Monthly Archives: April 2020

My Experience Completing Online Courses

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Written by Annie

 

During my academic studies I have utilised the resources of online courses from various website resources to greater my understanding and expertise of certain topics. The reason in which I use online courses is that they can give me a more in-depth analysis, real life case studies and test me on what I have learnt and the progress I have made.

I find online courses so useful as it enables me to work at my own pace, having no assignment to prove I understand the course and being able to use the online discussion facility to look at different perspectives to the course content from all over the world.

 

Key Areas:

Increasing your employability

There will be certain job specifications and applications that ask for the basic understanding of certain areas. This may be because they have run business projects, campaigns, adhere to a governing bodies/legislation, use certain software tools and data base systems. Online courses have introductions to all these areas and really begin by giving you the basics. This can help in all stages of the application processes as you can give examples of the courses undertaken, what you have learnt and explain how this could facilitate you being the perfect candidate for the job role you’re applying for.

 

Research, using your Initiative, increasing self-motivation

There are core transferable skillsets that can and will assist you in departments of any job role. Research skills demonstrate that you can collect, gather and prioritise information and can deliver this to your target audience concisely and professionally. Using your initiative shows your ability to work independently and that you can make solid decisions on your own accord with minimal guidance. Self-motivation is the ability to complete tasks in a timely manner and ensure your working to be the best you can be at any given time. These are all core skills that can be evidenced and are demonstrated by undertaking online courses. As you will be self-motivating yourself to research into topics and certain courses to enhance your skillset and this is solely completed from your own initiative and research to increase your employability and demonstrates commitment and dedication to improving your knowledge.

 

For Fun!

Undertaking online courses doesn’t have to consist of all academic topics. There are a multitude of skills you can learn, topics you want to know more about or simply because you have never had the time to learn how to; learn a language, study the innovation of fashion, use photoshop, draw/paint, interior design, art of social media. There are many different topics covering how to become an Air bnb host to mastering Feng Shui of household improvements.

 

Did you find this blog post useful? Give it a like if you did!

Are you partaking in any online courses? Let us know in the comments!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Finding Work During Covid!

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Written by Rosie

Are you sat at home right now, bored of watching Netflix and worrying about what the COVID-19 situation means for you? Now is a really good time to apply for some temporary work in your local community, who could really do with your help. It doesn’t matter what your academic background is in, all of us have something to offer to support our community.

 

Here are a couple of examples of some temporary positions that are recruiting right now, many with immediate starts:

1) Supermarkets

All supermarkets such as Aldi, Tesco and Sainsbury’s are experiencing a massive increase in demand while people are told to stay home and only leave for essential groceries. They are looking for people to make sure the shelves are fully stocked every day, checkout staff to work quickly getting people in and out the store as quickly and calmly as possible and people to keep the store clean and safe. Check out MyCareer and Indeed for a number of different supermarket roles or next time you are in store for your essential, ask them (from a distance) if they need any more staff.

 

2) Delivery Drivers

If you have a car or motorbike you could apply for a wide range of delivery positions. There are some paid ones for take-out delivery, Amazon or other online shopping services and supermarket food delivery drivers all of whom are experiencing a massive increase in demand. Some positions are even provided vehicles if you have the right driving experience but no vehicle.

There are also some voluntary positions for drivers with the NHS including;

· Community response volunteer- collecting food and medication to deliver to those in self-isolation

· Patient transport volunteer- driving medically fir patients back home and ensure they are settled back in

· NHS transport volunteer- transporting equipment and medication between NHS services, sites and pharmacies.

 

3) NHS Bank Staff

The NHS are asking people to apply for bank staff to cope with the increasing pressures they are facing. This means if you apply you will be called upon to assist in areas such as Catering Ward Assistant so the clinical staff can focus all their time and attention to helping their patients. To apply for these roles, you do not need any clinical or NHS experience, they are looking for adaptable, motivated team members. Take a look on MyCareer or on hospital websites to apply for some of these roles and see what different types there are.

