Hospitality Careers Day 2010

Aims for this afternoonConsolidate what the employers spoke of this

morning so you will be able to face each stage of the recruitment process with confidence

Plan:Skills (competencies)

What do employers mean? How can you show you have what it takes?

ApplicationsCV checkApplication forms

Interview practice

Aims for this afternoon

'Assessment centre' styleGroup work and presentations

Intensive afternoon! Stamina required

Chance to practise

Action plan for your next steps

Mentors available for help and advice

SKILLS (Competencies)What do employers want?

What do they mean?

What evidence can you present as proof you have what they want?

SKILLS (Competencies)Example: Project Management

Definition: Ability to manage a complex project from start to finish within the set time and resources

Description of the behaviours:Focus on the goal and deadline

Identify interim tasks and deadlines

Allocate resources, delegate

Prioritise, plan and schedule

Review and adapt plan as necessary

Budget, negotiate

Example

SKILLS (Competencies)

Providing evidence of skills:

STAR stories:Situation

Task

Actions

Result

SKILLS: Group Task 1Group work and presentation

3 minute presentations (Time keeper?)

Definition of a skill

Description of the behaviours characteristic of the skill

Example(s)

20 mins to prepare

1 mentor per group (can use their help for first 10 mins only)

Presentations and feedback

SKILLS: Presentations

• Communication

• Team work

• Project management

• Planning and organisation

• Customer service

• Problem solving?

Feedback

PresentationsGroups

Mentors

Group workGroups

Mentors

Summary – PresentationsBe involved

Use resources (handouts)

Structure

Posture

Eye contact

Smile

Pace and volume

Rehearse

Summary – Group WorkRead and understand the instructionsBe task focusedTimingAllocate rolesListenExpress your ideas clearlyInterpersonal skills; diplomacy? leadership?Body languageContribute to discussionsJoin in – however 'mad' the task!You are being observed!

Summary - SKILLSResearch what employers wantUnderstand what they meanCollect your evidence Present your evidence confidently

SituationTaskActionResult

STAR approach useful for applications (WRITE), interviews (TALK) and at assessment centres (SHOW)

CVs and APPLICATIONS

CVs & Applications

CV checks with mentors10 minutes 1-1

Feedback on your CV – suggestions for improvement

Those without CVs, can sit in with friends?

• Time out– Application forms– Skill audit books

CVs & Applications:Feedback

CV feedback general commentsStudents

Mentors

CVs & Applications: Top TipsFocused to job description/roleUSPsInclude your skills, experience and achievements!Be specific, not general answersDon't assume they know - provide informationStructure answers (STAR)CVs 2 sides max (not one and a bit!)Grammar, punctuation matter - Not txt tlk!Spell check and proof readColour of paperFont style and size (be professional – and considerate)

Photos?Equal Opps: Disclosure of disability, ageKeep a copy

Covering LettersAddresses – professional layout, date Dear... Name (or Sir/Madam) Why you are writingWhy you are suited

Knowledge, skills, experience – highlights of CV

Why that companyShow your focus and research!

Closing paragraph - what nextYours sincerely (name) or Yours faithfully (Sir/Madam)

CVs & Applications: Top Tips

ResourcesBooklets, resources in Careers (level 5 Owen)

Careers Central site

Looking Good on Paper

Your Job's on line (DVD in Careers)

Careers advisers available each day

INTERVIEWS

Take a BreakAGCAS Making an Impact DVD

Interviews

An opportunity to meet you!Impressed with your application One or more people interviewing youHuman resources / line managerQuestions to establish your suitability for job

Competency based questionsSituation

Chance for you to find out more – questions for them

Interviews

Interview trios

Interviews - Feedback

General comments?Students

Mentors

Interviews - Summary

Opportunity to talk about your experiences, skills and achievements...

Prepare your STAR answers:Situation

Task

Actions

Result

Interviews – SummaryPrepare for typical questions:

Why you are interested in the jobWhy you want the companyWhy you are suited to the role

Keep focused to the assessment criteria - research the job!Prepare your answers:

Can't prepare for all the possible questions…You CAN prepare to talk about your experienceGive specific examples – not hypothetical /general statements

Have an 'agenda'Prepare for the unexpected?Smile, be friendly, enthusiastic, courteous, firm handshake?Prepare questions for them

Questions?... and ResourcesCareers Central site

AGCAS booklet Going for Interviews

AGCAS Videos/DVDs (in careers or via library catalogue) Make an Impact at Interviews (4 different videos including telephone interviews, 2007)Why ask me that (22 minutes, 1998)Assessment Centre (28 minutes, 2000)Selection Success in One (2004)

Key Skills Online: see shuspace (support and info tab)

Aptitude test sites – links from CES shuspace

Interviewer package

www.bemyinterviewer.com

Practise with friends and family

Action Planning Next Steps

Action Planning

SMART targets (Specific, Measurable, Realistic, Achievable, Time-frame)

Evaluation

Hope you have found today useful

Evaluation form

Good luck – wishing you every success for the future!

Vote of thanks to all involved

Keep in touchContact us: Owen Building Level 5, City Campus,

HOTC, Collegiate Campus– Telephone: 0114 225 3813– Email: sheffield-hallam-careers@shu.ac.uk – CES shuspace pages > support and

information tab>Careers