The latest career news and comment from the University of Manchester
LinkedIn is a constantly-evolving and useful tool in pursuing any career, but it can seem overwhelming with its long list of functions. Over the next few weeks we’ll be creating a series of blog posts giving you all the ins and outs of LinkedIn and how to get the most out of it. To start…
When thinking about your job hunting, do you ever think to yourself: “I know it’s really competitive. So I’m wondering if there are other options?” On one hand it’s a good sign that you’ve done some research, and have a more cautious and realistic view than some people who assume they can just walk into…
by Stephen Gordon* *completed PhD in 2013 and has held numerous postdoctoral positions and student support roles; worked as an Advisor in the University of Manchester Careers Service since 2016 Writing covering letters for academic positions can be a tricky business. The structure and format of such documents are quite different from the template used for…
Read more Writing Covering Letters for Academic Jobs – A Quick How-To Guide
*NEW* See information on STP interviews at the end of the post! (added 21 March 2018) 2018 STP – opened 15th January, closed Monday 12th February at 5pm The NHS Scientist Training Programme (STP) is open for applications! Thousands of scientists and engineers of all disciplines work for the NHS, and the STP is how…
Read more Applying for the NHS Scientist Training Programme in 2018
Amanda Conway, Careers Consultant at The University of Manchester, explores whether practice does make perfect with 3 of the main tests facing Manchester students. When it comes to applying for graduate jobs or internships, the chances are you will face a test or two along the way. Whilst some favourites remain firmly embedded in employers’…
By Amanda Conway, Careers Consultant By now you will probably have already heard about psychometric tests and how they are regularly used by employers to shortlist and select candidates – you may have already encountered one of them! Around 70% of the major graduate employers now use some form of testing to gain insight into…
Read more Have you heard of the practice effect? – it could transform your job hunting success
Unless you are applying for Teaching or Medicine through UCAS this will be a completely different process for you. There are some universities which use the UKPASS system but most require a direct application to the postgraduate admissions contact for the course you are applying to. (You will find this on the university website when…
Faced with a job advert it is easy to give up, shrug and say I can’t do that I don’t have what they are looking for. It may not even be that clear what they are looking for! Don’t give up quite so easily – print out that job description, have a good rummage on their…
Read more Have you got the right skills for the job? Think hard before you say no!
Employers want to be sure that not only do you have the relevant skills for a particular job but you also understand what the organisation does, how this role fits in and what it involves. They want people who are making informed decisions and have a genuine passion for the job. You may always have…
Read more How to do your research for a covering letter or personal statement
You’ve just sent me a CV & cover letter for a job. You and possibly several hundred others so I’m going to spend just a few seconds skimming over it to see which pile you fit in. Yes, No or Maybe. I have a check-list of all the skills & qualifications I’m looking for and…
Read more Why generic CVs and cover letters end up in the bin!
