don’t wear flip flops, loungewear, yoga wear (unless you work at Lululemon) or sittin-on-the-couch wear. Don’t pitch your voice squeaky high and end every statement like you’re asking a question. Why? Because that makes you look unsure and not confident. Instead, exude confidence and if you don’t got it, just fake it like you know what you’re doing (hey, many of us are still just faking it half the time anyway!). Stand tall and try to stay calm.
There you go, that’s what I’ve picked up along the way in a nutshell. I’m not a career counsellor nor do I know the secret recipe for getting the dream job. But, what I do know is that reading a ton of books on human behaviour, sales and marketing and writing down goals with plans on how to achieve them has helped me. I can’t take all the credit, I owe it to a lot of people who helped open doors for me along the way, and I’m extremely grateful for my supportive community. But that, takes time, effort and energy to build too, and if you are sensed as insincere, a social climber, a name dropper or a wannabe, people usually will stay away from you pretty darn quickly. So be nice, offer value, and do random acts of kindness and service. Vancouver is small, so watch what you gossip (and mean things you say on your social media networks) and a big no no to drunk club pics for the world wide web to see!
Written by Amy
10th November 2010
Just / My Type
Sound familiar? If so, fret not, I was once there too, and there’s also a whole lot more who are in your exact position. The good thing is, you’re just a stepping stone away from building the next layer of bricks to your foundation, of creating your career and hopefully one day, your dream job/position/role.
Here are a handful of tips that I learnt along the way that I hope will provide some helpful tips:
Go get experience. Period. Unfortunately, an education is no longer a competitive advantage, it’s table stakes. Employers care about the skills you’ve acquired in past jobs that can be transferred and leveraged for your their company’s objectives. Don’t have any? If you’re still in school, do a co-op program. If not, suck it up and do an internship or volunteer. Everyone has to start somewhere. The value when you’re starting off is not the money – it’s the experience.
Brands matter. The fastest way you can make yourself appear credible is align yourself with credible brands. Try to volunteer or intern at companies that are well known in the industry you want to get in to.
Leverage what you’re naturally good at. Generally speaking, people tend to enjoy doing what they are good at. If you’re an extrovert, creative and artsy, you probably don’t want to invest in a career full of analytics and numbers. Also, understand that “glamourous” jobs are not what they appear to be. Every girl wants to be a fashion buyer, dreaming of a work day full of fashion shows and picking out pretty dresses. Research, and ask around and you’ll be surprised that buying consists of 70% number crunching.
Be realistic. Shoot for the stars, why not, but be realistic at the same time. No, simply writing down what you want and chanting positive affirmations taught in The Secret will not score you that killer job and high pay. Set your goals and break it down in to steps on how to get there and understand that it takes time to build. I’ve noticed that when someone asks me about career advice and I ask what they field they want to get in to, the answer is either Marketing or Fashion. If you’re in Vancouver, I have to caution you – the ratio between the amount of jobs in these fields compared to those applying is quite vast. I’m not saying to give up your marketing dreams, I’m in marketing myself, but be open to explore other industries and roles. Check out Monster.ca and other job sites to know what’s on the market, what jobs are in abundance and other fields out there that you may never even thought of.
It’s who you know. Networking matters. People knowing who you are, liking you, referring you and thinking about you when an opportunity comes up is something that can open big doors. Being a likeable person and an effective networker is not something you’re born with – it’s an acquired skill that takes practice and reflection. Meet people with the thought of “what can I do to help this person” versus, “what can I get” and you’ll be amazed at how people gravitate towards you. Or, get a mentor to get you jump started. The Forum of Women Entrepreneurs have a popular mentorship program.
Support. There are many organisations out there that can be a valuable resource for you. YWIB (Young Women in Business) is a network that connects young women from a variety of careers and industries. They have an upcoming event called Beyond Pink on Nov. 19 – 20, a two day conference where 250 females will listen to a line up of successful business people, network, and take away real world skills.
Dress the part. How you present yourself matters. Dress for the part you want. Don’t dress like you’re going to a nightclub and don’t wear fake eyelashes or 4-inch pumps. Don’t wear flip flops, loungewear, yoga wear (unless you work at Lululemon) or sittin-on-the-couch wear. Don’t pitch your voice squeaky high and end every statement like you’re asking a question. Why? Because that makes you look unsure and not confident. Instead, exude confidence and if you don’t got it, just fake it like you know what you’re doing (hey, many of us are still just faking it half the time anyway!). Stand tall and try to stay calm.
