QS Top Universities

How to get the most of a Careers Fair

Thu, 15 May 2008 17:27:00 +0100

Combine this with the fact that the same careers advice is available to virtually everyone, means that gaining a personal edge becomes of increasing importance. �Meeting recruiters face to face at Careers Fairs is a great way of showing potential recruiters who you are,� says Tom Harrison, Head of Business Development at recruitment experts Global Work Place. �It allows you to find out the targeted information you want and gives you the edge over job seekers who don�t take the chance to get up close and personal with recruiters. There are people at Careers Fairs who will probably work in the department that reads your applications and decides who to bring to interview. Putting a personality to a name is a great head start.�
Job recruitment careers fairs offer lots of benefits to graduates. If you�re ambitious and organised you can get a lot out of a career fair, including:
� Honing your interview skills � Even if you aren�t offered a job, talking to prospective employers about graduate appointments gives you valuable confidence and experience of interviews.
� Expanding your network � Meeting job recruiters and even fellow graduates helps you build useful contacts for future reference.
� Learning industry information � Speaking to job recruitment professionals in your chosen sector is a great way to learn about the industry.
� Gathering information about companies � Investigating the kind of graduate placements offered by a company tells you a lot about that organisation as a whole.

But how do you really get the best from a careers fair? Here are our Top Ten Tips:

1)      Prepare � �Make sure you know which companies are attending in advance,� says Harrison. �Research them thoroughly, prioritize which you are most keen on and arm yourself with as much knowledge as possible about them.� Just as the eager graduate wants information about a prospective employer, the recruiters are looking closely at you as a candidate. Asking questions that you could have answered on a website will waste two sets of time and is one of the main complaints recruiters have at careers fairs.

2)      Focus � Harrison says, �Let the companies you are interested in know you have researched them, and that you know more than just the name. Tell them you�re knowledgeable about something specific that might be newsy and topical, knowledge of the CEO�s career, the history of the company, their financial results, the corporate culture, corporate social responsibility policy, something like that.� Linking your interests with them as a potential employer immediately puts you ahead of other less prepared and less focussed attendees.

3)      Rule yourself in (not out) � Most recruiters will already be advertising so identify the kind of person your selected company is seeking. Read careers sections online and print adverts in newspapers and see if you might be a good fit. Also you can get an idea if the company is the kind of place you would like to work in. �Rule yourself in,� says recruiting consultant Craig Coltrane, �but don�t rule yourself out. Talking to a company�s representatives will allow them to find qualities in you that you may not recognise in yourself. Never say �I can�t do it.� Leave it to them to say that later on in the process.�

4)      Don�t overload recruiters � Company representatives will be pleased to meet you �after all, that is what they are there for - particularly if you are well prepared. But they can�t devote the whole event to you. Make sure that you keep your questions focused and relevant and prepare an �elevator pitch� in advance, which will give them the salient facts about you, your background and your goals in no more than two minutes. Feel free to bring evidence of your qualifications with you, but keep them in your bag unless they are asked for. �Take a CV, perhaps with a picture, and a business card or personal card to make it easier for the recruiters to remember you,� says Coltrane.

5)      Know your objectives � Tom Harrison says, �No matter how amazing you are, you are unlikely to be offered a job at a careers fair. A more realistic objective is to agree to some kind of post-event follow up, an agreement with a recruiter to some kind of post-fair contact with a view to an assessment day or interview. This means if you walk away from a stand at a fair with a specific agreement for them to contact you, or vice versa, then you have succeeded.�

6)      Look the part � Fairs aren�t a platform for formal admissions, but they could be the first point of contact with your target company. Consequently, it makes sense to look and act in a professional manner. That doesn�t mean you have to turn up in a formal business suit, but it�s probably best to leave your t-shirt and old pair of shorts at home.

7)      Evaluate � A lot of successful applicants say that they knew the right company as soon as they talked to its representative; so, trust your instincts as much as your research. Make sure that you assess the people you meet � are they interested in you and your questions? Can they answer those questions easily and authoritatively? Do they seem professional? Meeting people face-to-face like this is as much about you making a judgement as it is about them providing you with relevant and comprehensive information.

8)      What to do if the representatives can�t help you � On some occasions a representative might not know the answers to questions you�ve spent a long time researching, and might refer you to their website or other source of information. If you feel that you aren�t getting the answers you want, try and get the name and contact details of the individual at the company that you should be talking to. �After the fair,� Tom Harrison advises, �you can contact them, using the name of your contact at the fair and that they referred you to them. Personalizing correspondence is crucial and will really help you to stand out.�

9)      Value yourself � This may sound flippant but it is important to remember that most recruiters have invested a lot of time, effort and resources into attending the fair. They have done so in order to meet, frankly, YOU. Therefore you don�t need to be going to the stand cap in hand or begging for their time. Be yourself, show your personality and remember that careers fair are beneficial to recruiters and candidates alike.

