How to Find a job on LinkedIn!

By Grace,

Written by Grace

2 Years in the Making, LinkedIn's Brand Refresh Aims to Make the ...

With job vacancies becoming increasingly competitive, it is important that all job searching platforms are utilized to help you find the right job opportunity for you! LinkedIn is the most popular social network for job seeking professionals. Many users, however, do not fully utilize the platforms capabilities, instead just copying and pasting their CV onto their profile and waiting for an employer to find/approach them! This blog will provide you with all the tips and tricks to help you find a job on LinkedIn!

 

  1. Step one- Update your Profile!

Before applying to positions on LinkedIn, it is critical that your profile is up to date beforehand as 87% of recruiters will look at your LinkedIn profile before they do anything with your application!

If you have an idea of what type of job/sector you would be interested in working in, tailor your profile like you would your CV, including transferable skills under your work experience to demonstrate your capabilities for the job.

With an increasingly competitive industry, companies will be looking for the “so what?” factor, the aspects which make you stand out from the crowd! Ensure you really sell yourself based on your recent experiences and skills. For instance, a way in which you could sell yourself is through talking about the value you added to the company whilst working there, detailing your roles and responsibilities.

Your profile can help you stand out not just from your professional experience, but also from what you are sharing/posting/interacting with on LinkedIn.

 

  1. Step Two- Update your headline

15 Of The Best LinkedIn Headline Examples AroundYou can make your profile stand out through adding a banner and profile picture to provide the employer with a bit more information about yourself. Your photo, name and headline are the only items people see when they do a search. Your headline should be clear about the industry you would like to enter.

 

  1. Step Three- Let recruiters know you are available

Through turning on your job’s notification LinkedIn will signal recruiters your interest in new job openings. Once you switch on your job’s notifications, you can add a note to recruiters to detail the job search, location preference and type of opportunity you are looking for.   

How to Tell Companies You're Open to Taking a New Job on LinkedIn

 

  1. Step Four- Search and apply for positions

Select the “job” section at the top and then “Search jobs” as shown on the screen shot below.

No title provided for this image

You can select the location and position you are interested in.

No title provided for this image

Jobs can be filtered based on date posted, experience level and company.

After this there are two ways in which you can apply based on the job one is easy apply, which enables you to apply directly based on your LinkedIn profile, and the other will re-direct you to a third-part website or companies website to apply directly there.

 

  1. Step Five- Network

My final tip when seeking job opportunities on LinkedIn is simply networking with companies you would like to work for, connecting with their HR and recruitment managers to make yourself known. You could interact with the companies posts and build up your professional network. Don’t be shy to directly message employers asking about openings.

 

If you would like any further guidance/feedback on your LinkedIn profile and help with networking online, please contact a Career Coach.

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

MyCareer, YOUR Website to help Secure YOUR next Opportunity!

By Grace,

Written by Ben

MyCareer is a site which holds information for any Staffordshire University student who would appreciate some guidance to secure their work opportunity.  Along with our Career Coaches in the Career Studio and online Digital Career Studio this site will help with CV’s, covering letters, LinkedIn profiles, mock interviews and interview preparation plus more…….

https://www.staffs.ac.uk/support_depts/careers/

 

Your Career Team are available to help you!

  E: careers@staffs.ac.uk

  FB: @staffsunicareers

  Twitter: @Careersatstaffs

  BLOG: https://blogs.staffs.ac.uk/careers/

 

 

 

 

Further to our services and our social media platforms, another fantastic way to engage and interact with other employers is by the links you can build and conversations you can have on social platforms. Create relationships with professionals by using your LinkedIn profile, Follow companies on Facebook, register to graduate websites such as:

  • Prospects
  • Gradcracker
  • Indeed
  • JobSite
  • Glassdoor

A huge amount of time every week is spent using technology and social media, use that to your advantage today, get in touch about your future and start networking.

 

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

 

Women in Engineering Day!

By Grace,

Written by Annie

Women in Engineering Day Goes Global | Design News

Today marks the international Women in Engineering Day (#INWED20) where we celebrate the things women in engineering do and encourage more women to enter the industry! The campaign sets out to raise the profile of women in engineering and bring to light amazing opportunities available to women in the sector. 

In an industry still dominated by men, career satisfaction and rewarding salaries are helping women push for a change. Women are successfully breaking into the sector however they still only make up for 12.3% of all engineers in the UK. 

Women in Engineering Day sees women #TransformtheFuture

Women are generally underrepresented in STEM industries and the engineering sector is working hard to recruit more female engineers and address the gender imbalance. There are fantastic initiatives to highlight the range of careers available in this sector and inspire more young women into these roles and these are some of them; 

  • WISE CAMPAIGN – encourages women and girls to value and pursue a career in science, technology and engineering related paths.
  • TOP 50 WOMEN IN ENGINEERING – aims to raise awareness of the skills short ages faced in the industry and the huge discrepancy between men vs women currently in engineering professions. 

