Section outline

    • i. Building your CV – an ongoing exercise 

      A to Z CV Writing Guideline – Training Express

      Your CV (or application) is your sales pitch: why should an employer pick you? What will you bring to the team? Will you be good to work with? 

      Building your CV is not a 5-minute job – nor should it be.  Infact, your CV is never fully ‘up-to-date’ because it needs to be amended with every application, so that it tracks across to the specific job description. Start with a forensic review of the job description: what skills/personal qualities is it looking for and how can you evidence these in your CV? And, with the reality of ATS (AI software), your CV should track across to the job description/person spec. An ATS evaluates if you're suitable or not depending on how well your phrases fit the criteria to the job requirements. Further helpful tips for an AI-friendly CV 

      This is a helpful tutorial, as you begin: Writing a CV: Indeed  (9mins20)

      Depending on your level and range of experience, different CV formats are suitable:  

      • Chronological: lists your experience, from most recent. This is suitable if you have significant experience and/or have progressed rapidly 

      • Skills/competency-based (also called functional): focusses on your skills/abilities rather than your level of experience. This suits a recent grad, or someone returning to the workforce. 

      Remember to feature your invaluable placement and vocational experience gained while at LST, giving you crucial transferable (or transversal) skills, highly sought-after by employers. 

       Without going through every element of the CV (we are happy to review your draft), one element to highlight is the 

      Personal statement, which is the first (and possibly last!) thing a prospective employer will read: it’s your ‘personal brand’ –  so don’t be modest but only include things you can expand on at interview: an explanation of who you are, your main achievements, skills, qualities and experience from an academic, work/ministry and extra-curricular context.

      Here’s a helpful explanation of how to write a personal statement. 

    • ii. Writing a Cover Letter 

      A cover letter introduces you to an employer and asks them to think about your application. It's short - usually 3 to 5 paragraphs long. These are helpful tips. 

    • iii. Preparing for Interview 

      Premium AI Image | Generative AI illustration of young man working on a ...

      You got an interview – first hurdle overcome! Now, how to nail it and stand out from the other candidates:

      • Research the organisation and every aspect of the role you’re applying for 

      • Company website: understand their mission, values and culture  

      • Job description: analyse requirements, skills and experience needed 

      • Industry knowledge: stay informed about the industry and any relevant trends 

      Typical interview questions:  

      1. Tell me about yourself: 

      • This is an opportunity to introduce yourself (who you are professionally, vocationally), highlight your relevant experience (why you’re qualified for the job: relevant experience and proof of performance) and explain why you're a good fit for the role (your suitability and enthusiasm for the position, demonstrating that you’ve researched the role) tutorial (8 mins) 

      2. Why do you want this job? 

      Connect your interests and skills to the specific job description and organisation’s values 

      3. What are your strengths and weaknesses? 

      Be honest and self-aware, highlighting strengths that align with the role and addressing weaknesses proactively: tutorial (7 mins) 

      4. Competency-based questions:  

      Tell us about a time when… you resolved conflict in a team; you solved a problem; your displayed strong verbal/written

       communication/interpersonal skills: work up answers BEFORE the interview: tutorial (2 mins), using the STAR method 

      5. Where do you see yourself in five years? 

      Demonstrate your career goals and how they align with the organisation's long-term vision  

      6. What is your greatest achievement? 

      Choose a significant accomplishment and explain how it demonstrated your skills and abilities 

      7. Why should we hire you? 

      Clearly articulate your value proposition, highlighting your unique skills and experience 

      8. How do you handle pressure? 

      Provide specific examples of how you've managed stressful situations in the past 

      9. What motivates you? 

      Focus on intrinsic motivation, such as a passion for the work or a desire to contribute to a meaningful goal, be prepared to share your faith 

      10. Do you have any questions for us? 

      Prepare well-informed questions for them, in three categories: organisational culture; role-specific and, if you’re feeling brave, hesitation questions – watch the tutorial (5 mins). 

      Final tips:

      Best Successful job interview Illustration download in PNG & Vector format

      • Dress carefully, to the right level of formality (aim to look slightly more dressed up than the average employee) 

      • Watch your body language:  

      • Make a strong first impression: walk with confidence, sit up straight, and offer a firm handshake 

      • Maintain eye contact: show you're engaged and interested in the conversation 

      • Use hand gestures naturally: help emphasize your points and keep the conversation flowing 

      • Nod and show active listening: this demonstrates you're paying attention and engaged in the conversation 

      • Smile and be open: a genuine smile can make you appear friendly and enthusiastic  

      • Mind your legs and feet: keep your feet flat on the floor and legs relaxed. 

    • iv. Passing Assessment Tests 

      The organisation may ask you to sit employability assessment tests. If so, the investment of this 21-min tutorial is worthwhile. 

    • v. Your social media footprint: what it says about you 

      Employers now review your social media presence – so it’s worth being mindful of what you put into the public domain!  Check out this advice: What does your digital footprint say about you?

    • vi. Building professional networks 

      This can feel intimidating at first but, as you reflect on the networks you already have, and how you might build on them, it becomes less so: Bright Network Guide to Graduate Networking 

      LinkedIn is a networking titan (756 million users): here’s a taster for graduands (1 min) then another tutorial for getting started (22 mins). 

    •  

      vii. It’s not one-size-fits-all: exploring hybrid, online and bi-/tri-pathway careers 

      You may want the flexibility of combining work with further study, or two, even three, part-time roles, You may have reasons to be partly or fully based from home. If so, these articles will help you reflect: 

      What is hybrid working?

      Pro's and con's of multi-pathway careers 

      GetMyFirstDigitalJob is a hub for digital careers and employment, offering support to continue your digital learning development. 

    • viii. AI upskilling

      Discover how AI can boost your job search, CV building, and interview prep: https://www.getmyfirstjob.co.uk/AIUpskilling.aspx 

    • ix. Other places to look

      1. Christians for Impact: supporting Christians into positions of influence in the workplace, they have identified 8 global issues and have Christians in each of these sectors who are willing to mentor graduates and help them build networks and get introductions. LST can help facilitate this 

      1. For PhD graduates: Imagine PhD (US) introduces Job Family Resources, giving resources and a description of types of careers within areas such as Advocacy; Marketing; Mediation; Entrepreneurship; Higher Education Administration; Education; Research & Analysis; Faculty; Publishing.    

      1. UK Think Tanks: Smart Thinking Jobs; On Think Tanks; Public Affairs Resource Centre 

      1. Vitae Researcher Development Framework: skills that a researcher should be accruing:

      2.  A circular chart with text in a circle AI-generated content may be incorrect., Picture 

      1. Here are some reflections on responsible use of AI in research