10) Enjoy! � An engaging smile at a careers fair, as in all walks of life, will endear you to people. Try not to exhaust yourself (there is a tendency at these fairs to cram every minute of the day with exhausting information) and take regular breaks to assess what you�ve learned. Don�t overburden yourself with leaflets. Take only what you need. And, above all, enjoy yourself.

Why are most entrepreneurs men?

Thu, 15 May 2008 10:08:00 +0100

Starting your own business is a nerve-wracking and exciting activity for any budding entrepreneur, regardless of ethnicity, gender or sexual orientation. But recent research shows that women may find starting a business even more daunting � so daunting that their dream of running their own show doesn�t materialise.

Men, for example, own twice the number of businesses than women in Germany. In countries like Thailand, China, and South Africa, the numbers are close to equal, although in no country do women own the majority of businesses, according to Aurora Network. Some of the many reasons for such a poor turnout of female business owners and creators include lack of funding, gender stereotyping, and lack of professional networks.

Why would obtaining funding for a start-up be any more difficult for a woman than for a man, especially in 2008? It may be a matter of lacking information � information men have better access to, as they are more likely to have obtained better business networks. They�re more inclined to spend time in places like golf courses with business leaders who know the ins and outs of business loans and similar opportunities. A Business Development Manager working on the QS Women in Leadership Forums, Zoya Zaitseva explains, �Women are hardworking and determined, but starting a business is never easy, and women may be at a disadvantage when it comes to inside information that may circulate when the boys go out together.� Furthermore, men often find networking easier for one very important reason � they are often more assertive than their female counterparts when it comes to networking with those who can help with financing information.
Accessing funding from banks can also prove more difficult for women than for men. It is not that banks discriminate outright, but long-held stereotypes and misconceptions prevail about women in business. Many banks assume that a woman will not devote the same amount of time to a business that a man will, or that she will work fewer hours in favour of raising a family, therefore, minimizing potential profits. They may think she is not as business-minded as a man or that she doesn�t have the technical skills to grow a business. On a very basic level, women simply may not have the exceptional amount of time it takes to create a business. HR Director of HP, Elena Tergueva explains, �Starting your own business is a risky exercise. Women normally have more responsibilities than men: managing family, children, work, and thus they are pushed to be more cautious, realistic and rational. Stability and predictability play a serious role in deciding whether or not to start one�s own business.�

First Impressions Last

Thu, 08 May 2008 17:50:00 +0100

Your first week in a new job is likely to be a stressful and challenging experience for you and, despite the fact that you will have had some kind of work experience before, this is �it�. This is the job you�ve hunted for, in the career you want, at the organization that suits you and about which you�ve spent a lot of time, effort and money studying for. And if it isn�t, the song remains the same. You�re going to want to show your new employers you�re the right person for the job and that you can and will be a success story during your time there. Below is a list of tips on how best to deal with different situations. Of course each situation is different and not all people work for �companies� in �offices�, so these have been referred to as �organizations�.

1) Get into character: Most actors arrive at the theatre hours before the play starts to �get into character� early. They become Hamlet half an hour before going on stage. Similarly as a new hire you can remind yourself to make a good impression and to focus on the task at hand. Soon, this will become second nature. For now, remind yourself why you�re there, what you are, what you want to achieve and, above all, arrive early. If work starts at nine, start at 8:45.
2) First Impressions Last: Of course they do. The title of this article says so. For you this means looking presentable at all times. Dress professionally at first and, if you feel that you�re overdressed, take it down a tone or two. As a new-starter, always be above average in terms of professional look.
3) First Impressions Last: This works both ways because now you get to be the one to be impressed. The organization you are going to work for needs to make some impression on you too. What is the atmosphere like? How tidy or organized does the place look? Are there facilities for water or coffee? How do staff interact with each other and with you? Does the place meet your own professional expectations?
4) Don�t be afraid to ask questions: It is a good way to show your colleagues that you are thinking, trying to be involved and also allows them an opportunity to communicate with you. Questions are a great ice-breaker for new-starters. And by the way there is almost always more work to do so be proactive, take initiative. Don�t harass your busy boss but do find time to make yourself available to help where needed.
5) Carry a notebook: Keep a written record of important things, and try to learn as quickly as possible what to jot down and what to leave. It�s not the done thing to bury your face scribbling every last detail in a book while the CEO is telling you the history of the company but, at the same time, keeping a written record of important information will make yours and everyone else�s life a lot easier.
6) Learn names: Do this by repeating them back to the other person. This is an old sales technique. Humans are sub-consciously impressed when you remember their name first time of asking. When someone introduces themselves to you, try and repeat their name back to them twice in the first minute. If you mishear the name or it�s one you�re not familiar with, please ask them � they�re used to it � to repeat it or spell it for you. Better than continuing to get it wrong.
7) Keep smiling: And show team spirit. You may be a strong self-starter but, in your early days, show your colleagues that you have team spirit too as they will respond well to you, include you and improve your working experience during your time at the organization. Smile and the world smiles with you. And, it�s good for your health.
8) Trust your instincts without being too judgemental: Although first impressions last, don�t forget that people do coincidentally have bad days on the week you started, may be short-sighted or hard of hearing (they�re not ignoring you when you smile at them, they just can�t see you!) However, try and keep your own counsel. If someone says something to you that you don�t like, you don�t have to like it. Try to remember that you can�t please all the people all of the time, but neither can they.
9) Don�t try and make big changes: You may see a glaring error or problem in the organization. Now is not the time to tell the managing director (MD) that his precious marketing campaign is flawed. There is too much going on behind the scenes that you don�t know yet. This will change as you become a respected member of the team but, for now, listen more than talk and give your opinion when asked.
10) Find a mentor: Some organizations have mentoring schemes where you get paired up with someone whose role it is to go through the job, answer any questions you have, further your development and ease you into what can be a complicated situation. Many organizations don�t though, so see if there is anyone who can do this for you. Who do you get a good feeling from? Who seems helpful and willing to talk to you? Who do you feel you can trust?
More topuniversities.com job tips will follow in part two of First Impressions in next month�s TopUniversities.com Newsletter.