There you go, that’s what I’ve picked up along the way in a nutshell. I’m not a career counsellor nor do I know the secret recipe for getting the dream job. But, what I do know is that reading a ton of books on human behaviour, sales and marketing and writing down goals with plans on how to achieve them has helped me. I can’t take all the credit, I owe it to a lot of people who helped open doors for me along the way, and I’m extremely grateful for my supportive community. But that, takes time, effort and energy to build too, and if you are sensed as insincere, a social climber, a name dropper or a wannabe, people usually will stay away from you pretty darn quickly. So be nice, offer value, and do random acts of kindness and service. Vancouver is small, so watch what you gossip (and mean things you say on your social media networks) and a big no no to drunk club pics for the world wide web to see!
Written by Amy
10th November 2010
Just / My Type
Monday 23 February 2015
Music Videos - Up Your Game!
I am in love with Avicii's new EP - The Days / Nights - no doubt about it, but what makes each of these tracks even better is the lyric videos which have been produced to accompany them. In a word they are fantastic. When lyric videos are being produced that are this good, surely music videos need to up their game!
REBLOGGED: 25 Ways to Stay Creative
I would say that I am a creative person. I always have been. I like to think outside the box and use my creativity to produce something different.
When you work everyday 9-5 sometimes your creativity is limited. Fortunately, my creative mind is appreciated and well used within my work place. But some people are not so lucky.
Today I thought it would be awesome to share ways I keep my creative mind active.. just in case.
Here are my 25 WAYS TO STAY CREATIVE
1. MAKE LISTS
2. CARRY A NOTEBOOK WITH YOUR EVERYWHERE
3. SING IN THE SHOWER
4. TAKE BREAKS
5. DON'T GIVE UP
6. TAKE A BREAK FROM THE COMPUTER
7. TAKE PICTURES OF YOUR LIFE
8. DO MORE OF WHAT MAKES YOU HAPPY
9. CREATE NEW MEMORIES
10. READ A PAGE FROM THE DICTIONARY
11. STOP TRYING TO BE SOMEONE ELSE'S PERFECT
12. TAKE RISKS
13. COLLABORATE
14. COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
15. TRY SOMETHING NEW
16. WRITE A BLOG.. CREATE A BLOG
17. DOODLE
18. HAVE FUN
19. LAUGH AND THEN LAUGH SOME MORE
20. ALLOW YOURSELF TO MAKE MISTAKES
21. SURROUND YOURSELF WITH CREATIVE PEOPLE
22. MAKE A MOODBOARD
23. WATCH FOREIGN FILMS
24. PRACTICE, PRACTICE, PRACTICE
25. FINISH SOMETHING..
Written by Roxanne
4th February 2015
Saturday 21 February 2015
REBLOGGED: Life of the Unemployed | Top Tips to get a Job
It is a popular topic today, life of the unemployed and the hardships that they face. Especially young people. After reading an interesting article on the BBC this morning, it reminded me of the time when I was unemployed. After leaving university, I had nothing to fall back on.
University prepares you for many things, but it doesn't prepare you for the rejection and disappointment of the knock-backs that you receive. I had no money coming in, my contract with my part-time job at Wallis (Arcadia Retail Store) was over as I had to move back home. I was at a stage in my life where I felt truly lost.
I have always worked. From the age of 16 I have had a job. It is very hard when you are use to a particular lifestyle that you have worked hard to create for yourself, to then start worrying whether you have enough money to pay your bills. Having a job was important to me, not only for career ambitions but the dreams and plans that I had. I couldn't realistically expect my parents to fund me and they weren't in any position to support me (although if I was desperate enough I am sure they would have done anything to help). But why should they? I was 23 years old.
I started my job hunt quite early when I was in my third year at university. I wanted to be prepared for life after education and honestly it was the most stressful few months when I graduated and didn't have a job. I know I cannot compare my struggle to those that struggle everyday. But I do understand the hardship and stress even though I was fortunate enough to have a loving family to motivate me.
If I could advise young people on anything it would be to keep searching. It is easy to say 'never give up' but honestly, something will come along. I had interview after interview, and eventually a company offered me an opportunity that changed my life. Which I will always be grateful for.
I thought it would be a good idea to share with you my top tips on job hunting.
TOP TIPS
1. WRITE THE PERFECT CV
Now, if you're not sure what sector of the industry you want to work in, writing a few different CV's to cater to different jobs is the best idea. Make sure you put across your ambition and what makes you the best candidate for the job.
2. SIGN UP TO JOB SERVICES
There are many recruitment websites that you can sign up to. Many of them have some excellent advice on how to structure your CV and covering letter. You can also create a profile and upload your qualifications which enables companies to view your details.
