Jobs

Finding Vacancies

Looking for jobs

You are much more likely to be successful in your job search if you are aware of your talents and skills, of how best to use them, and you can identify the kind of environment in which you will enjoy working.

You must do some preparatory work before you start applying for jobs, either advertised or speculative.

Self assessment

The key to making a suitable job choice lies in successfully assessing your past experiences - both personal and educational, and relating these to future employment opportunities.

Opportunities

What sort of jobs do graduates do? How much do you know about different occupations, different employers and the jobs they offer? What sort of skills are needed? What is the training like? Where are the vacancies?

Making choices

No good career decisions emerge without some thought about yourself and some exploration of occupations. You will then have choices to make about which to pursue further by planning a strategy and then applying for jobs. This help sheet is focusing on the practical aspects of your job search - how can you research employers and where are the jobs to be found?

Careers or Jobs Fairs

Check out the latest Careers and Jobs fairs on sites like Prospects, whom list national fairs for graduate careers, vacation, voluntary, Science, Finance, teaching, law etc. While most universities' fairs are for their own students and graduates, there are many that will be open to students and graduates of other institutions, particularly over the summer. There are generic graduate and jobs fairs held annually such as The Guardian Graduate Careers Fair that are open to all UK students and graduates.

For information of Careers Fair 'etiquette' download our leaflet 'The Fair Game' offering information and advice about how to make the most of a recruitment fair:

The Fair Game

Researching employers

When applying for jobs there are some basic things you need to do:

  • Research the industry as a whole and develop a feel for the big picture. Who are the key players? Is there any controversy surrounding this industry? Are the skills, services and/or products in demand? Is it a growth area and is it likely to be affected by technological changes?
  • Gather information about the company. For example what services, raw materials or finished products does this company provide? Who are their customers and who are their competitors? Is it large, medium or small? How is it structured and have there been recent changes in ownership or structure? Is it financially sound and does it have a good reputation? What sort of culture does it have and is this an employer I might like to work for?
  • Investigate your particular job opportunity. The more information you acquire the more confidence you will have in interview, the better you will be able to demonstrate the skills you have and the greater will be your chances of securing the job.

Information Sources

  • Annual Reports
  • Trade, Business & Professional Publications
  • Directories & Reference Books
  • Graduate Directories:
    Prospects and Hobsons are two major nationally produced directories, providing information on a wide range of graduate employers.

Newpapers

Journals, magazines and e-bulletins

(To view these files, click here to download a free copy of Adobe Acrobat reader).

Speculative Applications - These can be successful but you will need a targeted CV and covering letter. See our pages on CV's, Application forms and Interviews.

Current vacancy lists - Prospects Graduate(digital magazine via www.prospects.ac.uk)is published nationally every fortnight, and Prospects Finalist seasonally (online and in print) and both publications include the latest Graduate level opportunities. Collect a copy from Careers. Sector specific vacancy lists are available from Careers and/or the internet such as Charity, Public Sector, Travel & Tourism, Retail, Environment etc. Log in to Bath spa Careers Jobs pages to search for regional and national vacancies.

Networking - Pursue contacts with family, friends, placement hosts and previous employers. Make new contacts by researching employers by occupational sector, and targeting them with a speculative letter and CV, which markets what you have to offer and why you have approached them. Visit The University of Derby's career networking resources website to help develop effective networking skills.

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