First Impressions Last: Part Two. Ross Geraghty looks at more tips and advice about dealing with those first important few days in a new job.
11) Learn about the organization: Read the handbooks. See what has been done and what hasn�t. Know where the organization started and where it seems to be heading. Find out where the First Aid boxes, Fire escapes, boardroom, kitchen, and coffee machine are and learn about what makes the company tick. Listen to the bosses about where the company is going as, for a while at least, you are going with them. Here is where your notebook comes in handy.
12) Avoid gossip, office politics and negativity: Don�t get sucked into negativity, beware over-positivity and avoid office politics and gossip. It is a sad fact that, sometimes, people spend too long at a company and can start to feel resentful. In my experience, these are often the first to speak to new starters, telling them about �how awful it is here� and �why didn�t you choose to work somewhere nice?� These people want nothing more than for you to agree and bitch and moan. Instead, thank them for their input and tell them that you�ll see how it goes but, for now, everyone seems helpful and you�re happy with how it�s going.
13) Run past the finishing line: 100m athletes are trained to finish the race after 110m. Do the same. Give an extra 10%. If work finishes at 5.00, leave at 5.20. It will make you noticed and will allow you more leeway on those occasions you do have to leave early � for a doctor�s appointment for example.
14) Keep Personal Time to a minimum: Ask if you�re allowed to use the phones to make or receive personal calls. Don�t use Facebook, personal email or MySpace. As a new starter this is important. If you�re unsure of where the division lies in your organization, ask your boss.
15) Track your accomplishments: Nobody else will, though it is hoped they notice. Keep a written reminder of everything you do right and, even, everything you do wrong.
16) Be organized: Set daily and weekly goals. Keep lots of pens and notepads handy and, at the beginning of each day, write down what you have to do that day.
17) Get used to networking: Networking doesn�t mean being false with people, though as in all walks of life you are going to have to deal with some difficult people and may have to keep your personal impressions to a minimum. Don�t be afraid to network, find out who people are, what they do, exchange cards and remember who they are in the future.
18) To think own self be true: Shakespeare said that. Be yourself. Some very clever people have had faith in YOU to do a job, so you must have something going for you. Now, enjoy yourself.

Recruitment Consultants � The good, the bad, and the need-to-know

Thu, 08 May 2008 15:47:00 +0100

So you�re well on your way to achieving that undergraduate degree you�ve been striving towards for the past few years. Soon the day will come when you�ll have to get a job!

Finding your dream job can be a bit of a challenge, and you may not get it the first time around. But that�s just a warning. You do have many options when it comes to job searching, and employment agencies are just one route you can take to pursue your goals. In some cities, like London, you may find that the majority of jobs advertised are coordinated through agencies. So are agencies always your friend? No one is always your friend. Here we list the pros and cons of utilizing an agency to help you find that dream job.

Pros

They do the legwork � After signing up with a recruitment agency you no longer have to spend your days in front of the computer sending out CVs and cover letters. They do that for you. More opportunities in one hit - Signing up with an agency gives you access to a large number of jobs the agency will be recruiting for. With one interview you will gain the opportunity to apply for numerous positions, and remember, recruitment agencies receive new vacancies every day. Help and Advice � Recruiters at agencies can help you perfect your CV and even tailor it for certain positions. The recruiter can make sure that your CV highlights particular strengths which will prove fruitful in a given vacancy.

