Easter marks the time of year when we celebrate the arrival of spring and indulge in lots of chocolate. The Easter vacation is also an egg-cellent time to hatch a plan…
The Careers & Employability Service has put some handy tools and eggs-ercises together that you can put into action over the break whilst still allowing you time to study and revise (and eat chocolate!).
Here are eight things you can over the coming weeks:
1. Decide what you want to do when you graduate
Sometimes the most difficult decision is pinpointing what your chosen or ideal career path is. The 60-minute ‘Choosing a career’ Moodle course will help you to decide what your next step is. (Scroll down to the bottom of the page to get the link)
2. Organise an internship
Calling all first and second years! Now’s the time to find an internship for the summer vacation. Whether it lasts one week or one month, work experience is the best way for you to find out what you like and don’t like and develop employability skills.
Check out the helpsheet and Moodle course.
3. Upgrade your LinkedIn profile
If you don’t have a LinkedIn profile yet, one useful way to prepare for real-world recruitment and the workplace is to create your account on this professional social media platform.
If you do have a profile, the Easter break is also a good time to refresh your photo and content and link in with Royal Holloway alumni, former and current colleagues, and follow employers in your chosen sectors.
Read the LinkedIn student guide resource and networking tips.
4. Sort the essentials: CV, application forms & cover letter
Whether you’re applying for a part-time job, looking for an internship or planning for your first graduate job; it’s really helpful to upskill now and learn how to write a CV, application and cover letter. These resources will set you on the right track.
5. Prepare to ace interviews
When it comes to interviews, practice really does help and this practice facility is a useful way to see how you respond in an interview situation. There are also lots of resources and videos of actual interviews to learn from.
6. Get psychometric test ready
Psychometric tests are a method used by some recruiters to assess your suitability for a role. They involve answering a series of questions online within a certain time limit and are generally used by larger employers who receive large numbers of applications. They could also be one of the tasks at an assessment centre. Knowing what to expect and how to prepare is a useful way to improve your test performance.
7. Go international
If you’re planning to work outside the UK this international toolkit is packed with everything you need to know about finding jobs and internships abroad.
8. Kick start your job hunt
Did you know that our web pages advertise up to 2,000 jobs every week? If you're planning for after graduation, seraching for an internship or a summer job to earn extra cash and increase your employability skills; there are roles for all students. Explore job opportunities now.
Here to help: Book a one-to-one careers coaching session
If you haven’t yet eggs-plored the Careers Centre in the Davison, make the most of your extra time and book a one-to-one with a Careers Consultant.
No question is too small and if you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed or anxious or simply have a quick query; the Careers & Employability Service team will set you on course.
The Careers Centre is open 10am-5.30pm during the Easter vacation.