 

Campaigns like these have an impact and the UK is on track to achieve a million women working in STEM roles by 2020.  

 

Some of the engineering graduate roles available; 

  • Engineering Graduate Scheme – Birmingham – Arriva UK Trains  
  • Engineering Graduate – Rugby – Hermes 
  • Graduate Analyst Programmer – Dorset Software Services 
  • Engineering Graduate Programme – London – Sky 
  • Process Engineer – Proctor& Gamble  
  • Graduate Automotive Engineers – Essex- Contech’s Consulting LTD 

 

The best place to look for engineering roles across the sector is Gradcracker.com  

As they specialise in STEM graduate schemes/jobs 

 

Raise the bar on International Women in Engineering Day

Are you a women working in engineering? We would love to hear from you and celebrate you!

 

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

Animation Job Opportunities for Graduates!

By Grace,

Written by Rosie

As a graduate, I’m sure you have heard all about how COVID-19 is affecting the job market and heard how it might be a little harder to find a graduate job. Don’t panic! There are still companies looking for graduates in your field and are hiring right now. Yes, the application and job role might look a little different than it used to being all online or remote working but don’t let this stop you for applying to some amazing opportunities. Below are some opportunities for animation graduates to take a look at.  

Job Opportunities:

(Click the company logo to access the job application)

Motion Designer at MySort (Manchester)  MySort-logo - Recruitment Jobs in Manchester | MySort Recruitment

Full time role starting at £24,000 

Responsible for;  

  • Creating best in class, engaging animated/ motion design assets for a range of different media. 
  • Assist in designing and creating storyboards 
  • Prepare design plan, concept and layout for motion graphic project 
  • Assist in selecting audio, video, colours, animation, etc for graphic design 
  • Take graphic elements, add effects and create a moving motion graphics piece 

 

Animation Programmer at Sports Interactive (London) Sports Interactive Games

Full time role with competitive salary 

Responsible for; 

  • Develop, extend, improve and maintain our animation engine, pipeline and tools. 
  • Work closely and iterate with our match engine, animation, graphics and tools teams across the studio to continuously improve the look and feel of our match engine. 
  • Help to research and implement new animation and simulation technologies as needed both independently and as part of multiple teams. 

 

Animation Engineer at Playground Games (Royal Leamington Spa) Playground Games - WholesGame

Full time role with competitive salary 

Responsible for;  

  • You will combine your detailed knowledge of animation technology, techniques and performance considerations on console platforms with first rate C++ and software architecture to become a key member of a new engineering team. 
  • Working as part of this team, you will be responsible for the implementation of animation systems and pipelines which empower animators to create world leading visuals for a cutting edge AAA title. 

 

3D Character Animator for Children Animation Series at Jellyfish Pictures Compelling visual effects and animation - Jellyfish Pictures

Temporary summer role with competitive salary. 

We are looking to recruit 3D Character Animators, with at least one year experience on a series or feature, to join our Team on the second season of a high end children animation series. Note that this is a temporary role running from end of June to end of August 2020. 

 

Animator for a Warwickshire gaming Developer (through Talk Recruitment) 

Full time role with competitive salary and benefits 

Responsibilities include; 

  • Create 3D character animation  
  • Work closely with the project leads to match styles  
  • Liaise with other teams in particular Artists and Game Designers.  
  • Work within specifications of the project and technology.  
  • Work quickly through animation lists while keeping quality levels to a high standard  

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/1905872558/?eBP=NotAvailableFromVoyagerAPI&recommendedFlavor=JOB_SEEKER_QUALIFIED&refId=1fd1b40a-68a4-4f48-8529-f1230f2f3df9&trk=flagship3_search_srp_jobs

 

These are just a few examples of the animation roles out there at the minute, but there are plenty of others too. Make sure to get your LinkedIn page looking really good with some examples or a portfolio of your work so employers can start finding you as well. Contact the Career Studio if you would like some support creating your LinkedIn page or getting your CV perfect. We know that it’s tough out there for graduates at the moment, but please don’t be disheartened. There are still opportunities out there and we are here to help you with whatever you need to reach your career goals.  

 

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

Graduate Jobs in Business!

By Grace,

Written by Grace

Whilst COVID-19 has affected many job opportunities and vacancies in the hospitality and tourism industry, there are still companies who are growing and are looking for graduates to join their company.

There are still graduate schemes available which are recruiting for 2020 intake. Why join a company through a graduate scheme rather than a position you may ask? Graduate scheme’s provide you with a fast-track into the company, often equipping you with training and a diverse network to help you develop quickly in your career.