3. GET ON TO LINKEDIN
You do have to be careful what you post on social media. Recruiters and companies will search your profile on Facebook to get a better inclination on what type of person you are. LinkedIn is the best social media channel to network with potential employers. It is a space to share your experience, your qualifications and also what your ambitions are.
4. BE REALISTIC
It is very unlikely that you will get a high paying job after graduation (Sorry to burst your bubble). Be realistic with your salary expectations. We all wish we were being paid mega amounts for the work we do, but that just isn't the case unfortunately. Have a look into what the salary expectations are for graduate schemes and work your way up from there. Experience is what you're being paid for. The more experience you have the more value you have.
5. DON'T GIVE UP
Rejection from interviews is a natural thing. Many of us have been rejected for a job opportunity and although this may feel horrible at the time, use it to your advantage. Ask for feedback, where you could improve. Many employers will happily provide this for you and you can use this constructive criticism to make yourself better for the next opportunity that comes along.
Good luck with your job hunt, I know that it can be a struggle but you only need one yes to kick-start your career.
Written by Roxanne
Wednesday 11 February 2015
Liverpool Bucket List
The Liverpool Echo has come up with a bucket list of 32 things you should do in Liverpool, whether you are just visiting or live in the city and are looking for something to do. Check out the list below and I'm going to mark off any which I have already done.
1. Take a ferry 'cross the Mersey
I've always wanted to do this so that I can say I've seen the waterfront from the river but haven't been able to do that yet.
2. Watch a show at the Empire Theatre
3. Abseil down the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
I've been inside the cathedral and up to the top of the tower but never down it.
4. Ride the Wheel of Liverpool - Check!
5. Take part in the Mersey Tunnel 10k
6. Experience the acoustics at the Philharmonic Hall
7. Have your photo taken with Eleanor Rigby on Stanley Street - Check!
8. Go power boating along the Mersey
9. Pub crawl along Lark Lane
10. Visit the Anthony Gormley Iron Men statues on Crosby Beach - Check!
11. Watch a Liverpool match from the Kop
I've sat in the famous Kop on a few occasions but unfortunately I've not been able to watch a match yet.
12. Cheer on Everton from Gwladys Street
Definitely not considering I support Liverpool!
13. Take a stroll down Penny Lane
14. Climb up Everton Brow to watch the sun set over the city
Everton Brow is one of my favourite spots in Liverpool with amazing views of the whole city but I've not yet stopped to watch the sunset.
15. Have a pint in church
16. See a band at the Cavern
I've been in the Cavern Club a few times but not for a band as yet.
17. Take a guided tour of the Williamson Tunnels
18. Go to a gig at the Echo Arena - Check! (Tinie Tempah)
19. Watch the Grand National at Aintree
20. Dance under the falling petals at Alma de Cuba
21. Take part in the Sefton Park Lantern Parade
22. Get a selfie with a Liverpool celebrity
23. Hop on the Magical Mystery Tour
24. See an exhibition at Tate Liverpool - Check!
25. Watch a film under the stars at the Bombed Out Church
26. Get tickets to see The Open when it comes to Merseyside
27. Have a cocktail at the Panoramic bar in Liverpool's highest building, the West Tower
28. Get your picture in the Echo
I've not managed to get myself in the newspaper but I have got my photo on the Liverpool Echo website so that kind of counts.
29. Jin in Liverpool's Chinese New Year celebrations
30. Take the train to Freshfields and spot one of the rare red squirrels at the National Trust Formby
31. Go up St John's Beacon - Check!
32. Have a bowl of Scouse at Maggie May's on Bold Street
Always wanted to try Scouse.
1. Take a ferry 'cross the Mersey
I've always wanted to do this so that I can say I've seen the waterfront from the river but haven't been able to do that yet.
2. Watch a show at the Empire Theatre
3. Abseil down the Liverpool Anglican Cathedral
I've been inside the cathedral and up to the top of the tower but never down it.
4. Ride the Wheel of Liverpool - Check!
5. Take part in the Mersey Tunnel 10k
6. Experience the acoustics at the Philharmonic Hall
7. Have your photo taken with Eleanor Rigby on Stanley Street - Check!
8. Go power boating along the Mersey
9. Pub crawl along Lark Lane
10. Visit the Anthony Gormley Iron Men statues on Crosby Beach - Check!
11. Watch a Liverpool match from the Kop
I've sat in the famous Kop on a few occasions but unfortunately I've not been able to watch a match yet.
12. Cheer on Everton from Gwladys Street
Definitely not considering I support Liverpool!
13. Take a stroll down Penny Lane
14. Climb up Everton Brow to watch the sun set over the city
Everton Brow is one of my favourite spots in Liverpool with amazing views of the whole city but I've not yet stopped to watch the sunset.