 

4) 111 Call Handlers

The non-emergency 111 line is also recruiting call handlers to cope with the number of people falling ill or worried about having COVID-19. Have a look in your local area to see if they are recruiting. Some forces have put out calls especially for college and university students so get applying!

 

Did you find this blog post useful? Give it a like if you did!

Are you looking for work? Get in touch with our Career Coaches!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Looking on The Bright Side of Covid

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Written by Bertha

No one is finding these times easy but here is a thought-provoking question, can we all possibly look on the bright side of COVID-19?

 

I believe that this pandemic should not frighten us but bring us closer to our families and loved ones during this isolation. I believe that we are being given another opportunity to make things right. Partners should be more intimate, families should be more united (spend time together doing some indoor games and activities), parents should spend more time with their children and communicate more with them. You have this isolation period to correct so many mistakes you made. Also, do not stay idle during this period, be more lucrative, do more research, invest in your mental and physical wellbeing, read a new book, have a daily routine, learn new things, spend some time to reflect and meditate, acquire new skills.

 

Change your mindset and outlook on this pandemic and you can channel your idleness and paranoia into a strong formidable force that will drive you to achieve change and success.

 

The best thing you can do now is plan for how you can adapt your daily routine, and that of others in your household, to be able to follow this advice. Some of the ways in which you could prepare include:

  • Make sure that you keep in touch with friends and family over the phone or through social media

  • Think about things you can do during your time at home. Try and keep yourself busy with activities such as family games, cooking, reading, online learning and watching films.

  • Some jobs have made the necessary adjustments to enable their employees to work from home and if this is something you are not used to then try your best to learn how to do this by watching videos on how to use the software or apps your company is using or asking someone to teach you.

  • You may also find it helpful to plan in advance what you will do for the next couples of weeks by making a calendar on daily tasks to be accomplished.

  • Do not forget that physical exercise can be good for your wellbeing. Look for online classes or courses that can help you take light exercise in your home.

  • If your job has been put on hold then search for online jobs (remote working) which you can do from the comfort of your house and earn some money.

  • Most importantly utilise the resources available to support you and your family during these times.

 

Things are certainly not going to be the same but with the right mindset, approach, planning and preparations we will all go through this and grow stronger together, stand taller and be proud of ourselves. We are overcomers and will surely overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

Did you find this blog post useful? Give it a like if you did!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Interested in Working For Yourself?

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Find Out More About BeInspired!

 
 

Did you know?

You have access to a fully funded programme which provides you with everything you need to be successfully self-employed. This includes up to £3000 free grant to bring your idea to reality.

Many of our Graduates (about 26%) go into some form of self-employment, whether that be freelancing, commissioning, contracting, blogging, vlogging or generally being part of the gig economy. The support we can provide will give you more control over your earning potential and the opportunity to apply your academic skills doing something you enjoy.

Our current sustainability figure (Graduates staying ‘open for business’) is around 80% compared to a national figure of 55%.

Fancy a chat?

Ping us an email beinspired@staffs.ac.uk with your preferred contact details and we’ll get back to you at a time that suits you. Or, give us a call on 01785 353809 ?.

 

Did you find this blog post useful? Give it a like if you did!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

How To Get Ahead of The Game For When The Covid-19 Pandemic is Over

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Written by Becky

 
 

As you are all aware, the Covid-19 pandemic has caused much of the world to come to a halt, including our work, travel, leisure and social life. It is an especially daunting time for university students trying to adjust to all of the changes happening whilst still studying for exams, deadlines and looking for industry experience. However, this change and new-found time shouldn’t be seen as a negative! I’m going to give you four top tips on how to get organised and ahead of the competition for when the pandemic has ended.

 

CV’s and Cover Letters

There is no better time to perfect your CV than now!

