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Career Clinic

Making some of the bigger decisions about your career can be daunting...however, career clinic is here to help.

We have a range of career experts who are graduate recruitment specialists from both recruitment agencies and specific-company graduate recruiters. If you’re unsure how to create a cracking CV and covering letter, or you'd like advice on how to land that top job, look no further.

Send your question to editorial@vmgl.com. Don't forget to include your name, place of study and full postal address. Selected questions will receive the 'star treatment' as our experts offer you the best advice in town. In return you'll WIN a £10 HMV voucher. Then all you have to do is decide whether to buy a CD, DVD, game or even book.

Questions and answers will be published in GradJobs magazine and here on the website.
Winners will be notified by post and prizes sent out after publication of the magazine.

See below for the latest career clinic questions and the advice our expert panel have dished out:

Summer 2008

I’d like to study a postgraduate degree and I’m looking for support and funding from my employer. How can I approach this subject with them?
Education should be an ongoing process that doesn’t stop the second you graduate from university. There are always new things to learn, and a postgraduate degree is a great way to do that. The key to getting support and funding from employers is highlighting that the extra
qualifications aren’t just for your benefit; they’ll make you into a better employee, more equipped to make a telling contribution to the success of the whole company.
Raj Dohil

How can I explain on my CV a long spell of unemployment due to health reasons?
It is not unusual to see an unexplained gap in a CV. This can be for perfectly good reasons, although unexplained gaps look sloppy and will raise suspicions. However, it is best to stay away from anything that might put an employer off, so these absences must be accounted for. Avoid any direct references to health issues, as it may be seen to have implications on your future employment, but I would suggest describing it as a ‘career break’. After all, that’s true isn’t it? But it will need to be clarified in an interview because you have a legal obligation to disclose any health issues to your future employer, especially if there is a likelihood of recurrence.
Peter Panayotou

My spelling and grammar are weak. Is it necessary to get my CV and covering letter proof read each time I apply for a role?
Your CV is a physical representation of you – how you present yourself on paper says something about you. Therefore, it is imperative that you make sure it is accurate and correct. Employers can receive hundreds of similar applications from students and so one that is full of spelling mistakes and errors is often one of the ways they will differentiate between applications. Spell check and your friends are good resources – so make sure you use them to put yourself forward in the best possible light!
Lindsay Hanson

I want to make money to pay off my debts. How can I fi nd out what I can realistically be earning after 2, 3 or 5 years in a certain career path?
The IES, AGR & Prospects produce research each year with these fi gures,so do approach them. Your university probably has those figures too. Getting data by specific industry is not easy but you will be able to get a steer.
Simon Reichwald

How binding is an employment contract and would I have to serve out the full notice period if I want to terminate the contract?
You should always serve out your notice period where possible, otherwise it may inconvenience your employer – remember that the notice period is there for a reason for example, to give them an opportunity to find a replacement for you. But I have never known an instance of any employer taking legal action for such a breach. If it is unavoidable, for example because you have received a job offer which cannot wait, it is best to negotiate. Don’t just walk out! Talk to your employer. Even if they are not sympathetic, they will appreciate you being open and honest, and increase your chances of getting a positive reference!
Peter Panayotou

Spring 2008

Salary aside, what other factors should I take into consideration before accepting or declining a job offer?
One of the most significant factors overlooked when considering accepting or declining an offer must be job satisfaction. We all spend a great deal of our lives at work, so it really must be a top priority to enjoy what you do. Weigh up the package as a whole. Consider factors such as; training – both in-house and the opportunity to study towards formal qualifications; progression; the variety of
tasks likely to be involved; team working; and the opportunity to relocate or perhaps travel.
Rob Oxley

I don’t have a CV and I’m not sure where to start! Should I employ a CV writing fi rm or get specialist help?
A CV is a marketing document to demonstrate to employers that you have the skills and experience to do the job required. It is important that it is constructed in a way that is accurate and also shows how your experience and skills match that of the job to which you are applying. If you feel that you can do this well with the help of a friend, then that’s fine – otherwise it is worth investment, so get some specialist help.
Janet Cowell

I’m a registered carer for my mother so I’m looking for a flexible employer or part-time role. Should I mention my needs at application or interview stage?
Not only should you mention this – you may find there is a legal obligation on your part to disclose such information. It will compromise your employment if it comes to light after being hired. Honesty is always the best policy. Be open about your requirements and ensure that your obligations are clearly spelled out from the initial stages of your application. You may be surprised how amenable some employers can be.
Peter Panayotou

