GETTING A RESEARCH ASSISTANT JOB

Transcription

1 GETTING A RESEARCH ASSISTANT JOB Dr Sophia Donaldson UCL Careers Consultant

2 Outline Finding RA jobs The importance of selling yourself well on paper Tips for CVs and applications Further help available

3 Jobhunting jobs.ac.uk - EU US focus - US focus - US focus Research publications e.g. Research discipline specific mailing lists Individual University Websites

4 London neuroscience grads, now in researcher roles From What do London Graduates do? 2015

5 CV Quiz 1. How long should a standard UK CV be? (are there any exceptions?) 2. What was the average number of applications per graduate level vacancy for 2011/12 (AGR) 3. How long does the average employer spend reviewing a CV? 4. Name the two documents that typically accompany an advertised job/ internship opportunity that detail more information about the role and ideal candidate 5. Name some standard structural titles of a CV

6 CV Quiz 1. How long should a UK CV be? (are there any exceptions?)

7 CV Quiz How long should a UK CV be? (Are there any exceptions?) - 2 pages - Investment banks/management consultancies 1 page - Academic/medical doctor can run longer

8 CV Quiz 2. What was the average number of applications per graduate level vacancy for 2011/12 (AGR)?

9 9 UCL CAREERS RESEARCHERS

10 CV Quiz 3. How long does the average employer spend reviewing a CV?

11 On average, recruiters spend only about 6 seconds reviewing a CV at skim read level First half page of a CV is crucial Source: Keeping an eye on recruiter behaviour - The Ladders

12 CV Quiz 4. Name the two documents that typically accompany an advertised job/ internship opportunity that detail more information about the role and ideal candidate

13 CV Quiz 4. Name the two documents that typically accompany an advertised job/ internship opportunity that detail more information about the role and ideal candidate - Job Description - Person Specification

14 CV Quiz 5. Name some standard structural titles of a CV

15 CV Quiz 5. Name some standard structural titles of a CV Personal details Profile (?) Education Work experience (Relevant and other, volunteering) Skills Achievements and Awards Interests and Hobbies Referees

16 Profile?

17 CV tips

18 CV tips Logical, accessible structure consistent and appropriate formatting distinct sections

19 CV tips more relevant = more prominent key information on page 1 consider: themed experience relevant versus other work experience consider use of a profile especially where no cover letter

20 CV tips Target for maximum impact tailor to the position role requirements and competencies

21 CV tips Show me, don t tell me Evidence not opinion details and outcomes quantify where possible use lots of verbs doing words

22 CV tips Professional presentation triple check spelling and grammar use bullet-points, be concise

23 CV advice A fellow UCL student needs our help! She s applying for research worker roles in academic psychology departments

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44 Sally Jones thanks you!!

45 Cover/application letter tips Answers three questions: Why that job? Why that employer? Why you?

46 Cover/application letter tips Tailored to each position Should stand alone Your chance to elaborate on a couple of good examples/experiences

47 Cover letter tips 1 page (approx 400 words) Find someone to address it to (for speculative letters) Check spelling and grammar Yours Faithfully for unknown recipient Yours Sincerely for named recipient

48 How can we help? One-to-one for CV, application checks, career planning Interview practice Workshops (Interview workshop for department?) UCLAlert! Online resources at careerstagged.co.uk

49 Thank you! Questions?