Tricks to Tips: The Graduate Employment Market

Recent data has shown that around a quarter of 21 year old graduates are facing unemployment. Records of are at an all time high and this may be frustrated by the fact that between 2001 and 2011 there was a 41% increase of those choosing a graduate level qualification. See: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=39Hvxw2XNGk .  Many reports based on the Office of National Statistics data, as supplied by the Labour Force Market survey, are keen to convey that a massive 73% of graduates from last year are employed. This is what we might call, ‘in real terms’.

But what information are we missing?

When looking to the media for answers, keep in mind that the Guardian is financed by The Scott Trust and owned by nobody. Therefore their journalists enjoy a free speech like no other newspaper. Returning to the point; two questions spring immediately to mind. What is the percentage of graduates failing to participate in surveys?  Some may not wish to share their lack of success. For example the DLHE questionnaire which acts as a guide to current students, demonstrates the previous year’s career destinations.[i] It is therefore uncertain how comprehensive this publication can ever be.

In addition, is the data that is collected missing the point entirely? Focusing on the level of work these employed graduates are finding themselves reveals a harsh reality. [ii]It has been suggested that after six months 38% of graduates were in non-graduate levels of employment, bar work being the most common. [iii]

 It certainly is tough and disheartening to be seeking a career platform at the low ebb of a recession. Universities should be ensuring that their students are adequately prepared for what awaits them and there should be ongoing assistance post-graduation. Employers have the opportunity to cherry pick their employees and this can further disadvantage a graduate. So what incentives are there to keep chipping away at your goals?

The double-edged sword:

It is advised that volunteering can build on credentials and while this is great, it may be an issue if combined with part time hours. For example; if claiming Job Seekers Allowance under the age of 25, the maximum entitlement is £53.45. In order to qualify, an applicant must spend less than 16 hours in paid work per week.[iv] A graduate therefore may be able to acquire a few hours working in their chosen field, perhaps building a portfolio or undertaking a lower role. The caveat however, which is neglected to be conveyed with clarity is this: typically, single JSA claimants in part time work are entitled to the first £5 of their earnings. Therefore it is not financially rewarding to work more than 1 hour a week, even though to do so may be of inestimable value to your CV. This clandestine agenda forces graduates to either go it alone or remain on benefits hindering their own progress.  There are little incentives and in addition no leeway for those who need that last little support before flying the career nest.

A self-help checklist: 

On a lighter note it is important to remain focused and positive. The most basic of check lists can prove beneficial.  It is essential to be on the radar of relevant recruitment agents and to keep your CV up to date. A good recruitment agent will have vital connections and an influential relationship with key firms. For a comprehensive service that includes a skills health check, CV suggestions and interview tips see: https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk/Pages/home.aspx.

In addition,http://www.volunteering.org.uk/ will find your local volunteering centre and positions related to your chosen field. Volunteering provides a chance to give something back, remain occupied and possibly make some crucial connections.

                                                                                                              

It may also be advantageous to start a blog based on your desired career path. This has the potential to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to prospective employers.  It will keep your mind active and the research will ensure a current and relevant grasp in your field.

Networking is an important path to awareness of opportunities. Many employers do not formally advertise, so an awareness of which companies are likely to expand followed up with an introductory letter may enjoy sole attention. The path into the informal job market may be the slow burn approach, however, for those yet to gain the relevant credentials; it is certainly an additional ball worth juggling. For more on this see: 8Steps to Getting What You Want Without Formal Credentials.                                                                                                                                         

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[i] http://www.guardian.co.uk/money/2012/feb/22/graduates-unemployment-levels-school-leavers

[ii] http://www.guardian.co.uk/news/datablog/2012/mar/06/graduate-employment-low-skill-jobs

[iii] http://careers.guardian.co.uk/careers-blog/graduate-labour-market-figures

[iv]http://www.direct.gov.uk/prod_consum_dg/groups/dg_digitalassets/@dg/@en/documents/digitalasset/dg_200090.html

Survival of the technologist; Social Media.