Current Graduate Scheme/Job Vacancies:

(Select company logo to view vacancy)

 Grayce Business Analyst Development Programme
 Grayce Project Manager Devlopment Programme
BAE Systems BAE Systems Business Development Officer Graduate Programme 
BAE Systems  BAE Systems Human Resource Officer
 DXC Technology Business Graduate Programme
 ALDI Graduate Area Manager
Nestle Nestle Quality Assurance Graduate Scheme
 MDS Graduate Trainee Manager
 Vanilla Graduate Consultant 
RSM RSM Graduate Programme

 

Top Tips for Applying to Graduate Schemes:

  1. Get organised- Make a spreadsheet/ word document with all the schemes/ vacancies you want to apply for including key information such as: log ins you may have created for the company’s website, deadline for each application, and stages that you’re up to with your application.
  2. Tailor your Application- Tailor your CV and covering letter to ensure you meet the job description criteria and key skills the company is looking for in a candidate. For more help and guidance around this please contact a Career Coach (contact info below).
  3. Research, Research and Research- With the job market becoming increasingly competitive, research key information about the company and let this shine through in your application to help you stand out!
  4. Network- Connect with the employer on LinkedIn and showcase extra information about yourself which demonstrate your skills such as your final year project.

 

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

A Career In The Rail Sector… Could This Be For Me?

By Grace,

Written by Megan

Railways are a massive part of today’s society and have been part of our lives for over 200 years. With so many people using railways to travel to see family, friends, for university or commuting to work, and also for transporting goods across the UK and mainland Europe, thousands of jobs have been created and there will only become more as time goes on. Some of these include the obvious, such as train drivers, ticket inspectors, conductors, and so on. But others are not so obvious. Today’s blog will focus on the endless possibilities that a career in the rail sector may be able to offer you.

So is a career in rail one that will remain stable in years to come?

The answer is a big yes! We are in a new era of railway expansion with High Speed 2, which will connect London to the Midlands, and later on to the North and Scotland. There is also the Crossrail which will connect 40 stations in London and the South East in a high frequency and high capacity manner.

If helping to build and develop new railways isn’t your thing, don’t worry. There are plenty of other opportunities in other areas.

Which degree would aid me in securing a role?

The answer to this of course depends on your area of interest. However, in some cases the answer may be any degree. Roles in finance, marketing, project management, interior design, etc., may not require any form of specific degree. There are many companies that offer graduate schemes or accept graduates for roles regardless of their educational background. Other roles may require subject specific degrees though. Some of these include Architecture, engineering, computer science, software/web development, archaeology and environmental sciences.

What will my job role consist of?

Again, this of course depends on your subject area. Should you wish to work in engineering, you may be designing, upgrading and maintaining lines and infrastructure such as platforms, stations, bridges etc. Electrical, mechanical, and civil engineers are all used in the rail sector. If you are more interested in architecture, then designing stations, tunnels and bridges to go along the lines will be the main focus of your role. You will also work alongside engineers to ensure the safety and eco-friendliness of your designs. Archaeology is also required as all the digging from making new tracks can often uncover historical artefacts below the ground. Maintenance engineers ensure that track and infrastructure work reliably and safely. Art and marketing roles will consist of creating memorable advertisement campaigns to promote rail companies. This may also tie in with a software development role, as companies release apps for buying tickets, passes, and also to keep track of trains running to update staff and travelers of expected arrival and departure times. Environmental sciences are also vital to ensure that any new projects have minimal impact on wildlife and surrounding nature, relocating trees and animals if necessary.

Who will be my employer?

Network Rail own and manage the track, whilst rail operators such as Virgin, Crosscountry rail, and so on run train services. There are also specific companies that are set up to manage projects such as High Speed 2 and Crossrail. Other contractors are brought in to carry out projects such as software consultancy/development or design engineering too, so the chance to work in companies who may not be directly related to rail is also there.

How do I find the job for me?

A lot of employers offer graduate schemes (whether that is for direct rail employers or contractors who are brought in). if you are to complete a placement year during your degree and this is something you are interested in, it may be worth looking into completing a sandwich year with one of these companies too, and sometimes they may go on to offer you a graduate role once you finish.

But overall, the real question is… is a career in the rail sector for me?

From reading above, you can see there may be an opportunity for almost anyone, so the answer is more than likely yes. There are also benefits such as UK and world travel depending on your role, job security in an ever-growing sector, and even if you never travel by train, we rely on this method to transport goods and around the country so it is also beneficial in ways we may not initially think.

 

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

Women in Engineering

By Grace,

Written by Annie

In an industry still dominated by men, career satisfaction and rewarding salaries are helping women push for a change. Women are successfully breaking into the sector however they still only make up for 12.3% of all engineers in the UK.

