Preparing for Graduate Employment - Assignment 1

1. Demonstrate the following knowledge and understanding

• Evaluate the current developments in recruitment and the requirements for successful employability

2. Demonstrate the following skills and abilities

• Articulate a personal development plan to strengthen and evidence your capabilities and demonstrate what you have to offer employers through different phases of the application and selection process

What am I required to do in this assignment?

This assignment is designed to enable you to become business-ready and to utilize your remaining studies to enable you to compete successfully in your chosen graduate employment sector.

1. You will produce an introductory written summary (1,000 words).  In this you will analyse how the initial activities:

(designing a WIX website, setting up a Linked In account and connecting with others, writing a tailored CV, completing the IBM application form which has been provided with job details provided, researching and talking to an employer of your choice, completing the skills audit form provided, studying telephone, video, face to face interviews and pitch presentations) have prepared you for work.

Comment on the use of social media in the form of a personal website and benefit of  ‘Linked In’ contacts to promote yourself and network.  Also, analyse how the skills audit questionnaire completion has enabled you to evaluate gaps in your knowledge and skills. Comment on how the interview with an employer and additional research into the company enabled you to prepare tailored documentation based on the current requirements of your chosen industry. In addition you will need to evaluate your strengths and weaknesses, identifying how well you currently meet person specifications for the sort of positions you hope to gain after your first degree.

2.  You will produce appendices comprising documentation required for the various stages of the application process and a discussion with an employer about what they are looking for.

The appendices to include:

Completion of the Skills Audit Questionnaire(provided) using ‘STAR’ to give clear examples Notes from a discussion with an employer on what they look for in a graduate and complete research on the company suitable for Interview preparation (on the form provided).

Completion of a Tailored Application Form(IBM form provided, applying for business consultancy graduate role provided) Compose your Tailored CV with links to WIX.com Personal Profile and ‘Linked In’ profile with contacts added

What do I need to do to pass? (Threshold Expectations from UIF)

In order to pass Assignment 1 you will need to:

• Identify quantifiable gaps in your knowledge and personal skills through the process of completing a gap analysis utilizing and producing documentation required for the application process currently in operation for industries relevant to your course.

Preparing to speak to potential employers

Making a good impression is vital.  By researching effectively you will be more aware of the industry as a whole and know which employers may best suit your professional ambitions.  You will have a greater awareness of what they are looking for in their ideal candidates and how you will demonstrate this effectively in the application and interview stages. 

Talk to as many people as you can and be confident with your questions. Write down what they say. By breaking your research down into manageable chunks you’re less likely to feel overwhelmed. Concentrate on getting the following questions answered:

• Name of organisation
• What does the organisation do? What products and/or services does it offer?
• What is the job vacancy situation like in your company/job sector?
• What application process does your company require?
• What advice do you have for graduates finding a job?
• What skills are you looking for in a graduate?
• How do you use social media?
• What are the biggest mistakes graduates make applying for jobs/attending interviews?
• How many people applied for your job/the latest vacancy in your organisation
• What are the current trends in your area of the job market?
• What are the biggest challenges you experience in your particular industry?
• What makes a graduate attractive to a potential employer?
• What can I do now to improve my chances when I graduate?

• Follow Up – your reflection on talking to employers
  
  
• What did you gain from talking to potential employers?
• How did the experience change your perceptions on industry? What surprised you?
• What skills do you need to think about improving upon?
• What will you now do to build upon your skills to ensure you are more employable when you graduate?