Many roles have suspended their recruitment processes for the foreseeable future, giving you a great opportunity to work on your CV to make you stand out once they re-open. The Career Studio has now gone digital, which means that out team of Career Coaches are still on hand to help you every day through this pandemic, providing you with tailored advice. Another essential part of the recuirtment process is a cover letter. These are often not focused on as much as CVs, however, they provide a first impression of you to the employer and provide an opportunity to sell yourself enough to make them want to read your CV. You can utilise your time to make a draft cover letter which you can adjust to any job you apply for in the future. Access the cover letter template resources and advice via: careers@staffs.ac.uk.

 

Draft Applications

Get your applications in quicker by having a draft at hand to alter and submit each time! This gives you more time to target your applications to the role rather than starting from scratch and missing key information due to time constraints. Have all of your standard information (addresses, grades, work history) written in one place and underneath include some examples where you have demonstrated certain skills. A lot of applications will ask you to discuss the skills listed in the job specifications so look at previous job postings and use the STAR technique to write some examples which can be adapted to future questions! (try to stick to approx. 300 words so you can add/remove content if you need to).

S-situation – T-task – A-action – R-Response

this is handy for interview prep too!

 

Take Advantage of LinkedIn!

LinkedIn is a fantastic networking tool that you can be using. During this pandemic, almost everything is now operating online, so keep up with the trend and network with employers as much as you can! You can use this to browse job opportunities that may still be open, follow up previous opportunities or research/enquire into companies which you are interested in working for. Another bonus of LinkedIn is that Staffordshire University students have access to LinkedIn Learning. Take advantage of this and take some short courses from the comfort of your own home to add to your page and show employers you are still engaging with material related to your career. You can cover topics such as Microsoft office to industry specific software. More information can be found on:

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/library/eresources/linkedin-learning/

 

Gaining Work Experience

You may have heard the phrase ‘key worker’ a lot over the past few weeks, and this means that there are job roles which are classed as essential during this pandemic and are in high demand! There are so many vacancies at the moment for roles such as retail assistants, health care assistants and emergency call handlers. These are fully paid, temporary jobs in which you can gain transferrable skills and list on your CV. Alternatively, there are also an abundance of voluntary roles in need of filing, especially for charities and the NHS, some of which don’t even require you to leave your home. Take a look at local organisations and the NHS website to find a role to suit you so you can help your community whilst gaining valuable voluntary experience. Employers often look for candidates who will be open to continuous learning and new opportunities, so any experience you gain in now will

show you are adaptable and versatile!

 
 

Did you find this blog post useful? Give it a like if you did!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Been Rejected? Unsure of what to do now?

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Written by Ellen

Being rejected might be one of the worst feelings in the world, but it can help you improve and grow if you handle it correctly.

So, you’ve been for a job interview and have just been told that the company won’t be giving you the job. You feel down heartened. You feel a bit upset. You may go and binge eat some cake, and that is okay!

It is completely normal to feel any sort of emotion, when you receive bad news. The most important thing, is to use this opportunity to develop yourself and find out what went wrong.

 

Firstly, can you ask for feedback?

This is the best way to find out the reasons why you weren’t offered the job. It might be frightening and much easier to not request for feedback, but if you don’t, the experience of the interview process is worth almost nothing. Most employers will send you direct feedback from the interview; however, some of the larger companies are a bit harder to contact so you may have to persevere with contacting them to get your feedback.

 

What should you do with the feedback?

Depending on the feedback provided, it may be hard to not feel angry at the company. If that is the case, take a deep breath before reading the next point and maybe have someone else read them to you in a softer manner. For example, the feedback will mention that you didn’t show that you’d researched the company enough or that you didn’t have the correct qualifications. In these cases, you know for your next interview to fully read the qualifications that are required to make sure that you match the criteria, and to research the company’s values and projects that they have been involved in.

 

The feedback may include points such as, not giving good evidence to your skills, not being involved in team assessments or not being as motivated as they were expecting. Again, in these cases, a reflection on how you think you did in the interview is a good start. Do you agree with the feedback? How can you do better next time? If you didn’t do well in team assessments, maybe you need more experience of doing them, or you should apply for jobs that aren’t as reliant on team skills.

 

How to improve?

Experience of completing interviews is the best way to get better at interviews! I know this isn’t always possible, you can ask friends and family about their experiences or come and have a mock interview with us in the Career Studio.