Cons

Too many fish in the sea � Some large agencies receive an extraordinary number of CVs and they don�t always get read. Your CV may be excellent but it can still be overlooked unfortunately. Potential of being pushed around � You may come across that recruiter who tries to push you into a vacancy you don�t want. Don�t be bullied into taking an unsuitable or undesirable job.

Types of Recruitment Agencies

General � General agencies recruit across a broad range of industries. Sector Specific � These types of agencies recruit for a specific sector, like Media, I.T., or Human Resources for example. Domestic � Agencies that recruit for a local market.

International � Agencies that recruit for vacancies in a range of countries. High Street � High street recruitment agencies often recruit for vacancies within the immediate area of that branch. Many of them are sector-specific and some focus on graduate placement. Online � Such businesses are online-only. Some online agencies may have hundreds, if not thousands, of vacancies posted at any given time. Instead of making contact with a consultant the online variation makes you do a bit of the legwork.

A few tips

1. Assess reputation � You may wish to call up some companies you are interested in to see which recruitment agencies they use, if any. Ask your acquaintances who have used agencies and get feedback on their experience. 2. Research the role � Don�t waste your time or your recruiter�s time applying for a job you aren�t suitable for. Read the job spec carefully before asking your consultant to go ahead with the application. 3. Follow up � If your recruitment consultant says he or she will call you �next week� and doesn�t, call him or her. It�s good to know where you stand. If you have interviewed for a position and not heard back when your consultant said you would hear, give the agency a call. If they haven�t contacted you to update you on any new vacancies, call them and inquire. 4. Don�t settle for any job � Just because your recruiter says you are perfect for a particular position doesn�t mean you are. You know yourself. The first job that comes around probably won�t be exactly what you�re looking for and there is no reason why you should settle � especially now that you�re a graduate! 5. Keep relationships � This may be your first job but it likely won�t be your last. If possible, keep in touch with your �favorite� recruiter throughout that first job experience and update him or her on your career progress and whether you are happy in the position or want to start seeking a different one. This will set you apart from the crowd of anonymous job seekers.

Is it really a man�s world?

Tue, 29 Apr 2008 15:48:00 +0100

It�s been 30 some-odd years since the bra-burning epidemic of the seventies. On the surface it may seem that the fight for equal rights amongst the sexes is an unnecessary response to an imbalance of the past, but institutional sexism is a present-day matter and diversity within the workplace is still far from complete. Men fill the majority of directorial positions in companies, get paid more, and are socially expected to spend considerably less time on domestic chores. We may have made progress but will we ever live in a completely egalitarian society?
Quick brainstorming of celebrated �leaders� will likely result in far fewer female names than male. Margaret Thatcher, Marie Curie, Hillary Rodham Clinton, and Cleopatra come to mind, but not many more. Men comprise the majority of leadership positions in the public and private spheres today. Fewer than 10% of the world�s top 300 companies� board members and directors are women, according to a recent study conducted by Ricol Lasteyrie and Associates. Is this imply due to a lack of leadership development available to female professionals or arte there deeper, more psychological barriers?
It�s fair to say that stereotypes about women having weaker leadership qualities are so deeply embedded in contemporary thought that women have internalized them. The widespread notion that women are more emotional thinkers with nurturing qualities not assertive enough to take charge in a fast-paced and highly competitive environment has quite possibly taken its toll on the status quo. Ella Smolevitskaya, Head of Diversity at Hewlett-Packard, confirms this possible setback: �Sometimes women experience a lack of trust in their skills during the early stages of their career. They have to prove their management, technical, and negotiation skills to their colleagues.�
This, arguably, is a result of socialisation. Girls are taught to be delicate, quiet beings, while boys are taught to be aggressive, tough, and able to successfully take charge of a situation. Girls are expected to be polite and submissive; boys, on the other hand, are to assert their ideas with the fearlessness of a crocodile hunter.
The lack of female business leaders can further have a strong effect on girls and young women. From the get-go they see the absence of female leaders, and as a result, may subconsciously feel they don�t have the leadership qualities boys have to �make it.� Furthermore, socialised values like the idea that women lack technical, scientific, and mathematic capabilities to propel businesses to the forefront of the market, can be less than encouraging to girls. Jelena Radonjic, Head of the Leadership Career Forums expresses the need to promote equal values: �one of the reasons why we created the Women in Leadership events was to provide a platform for equality. Leading companies like Shell and HP want a diverse workforce, and ambitious young women need a space to assert themselves, ultimately providing a proactive field free of socially-imagined barriers.