Follow this link for lots of useful information on the different types of CV, writing your CV, covering letters, disclosing a disability and application forms.

The STAR method can be used to help you answer application form or interview questions. Simply put the STAR method means you describe examples using the following framework:

Situation

Task

Action

Result

Using this method lets you focus your thoughts and structure your response in a clear and concise way – which helps you stand out to employers!

If you are interested in learning more, then this handout and blog post explains more.

Internships provide invaluable insights into specific roles and industries; they will help you determine whether a job is right for you, and as a bonus also help you gain transferrable skills that would look great to employers on your CV and in applications!

They can last from a couple of weeks to a couple of months depending on the sector and the employer. REMEMBER, if you are to have set hours, duties, responsibilities and if you are classed as a worker for the organisation, you should receive National Minimum Wage for your internship. (read more about that here) 

Completing an internship will: 

• increase your skills and knowledge. 
• improve your understanding of a particular job or industry. 
• show you other roles you may not have previously considered. 
• help you to gain an insight into the way organisations operate and the challenges they face. 
• provide you with networking opportunities. 
• give you and the employer a chance to 'try before you buy' and clarify whether this type of work is really for you. 

And as a bonus you might also get: 

• subsidised travel or lunches. 
• attendance at in-company training courses. 
• a supervisor who might be able to act as a referee for you in future job applications. 

For more information and where to find suitable opportunities check out these links, Prospects, All about Careers, Step, Inspiring Interns.
Finally, it’s important that you know your rights as an intern and so we’d recommend reading this link to get you up to speed.

Volunteering is any activity that involves spending time, unpaid, doing something that aims to benefit the community, environment or individuals who are not related to you.  

Volunteering can also help you: 

• boost your CV with real work/life experience 
• gain valuable transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, organisation and decision making
• build confidence
• give real life examples at interview 
• explore different areas of work 
• expand your network of contacts 

You can find out all about volunteering on our website!

REMEMBER you are also a volunteer if you are on a group committee, a student academic representative, or are one of our elected campus representatives!

You can choose to volunteer abroad as well as in the UK. For more Information on opportunities and funding options for overseas volunteering, such as the Eleanor Peel trust check out this link

Other useful links for volunteering include:  

• Do-It.org 

• Cumbria CVS (Cumbria Council for Voluntary Service) 
• Lancaster Volunteer Partnership 
• Prospects

You can also gain recognition for your volunteering through the Career Ahead award. 

If you are looking to help support and shape the work of a charity and cause you are passionate about, a trustee role can be a great way to volunteer. These roles can also be helpful for your professional development and adding experience to your CV. This information from Reach Volunteering explores how to find a trustee role that’s right for you.

Every student regardless of background, ethnicity, age, disability, or sexual orientation etc should have equal access to a wide range of graduate jobs and opportunities and have the very best chance to show their abilities and be treated fairly.

We recognise that some students may have concerns about job seeking and career planning; for example, how to disclose their disability or sexuality, whether their age, background or qualifications will be a barrier, so we have put together some information which we hope will help you.

If you convince your interviews of your fantastic worth, a job offer may be around the corner. The next step is salary, so click this link to find out more information including whether you should negotiate salary.

Check out this link for information about graduate salaries in the UK by region, some are higher than others reflecting the changes in costs of living.

When looking for a job (whether it’s a graduate role or part-time work to fit around your studies), it’s important to be aware of potential red flags. These are signs that the role, company or working conditions might not be right for you. These signs might not be apparent just by looking at a job advert or applying, so don’t feel as if you have done something wrong if a red flag crops up.  

If one does appear, you should always be able to ask a potential employer for more information to help you evaluate the situation. For example, if you aren’t given any salary information at your interview it’s fine to ask the employer for this information. If they are not forthcoming, it may be time to evaluate whether you’d be happy to work for the company. Talk things through with friends, family, or book an appointment with a Careers Adviser on My Career Enriched.  

If you want to do some further reading on the topic check out this link by digital grads.

Professional conduct at work involves our behaviour, attitude, and manners towards others.  This includes:  

• Punctuality: It should go without saying that being on time to work is non-negotiable, especially when it comes to a new job and making that good first impression.  

• Avoid a Facebook faux pas: The question of social media at work may seem like it has an obvious answer, but so many employees are unsure of if and when you can use this in the workplace. “Get to know the company policy... As an employee, it is vital that you read up on this...so you can avoid any potential issues from the get-go!”  (The Guardian, 2017).  
• Our professional appearance: Knowing what to wear for work can be tricky depending on the job and the ethos of a company. “When in doubt, take the conservative approach in how you dress and what you  say and do. Be as professional as you were in the interview process.” (The Independent, 2018). 
• Being polite and demonstrating a positive attitude: Your attitude at work goes a long way to making a lasting impression of you in the eyes of your colleagues. Everyone has harder days, but it’s so important to reflect on frustrations in a healthy way and to always try to keep your enthusiasm and composure. “Whether things are going well or badly, always maintain a balanced viewpoint and resist the urge to complain to co- workers about your boss or your job.” (Hays.net, 2018) 

Finally, this page from indeed gives ten ways to show professional behaviour in the workplace.

As you begin to plan your career and develop your work experience, it’s useful to know your rights at work, along with the laws that protect them.  

Here are some handy breakdowns of your employment rights:  
• My World of Work - Your Rights in Work 
• Citizen’s Advice - Rights at Work  

• Careers and work for disabled people – Disability Rights UK  

You can find out more about the National Minimum Wage and National Living Wage here. 

This page from the UK Government has links to a wide range of information on employment rights, including pregnant employees’ rights, workplace harassment and bullying and adjustments for health conditions.

‘Modern slavery in the UK can take many forms, including forced sexual exploitation, domestic slavery or forced labour on farms, in construction, shops, bars, nail bars, car washes or manufacturing’ (AntiSlavery.org). 

You can read more from Anti Slavery here.

If you are concerned that you or someone else is at risk from, or experience forced labour, please contact the Modern Slavery Helpline for free, confidential advice.

If you want some additional help with career and employability skills then we’ve got you!

Get in touch with the University Careers team via My Career Enriched

They’ve even got a handy intro video and an FAQ page so you can find out more about what they offer!