Women are generally underrepresented in STEM industries and the engineering sector is working hard to recruit more female engineers and address gender imbalance. There are fantastic initiatives to highlight the range of careers available in this sector and inspire more young women into these roles and these are some of them;

  • WISE CAMPAIGN – encourages women and girls to value and pursue a career in science, technology and engineering related paths
  • TOP 50 WOMEN IN ENGINEERING – aims to raise awareness of the skills short ages faced in the industry and the huge discrepancy between men vs women currently in engineering professions.

Campaigns like these have an impact and the UK is on track to achieve a million women working in STEM roles by 2020.

 

Some of the engineering graduate roles available;

  • Engineering Graduate Scheme – Birmingham – Arriva UK Trains
  • Engineering Graduate – Rugby – Hermes
  • Graduate Analyst Programmer – Dorset Software Services
  • Engineering Graduate Programme – London – Sky
  • Process Engineer – Proctor& Gamble
  • Graduate Automotive Engineers – Essex- Contech’s Consulting LTD

 

The best place to look for engineering roles across the sector is Gradcracker.com

As they specialise in STEM graduate schemes/jobs

 

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

Psychology Graduates, Need a Job?

By Grace,

Written by Amber

Recently graduated or graduating soon and have no idea what to do with your degree? Unsure where to start looking for a graduate position related to psychology?

You’re not the only one! Like you I am a psychology graduate (nearly) and I know the difficulties we face not only in finding a position that ticks all the boxes, but facing the renowned competitiveness in this industry as well.

The first step to success in reaching your goal of the perfect job or career is to find opportunities. Outlined below are some current available jobs relevant to psychology graduates that lead into different industries. 

 

Relevant, current graduate opportunities:

Assistant Psychologist

Warneford Hospital – Research

£24,907 – £30,615

Fixed term – 24 months

37.5 hours per week

DEADLINE: 14/06/2020

INTERVIEW: 24/06/2020

Mental Health Practitioner

Harplands Hospital

£24,907 – £30,615

Permanent

Up to 37.5 hours per week

DEADLINE: 19/06/2020

Support Worker

North Star Case Management

Brain Injury Support Worker/Therapy Assistants

North London

£15 – £17 per hour

30 hours per week – Monday to Friday 2:30pm – 8:30pm

Teaching

Part-Time Tutors (Counselling and Forensic Psychology)

£4,160, payable over 9 months

Fixed Term – Flexible Working

­

For more information regarding any of these opportunities or other opportunities please visit MyCareer.

 
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

 

Graduate Career Opportunities

By Grace,

Managing Stress During These Difficult Times

By Grace,

Written by Megan

During these challenging times, it is important to acknowledge if you are feeling stressed and if so, what is causing it. Finding the root of the problem alone can help us to relax, making it easier to decide what we want to do about it. Should it be Covid-19 related, then what aspects are getting to you the most?Managing Stress and Anxiety During COVID-19 - FCC

At this time, it may be safe to say that there is a possibility you are feeling some form of grief. This does not always have to be in the way we usually think of grief (although this could be an option), but instead, you may be grieving the normality of how life used to be beforehand. It is a new situation for everyone, and one that may be difficult to comprehend. There is also uncertainty to how things will be once this is over, causing an anticipatory grief. We know things will change, and now we feel that some safety may be lost so not knowing what the future holds can cause tension.

Knowing how to deal with these tensions can be a difficult matter, especially if you have never experienced the feelings before. First and foremost, it is important to mention that turning to unhealthy coping habits such as smoking, drinking, or other substance abuse is unhelpful in the long term, even if they seem to help in the moment. Instead, should you be having anxieties about the things that could go wrong, the goal is to find a balance in the things going on in your head. Repressing the thoughts can lead to a buildup of tension, however letting them take over your mind can also disrupt mindfulness. Maintaining this mindfulness will be discussed in a later blog, so be sure to keep an eye out!

Once finding the balance, this may help you feel more in control of your situation. This builds emotional strength and can help to maintain a positive outlook. Taking control means limiting your news consumption, as this will only make your anxieties grow stronger, and choosing what you set your focuses on. This could be a new hobby such as music, crafts, or personal development for future career plans, helping to keep yourself distracted and ultimately stopping your mind from being consumed by distressing thoughts.

There are also many resources that can help with managing stress, such as Facebook support pages and websites that contain useful information on regaining control. Most of these will also promote exercise! Keeping fit and active is never bad for the mind or body, even if it is just a light walk every couple of days.

Over the next few weeks, we will be focusing on how to further manage stress in more depth, focusing on mindfulness, keeping in touch, being physically active, and so on. And as always, we would like to thank the NHS and other front-line workers for all they are doing for us during this time.  

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