15. Have a pint in church
16. See a band at the Cavern
I've been in the Cavern Club a few times but not for a band as yet.
17. Take a guided tour of the Williamson Tunnels
18. Go to a gig at the Echo Arena - Check! (Tinie Tempah)
19. Watch the Grand National at Aintree
20. Dance under the falling petals at Alma de Cuba
21. Take part in the Sefton Park Lantern Parade
22. Get a selfie with a Liverpool celebrity
23. Hop on the Magical Mystery Tour
24. See an exhibition at Tate Liverpool - Check!
25. Watch a film under the stars at the Bombed Out Church
26. Get tickets to see The Open when it comes to Merseyside
27. Have a cocktail at the Panoramic bar in Liverpool's highest building, the West Tower
28. Get your picture in the Echo
I've not managed to get myself in the newspaper but I have got my photo on the Liverpool Echo website so that kind of counts.
29. Jin in Liverpool's Chinese New Year celebrations
30. Take the train to Freshfields and spot one of the rare red squirrels at the National Trust Formby
31. Go up St John's Beacon - Check!
32. Have a bowl of Scouse at Maggie May's on Bold Street
Always wanted to try Scouse.
REBLOGGED: 13 Steps to Getting Your First Graduate Job
With so many graduates and soon-to-be graduates on the scene it is more important than ever to be prepared for a battle in the job market in order win over potential future employers. We have gathered a range of hints and tips in an effort to help equip you and to give you the best possible chance of finding your ideal job.
1. Use your personality to further your career
There are many blogs and articles that cover what behaviours recruiters look for in future leaders, however Donna Miller takes that idea further to explore personal branding techniques. Pick up some important personal branding tips here.
2. Boost your Job Prospect While You’re At University
Make the most of your time at university and use all the resources that the university has to offer. From voluntary work, to joining a society, to a part time job, or even organising charity events, make sure that you keep yourself busy throughout your time at university with activities that employers will value. Give your career prospects a boost by taking on some non-academic activities while at uni.
3. Don’t let social media shatter your job prospects
All students and graduates in guilty of the odd ‘Facebook stalking’ but if you think recruiters and employees don’t do the same you would be very wrong. Maybe you should think twice before you send that next Tweet. Pick up some tips on how not to pop your career options.
4. Could Twitter be your latest job searching tool?
‘Having a Twitter account is all well and good but can it highlight jobs and recruiters that are local to you?’ You betcha’ it can. How can you turn down a tool that lets you search for jobs and directly link you to the recruiter in charge? Pick up some basic Twitter tips here.
5. Cracking careers fairs
What is the best strategy for making a great impression at a career fair? Career Fairs are a tricky battlefield. There hundreds of opponents in the room all trying to get the attention of the recruiters. This fantastic article itemises the tactics you should use to win over company representatives and also notes the innovative ideas you think may work in fact why they will repel the recruiter. Read here on how to take on the careers fairs and come out victorious.
6. Networking is a great way to build up your professional contact list
Networking can seem like a daunting task but networking events can be a fantastic way to undercover some upcoming graduate roles. The problem is, very few people know to act in these situations. All too often you’ll meet a person who is all too eager to sell themselves and forgets to create influencing conversations. Discover the 5 ways to start getting connecting. Read the 5 ways to start networking conversations article here.
7. What do hiring managers look for in your cover letter?
It goes without saying that a great cover letter will always grab the attention of a recruiter. ‘The best cover letters are customized for each and every unique job and company. This can be time consuming but is a super successful technique for getting your cover letter read and into the interview pile.’ Discover 4 easy tips to making your cover letter stand out.
8. Yes, your email address really DOES count
It may seem like a minor detail but the wording in your email address is very important. You might have spent a great deal of time customising and refining your cover letter, but yourself in the recruiter’s shoes, would you invite a candidate to interview with an email address of partyanimal123@hotmail.org? Take a tip from Regina Van Bukleo on email address best practices.
9. Be great at interviews
Some say there is a real art to performing well in an interview. This short guide from Ashley Hever is complete with a variety of hints and tips and also covers what questions you should ask the recruiter at the end of an interview. Check out Ashley’s how to be great at interviews guide.
10. Act the part: role play-style interviews
Role play style interviews are becoming ever increasingly popular as a method to show how easily you can ‘act on your feet’ and to prove you have the right skills to perform the job role. This insightful blog entry from Leeds University tells the tale of Sophie, a recent graduate who was placed in a role play scenario, however fell into deep water when she realised she hadn’t done enough research into the role and started to wonder why she had even applied. Learn how to prepare yourself for a role play style interview here.