I can’t decide on the size of organisation I’d like to work for. What are the benefits of working with a large company rather than a smaller organisation?
The benefits of working for a large organisation will vary from business to business. Within a big company there may be greater internal promotional prospects. You may fi nd that you have better resources to draw on in-house for support such as marketing experts, human resources teams and legal departments. Another benefi t may be a social one – more colleagues to meet at company events or within a staff cafeteria or even in a company health club (often another benefi t too). However a smaller company can offer different advantages, for example, less structure. So if you are eager to get ahead, there may be far more opportunities for career development and training. It depends on what you are looking for. It is great to know that you are making a real contribution to your company’s growth especially when you feel as if it isrecognised. However sometimes it’s worth following your instincts when choosing a job, rather than simply being concerned with the size of the business.
Judith Kark

How can I show an employer that I really want to work for their company rather than just in that particular industry?
Research, Research, Research! You will be asked what has attracted you to that particular company, for example Lloyds TSB, as opposed to other companies within fi nancial services and will be expected to have done your homework.
Theresa Petersen

My employer would like me to relocate some distance from my hometown. What would be the benefits of such a move?
Flexibility is seen as a great facet by many employers. To be willing to relocate not only shows commitment but a willingness to push yourself within unfamiliar surroundings. This fl exibility may well be considered further into your career when it comes to promotion.
Rob Oxley


Winter 2007/08
I’m quite shy and nervous – how can I try to make a good impression on my first day at work?
When you attend your first day you need to put yourself in a positive frame of mind. The tip is to think back to a time when you felt really confident – either when you won at sports or produced a piece of work that you were really proud of or when you got some positive feedback on something you had done. Think of that time as you enter the building – watch your body language and keep you head high, take a deep breath and give a big smile as you enter the office. No one will ever know how nervous you are.
Janet Cowell

It’s OK to be nervous! In fact, being nervous shows you care and are keen to perform well on your first day. Just make sure you arrive promptly, are dressed appropriately and show an enthusiastic attitude. By portraying an eagerness to learn and a positive, helpful ‘yes’ mentality, you are sure to impress your new employer.
There can be a lot to take in on your first day, so make sure you have realistic expectations of yourself. To speed up your learning curve listen carefully, ask questions and take notes along the way.
Raj Dohil

I’m a media student and would like to send employers a Multimedia CV. Will companies accept a CV in this format?
As a CV consultant I do sometimes come across what I call ‘gimmick’ CVs. Generally I advise against it, not just because they can be difficult to access or transmit, but because they do not adhere to the basic principles of a document which can be viewed and printed in the conventional way. But that is not to say they cannot work. I have seen a few CVs which employed a clever and original approach to get them noticed and can be quite successful – they can be a risky strategy, but for the right job with the right company, it may be just what they are looking for. If you decide to go down this road, try to make it as user friendly as possible and maybe follow up with a conventional CV just to be safe.
Peter Panayotou

I’ve just graduated with a science degree but now feel I would like to pursue a career in a creative field. Will my indecision hinder my chances of finding a job?
Employers increasingly value diverse backgrounds in candidates. Highlight any extra-curricular activities with more of a creative slant that you’ve undertaken in your applications, think about what you can uniquely offer an employer given the skills you picked up during your degree, and you should have no problems finding a job you’ll love.
Helene Williamson

Just because you are not going to use the content of your degree in your chosen career does not mean you are indecisive. Often employers do not have a degree discipline preference, they are more interested in your work experience, skills and potential. If you are considering a career path that doesn’t completely match your background it would be useful to speak with as many people in that career field as possible. You will be surprised how many people you can access through your existing contacts. Find someone in your desired profession who is willing to act as a mentor to you, who can provide inside knowledge and guidance in your career search.
Jack Butler

I’m struggling to get the right job but want to do something worthwhile in the meantime which will also fill the gap on my CV. Any ideas?
I think that any kind of voluntary or charity work will always look good on your CV. It not only fills a gap, but also serves the purpose of providing some good work experience in the interim period. There is also the additional credibility provided by devoting your time and energy to a good cause – always a bonus! Failing that, you could fill that time with additional training. There is always room to brush up on your computer skills or maybe learn first aid. Both these options demonstrate to potential employers that you have not just been sitting around on your laurels waiting for the right job to come along, but have also been active in the meantime by using your time to good advantage.
Peter Panayotou