 

If you have an obvious skills gap, how can you fill it? Volunteering is an amazing way to gain skills for your CV but also give you experiences to talk about in an interview.

 

Research the company’s values. Find out if they are family focused or prefer people that can work more independently. You can then talk about your skills in relation to this during an interview.

 

Change the negatives into positives.

 

Let us know in the comments if you found this blog post was useful!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Take an Online Course!

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Free/ Discounted Online Courses and Tutorials Available!

Written by Annie

 
 

There are many courses available online to further your learning and development. This could be to research into certain topics of your degree you want to gain more knowledge on, or simply learning about new topics, how to use certain software and the ability to start afresh in different subjects.

 

Future Learn

URL- https://www.futurelearn.com

Future learn has a range of courses in diverse subjects that are constantly being updated and added to each week. There are over 300+ free courses that combine video, audio, articles and discussion with others completing the course. All courses are taught my professors, academics and professionals. They have short courses in topics ranging from Business fundamental, Innovation in Fashion, Humanitarian Aid, Cultural Intelligence, Mindfulness and Health Systems strengthening.

A subject section that would benefit your skills within Careers is the Study Skill section.

There is access to research methods, how to transition effectively to online working and how to succeed at writing applications.

 

Udemy

URL- https://www.udemy.com/

Udemy has the world’s largest selection of online courses and these are very specific and detailed in every aspect. There are courses available for web development in areas such as (Java Script, CSS, WordPress), Design (Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate) and many more areas that have tutorials in specific software and platforms.

 
 

Discounted Courses:

DISCOUNTED ADOBE ILLUSTRATOR

Illustrator 2020 Masterclass/ Essentials/Advanced Training courses.

URL- https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?q=adobe%20illustrator&src=sac&kw=ADOBE%20ILL

 

DISCOUNTED PHOTOSHOP COURSES

Ultimate photoshop from beginner to pro/ Photoshop Essentials training course

URL- https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?src=ukw&q=photoshop

 

DISCOUNTED AFTER EFFECTS

Complete course from Novice to Expert/ Masterclass/ Motion Graphics

URL- https://www.udemy.com/topic/after-effects/

 

DISCOUNTED MICROSOFT OFFICE COURSES

Microsoft Office Advanced/Basic/Intermediate/ Office shortcuts.

URL- https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?src=ukw&q=photoshop

 

DISCOUNTED LINKED IN TOOLS

LinkedIn marketing and networking strategies, LinkedIn Essentials

URL- https://www.udemy.com/topic/linkedin/

 

DISCOUNTED WORK PRESS

WordPress for beginners – creating a website step by step – Complete WordPress Business Course

URL- https://www.udemy.com/courses/search/?src=ukw&q=word%20press

 
 

External Key Links:

Free Courses:

https://www.reed.co.uk/courses/free – Business, Book-Keeping and Accounting Qualifications.

https://www.oxfordhomestudy.com/free-online-courses-with-certificates – Business, Marketing, PR

https://alison.com/courses – Certificates in Management, E-Commerce, Food Safety

https://www.findcourses.co.uk/training/vision2learn/ – Finding Free courses in any area

 

Discounted Courses:

https://www.thecoursemix.co.uk/discount-courses/ – Social Marketing, Economics, Business

https://www.groupon.co.uk/occasion/online-courses – Discount on an abundance of courses.

https://www.findcourses.co.uk/search/affordable-training-courses – Database hosting providers

https://www.elearnuk.co.uk/ – Criminology, Food Safety, Children’s Right.

 

Thinking about doing an online course? Let us know in the comments which one!

Give this blog a like if your found the information useful!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

Be Proactive, Be Brave, Be Remembered!

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Written by Amber

 

Unsure where you stand in these uncertain times? Searching for jobs or in the middle of applications that might be over before they start? At a loss for what to do next?

 

You’re not the only one! Right now many people will be facing uncertainty regarding their futures within graduate jobs, grad schemes or further education. The current circumstances have resulted in huge changes in application processes that have required many companies cancelling face to face interviews or assessment centres.