11. Surviving competency and strengths-based interviews
‘This type of interview is by far the most common and is all about your skills. The key to success here is being confident about three key areas: you, the company to which you are applying and the wider sector in which you want to work.’ Prepare and Practice for the most common of strength based interviews.
12. Prepare yourself for an assessment centre
Picture the scene: you have just been invited to the assessment centre for your dream job and so you start searching Google, high and low for anything that you can find to prepare you for the day. The problem is, when preparing for assessment centres that there is a very real danger of over preparation. Don’t forget, the whole idea of assessment centres is for the recruiter to see how well you work with the rest of the group to achieve a common goal. But what about on the day itself? Fear not! Read our comprehensive guide on how to be great at assessment centres, and you’ll be in with a fighting chance.
13. Survive your first day
You have finally bagged your first job, congratulations! All you have left to do now is make sure you survive your first day in your new job. Everybody wants their first day to be perfect, but they seldom are. To give yourself the best possible chance of making a great first impression make sure you read through our tips on how to make the most of your first day.
Written by Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Music Helps Propel the UK’s Creative Industries to a Record-Breaking Performance
"New figures published today [13th January 2015] by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport reveal that the UK’s Creative Industries, including our world-beating music sector, were worth £76.9 billion to the UK economy in 2013 – that’s £8.8m per hour, or £146,000 every single minute. The Creative Industries are growing faster than any other sector of the economy and now account for 5.6% of all UK jobs." says the BPI. Read the full article here.
REBLOGGED: How to Write a Cold Email That Will You Land You a Job
Anyone who’s worked with me knows I’m big fan of the cold email. When applying for a job, I actually believe your application isn’t complete until you’ve sent one.
What is a cold email?
Well, in my definition, it’s reaching out by email to someone you do not know. Since The Prepary is all about the job search, we’re talking about using cold emails to express interest in a certain company or job. Note that I consider a second-degree connection to someone—or a person you’ve gotten an introduction to—more of a “warm email.”
When is it most effective to send one?
Some people will say it’s very effective to send cold emails just to network, ask someone for coffee, or find out how to get into a certain company. I don’t feel this way.
Keeping in mind that the person you’re emailing is a complete stranger and doesn’t owe you anything at all, I recommend using cold emails in a very specific way: To express interest in a job that you are both passionate about and qualified for.
So what makes a great cold email? There are really three main components that I find important.
1. You’re offering something to the recipient versus asking for something
For me, this is the most important point. When’s the last time you went out of your way to help a complete stranger get a job? My guess is that it doesn’t happen often. No one is going to hand you an interview because you happened to email. They’re a lot more likely to help you out if there’s something in it for them.
What’s in it for them you might ask? Well, say you’re cold-emailing about a public relations assistant job. Let’s assume you’re either reaching out to a recruiter at the company or someone on the public relations team. If that public relations assistant role is posted online and open, it means they’re trying to fill it. Filling a job is hard work—it’s difficult to find great candidates who are also a good match for the work environment and team culture.
If you’re qualified for that public relations assistant job, know a ton about the company, and are dying to work there, you reaching out is helping them solve the problem of needing to fill that job.
As long as there’s something in it for them, you’re already on the right track to making your cold email effective.
As long as there’s something in it for them, you’re already on the right track to making your cold email effective.
So what’s in it for them? An amazing candidate is essentially showing up at their doorstep! Of course, there are also other things that you can “bring to the table.” Perhaps you can offer feedback on a product or knowledge in a certain area, or you’re volunteering to help on a project.
2. It’s personalized and thoughtful
Copying and pasting the same exact cover letter and changing the company name isn’t going to work, and the same thing applies to cold emails. An impersonal and hasty cold email isn’t going to be effective.
A great cold email is personalized. With today’s resources, even if someone is a complete stranger, they’ll likely still have an online presence. Understanding their work history via LinkedIn, reading a blog post they wrote, or finding some other way to relate to them will help your outreach.
People like to know that if they’re taking the time to read something, you actually took some time to write it. So make sure you come across as thoughtful and not “mass-email-y”—a term I just made up.
3. It’s respectful and not entitled
You may want to check out this related post that covers the basic etiquette of reaching out cold. The most important piece of etiquette is to not make it sound like the recipient owes you anything or that you’re entitled to their time or help in any way.
There’s nothing worse than someone demanding to meet with you or coming across as arrogant. I don’t even know you, remember? So that’s the first way to get me to the delete button.
In closing…
Cold emails are a great way to get your resume seen and considered—take a look at this success story. You won’t get a response every time, but it sure will save you from the resume black hole.
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