Employers are looking for people that use their spare time to increase their range of skills. Volunteering or charity projects are always useful. Working with people from different backgrounds with an aim to help others is likely to be seen as positive. Contact a charity which supports a cause that you feel strongly about and give some of your time. You could learn some skills that an employer would feel useful such as teamwork, decision making, relationship building, and communicating and influencing.
Janet Cowell

I have worked in a company for 2 years since graduation but now want to change direction and join a graduate scheme – is it too late?
It's not too late at all. In fact, you will probably have a better
understanding of what you want from a career having had 2 years
experience elsewhere. Your previous work experience will be a great
benefit as you will be able to bring your knowledge to a new role and
this may accelerate your learning and development on a graduate
programme.
Angela Hodson

No, it’s not. Companies have been forced from Age Discrimination legislation to make their graduate schemes open to anyone who is a graduate, whatever their age. The point is, many companies are looking for graduates with two or three years experience, and they are not sure where to find them, so your application will be more than welcome. There are also schemes which help connect graduates at your stage with exciting opportunities. Have a look at The National Graduate Talent Scheme.
Jack Butler

My CV has a few ‘white lies’ on it like higher grades in my A’levels and GCSE’s than I actually got, and some of the dates of employment have been lengthened to cover gaps– would an employer ever find out?
Yes. Employers will often employ reference checkers who will flag details like this. Understandably, most employers take a dim view – be honest, and cover gaps or low grades with good explanations in your covering letter.
Helene Williamson

This is quite a topical subject at the moment, with recent evidence indicating that up to 1 in 4 CVs may contain some kind of ‘white lie’ or exaggeration. It is unlikely that a potential employer will ever check dates for accuracy – it would simply be too time consuming – but you should be prepared to be asked about them. With qualifications, these may be key to whatever follows, so for this reason it is always best to be as accurate as possible. I would never condone ‘manipulating’ the facts on your CV, but having said that, it is worth noting that a CV is not a legal document – unlike an application form where you are required to sign a declaration and which becomes part of your contract of employment if your application is successful.
Peter Panayotou

My interview letter states that I will also need to take a psychometric test? What is this all about and should I be worried?
Psychometric tests can arise in different forms; written tests or online questionnaires. They are designed around the required competencies for the job role. Often your careers service centre can provide practice tests for you to familiarise yourself with the formats.
If you try and establish the skills required for the role you may have a clearer idea of what type of employee they are looking for. Always make sure you are honest in completing the tests. You do not want to pursue a role that is not best suited to your genuine skills.
Raj Dohil

Get a book of practice psychometric tests. They are trying to ascertain innate intelligence so it’s not easy to ‘gen up’ for them, as knowledge can be for some exams. However, like most things in life, awareness of how they work, and getting into the habit of their ways of thinking, should improve your chances of doing well. Don’t worry about them – they are normally only one part of the application process, and you may not even be sure how they are assessing them. Sometimes, for example, you can do very well by only answering a fraction of the questions. So don’t rush, but do not dwell for too long as most questions should not require long thought processes and it might be better to get onto the questions you can answer more readily.
Jack Butler

I’ve only got a 2:2 in my degree and most jobs or graduate training schemes ask for a 2:1. Is it worth applying anyway?
For those positions you feel particularly passionate about, it is certainly worth calling the company to express your enthusiasm for the role. Some companies will automatically screen out all applications that do not meet set criteria while others may be flexible.
On the Enterprise Management Training Programme, there are set competencies we require but this does not involve pre-screening your degree classification or subject.
If you feel you are a good candidate for the role, approach the employer and let them consider your application. There is no harm in asking, but accept the company’s final decision.
Raj Dohil

Many employers will have a minimum requirement to help manage
application volumes for popular programmes. However employers may
consider work experience and qualifications as part of your application.
It is always worth contacting the recruitment team at the organisation
you are applying for to see if there are other job opportunities
available to you or whether your background and experience may outweigh
the need for a particular degree.
Angela Hodson


Our Expert Panel:

Jack Butler, Managing Director, Future Foundations www.thegraduatecourse.co.uk

Janet Cowell, Director at Resourcing Matters, sponsors of www.1st-step.co.uk

Raj Dohil, Recruiting Supervisor, Enterprise Rent-A-Car www.enterprisealive.co.uk

Angela Hodson, Graduate Recruitment Manager, Tesco Stores www.tesco-graduates.com

Peter Panayotou, Senior Consultant, The Write Stuff www.thewritestuff.co.uk

Helene Williamson, Future Talent Manager, British Sky Broadcasting www.sky.com/jobs
GradJobs Winter 07-08


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