Amongst a worry that teachers and veterans of the PR profession are in danger of being left behind, we begin to question what the future holds. Students fresh out of University are more likely to have their finger on the social media pulse and this puts them ahead of the game.[i] The integration of digital communication methods in business, PR, marketing and general life has become too important to ignore.

We now have a long list of items that babies born in recent times will not grow to see. For example: the separation between office and home.[ii] The Huffington Post[iii] also added this to their list of things that will become obsolete this decade. The expansion of Wi-Fi access points and unrelenting developments of devices such as smartphones and conveniently lightweight laptops, means that pressure on technophobics is set to intensify.

The ubiquitous selection of social media platforms available including Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn and blogging, have become an essential source for business prevalence and communication. With the currently available technology, we are increasingly accessible almost anywhere. Moreover, mobile access to social connections means that it is now possible to readily furnish our own media items whilst keeping informed on current issues. This offers the potential to be aware of advancing opportunities and contemporary trends at all times.

Tablets such as the iPad (first launched 3^rd April 2010) have provided an innovative solution to engaging with customers and colleagues alike. The lightweight touch screen has the capability of showcasing presentations, videos and other impressive displays designed to allure your audience.   The most recent item on the market launched last week is the new iPad, which has been dubbed the iPad 3 or iPad HD. It boasts four times as many pixels as its predecessor, but aside from an impressive “retina display” this device may carry some crucial indications about the future.

The iPad 3 offers no USB port, which suggests that it is in storage limbo. Although it is foreseeable that iCloud type storage will become the norm, rendering discs and USB devices obsolete, that is yet to come to fruition. In addition the new voice dictation accessory has its criticisms. Designed to facilitate emails and typing on the go, the new facility, similar to an App already available fails to scramble an English accent efficiently. [iv] It is possible to see however that the possibilities in forthcoming developments will be monumental once perfected. It is optional to purchase the new iPad with 4G via Long-Term Evolution, which offers a faster more adept mobile internet connection. Innovations in mobile network access therefore predict further increases in potential and capabilities. Businesses must harness the latest technological developments in order to secure a budding link of communication and an up to speed overview of their arena.

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[i] http://craigpearce.info/public-relations/integrating-social-media-pr-teaching-practice/

[ii] By Stacy Johnson | MoneyTalksNews – Wed, Jan 5, 2011

[iii] http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/12/22/obsolete-things-decade_n_800240.html#s210853&title=The_Separation_Between

[iv] http://www.guardian.co.uk/technology/2012/mar/15/apple-ipad-3-review?CMP=NECNETTXT8187

Hi All,

Its been a little while since the last blog so we have a lot to catch up on.

Jan and Feb have been busy busy months for spitfire, we have seen a massive increase in the number of roles we have, the candidates applying to each position and most importantly a very high success rate of placing candidates.

Public relations in London right now is a very popular career, and the only way to keep up with the latest roles is by following our twitter account @spitfireltd or "liking" our business page on facebook.

We have joined up with some of the best resourcers in the industry to be able to spend more time focused on offering you the candidate more positions.

Keep in touch 01227 773131

John Russell
Director

UK unemployment up to 2.685m People

Figures released today have shown UK unemployment rose by 118,000 people in the three months to November to 2.685 million.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said the unemployment rate also rose to 8.4% from 8.3%, the highest since January 1996. The number of people who are now claiming either Jobseekers or some other government allowance rose by 1,200 to 1.6 million in December 2011.

Young people are one of the worst affected age groups with some1.43m, taking the percentage of 16-24 year-olds claiming work related benefits to 22.3%. These statistics are despite a rise in the number of people in employment in the three months to November by 18,000 to 29.119 million.

David Cameron, said the figures were not good news: "Any increase in unemployment is disappointing and obviously a tragedy for the person who becomes unemployed - that is why we are taking action to get people back to work".