 

My Personal Experience…

As a final year student, like many of you, I have been applying to graduate roles and schemes that start in the summer. After receiving a few knockbacks I finally thought I was going to get some good news. I received a phone call to say I was going to be offered a place at an assessment centre for my preferred role however it had been cancelled due to our current circumstances. The employer said they would contact me with an update by a certain date but they didn’t.

 

Top Tips…

  • Contact the employer first!- Explain you understand the difficulties we are facing and you understand processes have had to change. Ask for an update on the current application. Remind the employer you’re still here, you still want this job.

  • Research the company – how has lockdown and isolation affected them? What measures have they put into place to continue functioning?

  • Actively look for other opportunities that may be available – it is always good to have a plan B if you are waiting for a response from you preferred position.

  • Keep learning and developing skills – are there any online courses you could do? Could you further your subject knowledge or technical skills?

  • Stay up-to-date – make sure your CV and LinkedIn profile are updated (check these with Careers Team)

  • Prep for interviews – speak to Careers about the STAR technique, the differences between face-to-face, phone and video interviews and request a mock interview to help you prepare for when you are successful getting to the next stage in the application process.

  • Don’t give up!

 
 
 

Did you find this blog post useful? Give it a like if you did!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs

How To Prepare For Online Interviews

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Written by Rosie

 
 

Online interviews are becoming an increasingly popular way to interview potential employees as they are much more cost effective for everyone involved. However, and I know everyone is probably a bit tired of hearing about it now, but the current COVID-19 situation has caused a massive change to online and digital working. This is the same for the recruitment, interviewing and hiring processes so the chances of you being asked for an online interview is higher. Even in these times, many companies want to reassure graduates that they will be continuing recruiting and supporting students into work in a ‘business as usual’ fashion. So, if you are a soon to be graduate reading this, don’t be disheartened! There are still lots of opportunities you can apply to, take a look at the Gradcracker website to see companies still hiring and take a look at these tips for preparing for an online interview.

 

Before The Interview

Before the actual interview takes place make sure you know what type of online interview it is going to be.

The two most common ways are;

  • A normal interview conversation over Skype or other video calling system

Or

  • An on-your-own style video where you are sent questions either over email or online programme and you have to record yourself answering them, sometimes within a certain time frame.

 

Now you know which type of interview it is, make sure you have the software downloaded and set up in plenty of time so you can practice using it before the interview.

Some important things to consider when setting up:

  • Make sure your username is professional and not a skype username from years ago

  • Look at your background, is it clean and tidy? Is it well-lit so the interviewer can see you well?

  • Try to make sure your surroundings are as quiet as possible so your answers can be heard and there are no embarrassing interruptions during the interview.

  • Have your CV next to your laptop so you can refer to it if you need to as well as a piece of paper and a pen for taking notes.

  • Dress professionally- just because you are not physically there does not mean you can wear your dressing gown or a hoody. Dress smartly and consider how you will look if you have to move around to fetch something.

 

During The Interview

 

The day is finally here for your interview and you’re all set up and ready to go. Whichever type of interview you are doing you still need to remember the same things.

  • Smile and make eye contact with the camera as much as possible- just like in a face-to-face interview.

  • Try to engage with the interviewer as much as you can.

  • Make sure you are speaking clearly so they can hear you properly on their side.

  • If your answers are timed make sure you answer in a clear and concise manner, getting your point across in a calm way.

  • Make sure your body language is positive and even though you’re not physically there, keep an eye on the interviewer’s body language for non-verbal cues.

 

Now you’re ready to go and smash your online interview, good luck from the Careers Studio!

If you found this useful, leave us a comment and give it a like!

 

To speak to one of our Career Coaches get in touch.

Email: careers@staffs.ac.uk

Twitter: @CareersAtStaffs

Instagram: @CareersAtStaffs

Facebook: Staffordshire University​ Career & Personal Development

LinkedIn: @CareersAtStaffs