David Cameron did emphasise that a small increase in the number of people who successfully secured employment was at least positive whilst identifying a small fall in the long-term unemployed.

Ed Miliband, leader of the Labour party said the government "was cutting too far and too fast" and accused the prime minister of being "out of touch", when directing eyes to the slight rise in employment figures.

Are you unemployed or facing job loss? Is enough being done to tackle the problem?

Common Types of Interview and What to Expect

If you've not had an interview for a while, it's worth knowing that organisations use several types of interview for different types of job. Here is a list of the more common types:



Competency-based


These interviews focus on the skills and attributes needed for the job, so you'll have to relate your skills and experience to the job in question.




Technical



These are for technical positions such as IT or engineering jobs. You may be asked to demonstrate your technical knowledge of a certain process or skill. This could include talking about your technical experience or by asking you hypothetical questions, such as "what would you do if you were working on this project?"




Face-to-face


This is where the interviewer meets with the candidate in person.




Telephone



Some organisations use telephone interviews as the first stage of screening. You may be warned in advance or contacted out of the blue. First impressions count, so you should prepare for a telephone interview just as much as you would for a face-to-face interview.




Panel


This is where more than one person is giving the interview. Usually, one person chairs the interview and panel members take it in turns to ask you different questions. You should direct your answer mainly towards the panel member that asked the question.

Jobseekers Not Making The Most of Social Networking

When it comes to looking for a new job, your social network really could hold the key.



According to an online survey carried out by YouGov, approximately one in five jobseekers do not tell others they are job hunting. BraveNewTalent.com commissioned the study, which revealed that over 1/3 of those aged 55 or over do not share others their job plans with others, while just 7% of 18-24year olds keep quiet about it.


The online survey found that relying on personal contacts is one of the most effective ways to land yourself a new position, as 62% of people have recommended a job to a family member, friend or colleague. Of this 62%, 57% succeeded in securing the job.


A separate survey also found that a growing number of employers say they either intend to, or will, use social networking sites as a means of recruitment. Despite this, only 1 in 10 people use online social networking sites to inform others they are seeking employment. This suggests that by not putting the word out online, people are losing out on a host of potential work opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions about CVs

Here we answer some frequently asked questions about CVs:




How long should my CV be?

A CV should be no longer than two pages, with line spaces between each section.


(Two pages may seem like not much space. If you struggle to stick to this you can free up some space by being brief on some less important details, such as jobs you held a long time ago.)




How should I present my CV?


A CV should be printed on white A4 paper, with consistent font usage, bold and bigger font for headings. Keep the layout simple, and use white space (rather than lines or graphics) to separate the sections.
Use good quality paper, as first impressions count. A photograph is not necessary for your CV (unless the job is for modelling or acting!).




What kind of writing style should l use?


CVs should be concise and easy to read. The words you use in your writing could make a big difference – try to use active words such as ‘managed’, ‘led’ and ‘achieved’ when describing previous jobs.


Always check your final CV for spelling and grammar mistakes. You can do this on the computer, but it is also a good idea to have it checked by somebody else.



Do I need different CVs for different jobs?

A CV should be tailored for the job you're applying for, matching your skills and experience to the requirements of the job. If you're replying to a job advert, look at the person specification and make sure these skills are mentioned in your CV.


Remember you can always keep a template CV – a basic document containing your employment history, which can be added to and tailored accordingly, depending on the job you are applying for.



Doesn't everyone stretch the truth a bit on their CV?

Although you want to sell yourself and put your skills and experience in the best light, never be tempted to invent qualifications or previous jobs! You may be asked for more information about them when attending an interview.



Where can I get more help with my CV?

We at Spitfire Recruitment Ltd offer help and advice for writing CVs and cover letters. Also check other posts on this blog for what not to put on your CV, as well as common CV writing mistakes.