Document 1

Welcome to the Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival 2016

We hope both students and teachers will find the event beneficial and inspirational, leaving the event with lots of ideas and new contacts.

Included in this pack we hope you will find everything you need to make the most of your time at the event.

Here are just a few pointers to bear in mind.

Event Details• Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival 2016

• Dates: March 9th 9.30 - 3.30 and 10th 9.30 - 1.30

• Venue: Norfolk Showground, Dereham Road, Norwich, NR5 0TT. Please enter through entrance gate C opposite the Premier Inn. Please see the map on the next page

• Website: www.norfolkskills.co.uk

• Twitter: @norfolkskills or #norfolkskills16

• Facebook: Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival

Before the event

• The event will take place both inside and outside so please advise students to dress appropriately for the weather. They are also representing your school and speaking to potential employers so do encourage them to think about what they are wearing

• A café will be present at the event to purchase a selection of snacks, sandwiches and refreshments. There will also be space provided to eat food that is brought along to the event if needed. However with just two hours at the festival stopping to eat is not advised for long periods

• The Pre-event resources are by no means exhaustive. We have attempted to pull together as much information and resources as possible. However if there are others you feel are particularly useful then any more information the students can be given prior to the event will enrich the experience for them

• Upon arrival you will be presented with Festival passports and maps for each student which includes a section which students can get signed or stamped by exhibitors to say they have visited them and chatted to them about what they offer. We suggest you may want to offer incentives according to the school’s reward structures for a different number of stamps acquired to encourage pupils to talk to as many exhibitors as possible. The stamps/ signatures will not be given out for just turning up at the stand, the students will be expected to make an effort with them/ take on an activity that they offer etc.

Welcome to the Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival 2016

When you arrive at the Showground

• When you arrive at the Showground, please follow the signs to the Norfolk Showground Arena. Our stewards will direct your coach/vehicle to the parking area. Please follow their directions

• As soon as you have parked, please bring your group into the Event Reception where you will need to sign in with our Reception team. Here you can collect your arrival pack which includes maps of the event, passports for students to complete and also your refreshment voucher for staff members attending

• You will be sent a pack of A6 Registration Postcards for each student to complete by post, separate to the pre-event pack email. It is essential these postcards are completed before you arrive at the event (or on the coach journey) and handed into reception when you check in

When you leave the Showground

• Please ensure you check out at the Event Reception so we know you are leaving

• Feel free to make use of the Post-event materials to take advantage and reinforce what the students have learnt by attending the festival

Lesson objective Pupils consider how their experiences and achievements relate to their ideas about future study and work.

StrengthsNote Down Achievements – could start by asking pupils to write down what they’ve achieved so far. This could include skills (piano Grade Four etc.), one-off achievements (scored a hat-trick, won a tennis competition), as well as academic achievements (won a school prize, been rewarded for an exceptional piece of work). This can also include personal traits e.g. something that comes naturally to them such as: confidence, problem solving, friendly etc. Any school awards and recognition should certainly be identified.

Weaknesses to fill inThink about what is missing – what skills would they like to gain?

Point out this should be a positive self-assessment. It is ok and totally normal to have things they are not so good at. If they are asked what their weaknesses are it is always good to say how they are striving to improve them.

And how might they do this – through a job, work experience, volunteering etc.

Opportunities to comeAdd things which may come onto the list in Years 10-12 to include public exam results, potential subject choices, DoE, National Citizen Service etc

These can build key skills that are required for success such as team working, resourcefulness, timekeeping etc.

These lists will then be relevant to applications to University and for employment. Thinking about why?Why do Universities and employers value these things?

• What does being part of the football team or gardening club actually say about you? - Commitment to a team, reliability, and eagerness to contribute to your community perhaps.

• What does A-Level French actually say about you? – Application, perseverance, independence and resourcefulness as well as intelligence.

• What the DoE scheme say about you? Etc.

Where might all this take you? Does your SWOT analysis give you any ideas about the future? As you go round the festival, think of your SWOT analysis.

Lesson objective

S.W.O.T. analysis

Strengths

Opportunities to come

Weaknesses to fill in

Thinking about why

Students are given suggestions about the sorts of jobs that might suit them based on either/or both of:

1. Their personality

2. Their interests.

These resources are designed to get students thinking, potentially about jobs they have never heard of or never considered. They are not designed to classify people rigidly as one type or another, merely to draw out hidden strengths and aptitudes.

1. The New Kudos resource is used by many schools in Norfolk and may be familiar to you or the students. The resource can be accessed from www.helpyouchoose.org at the bottom of the home page where you can register or log in if the students already have an account set up. It is free to use to all Norfolk young people.

The quiz asks questions about aspect of work and suggests careers that might be suitable based on their answers. This will then provide them with a starting point at which to begin looking at career options, based around jobs available in Norfolk. Unfortunately this resource is only available to those in Norfolk.

2. As an alternative to New Kudos the following website also tests students’ personality traits and suggests jobs based on that. It seemed to work well for the people I have asked to test it for me! However, I reflected that my answers may well have not been the same when I was at school. They should not see all aspects of their personality as necessarily fixed. Their experiences will shape it. http://www.career-test.co.uk/

3. The third resource suggests jobs they could consider based on their interests. This resource is found on page 3 of this document and is part of the printing document that has been sent out which can be printed and distributed to students. Again, these should not be seen as fixed and it is unhelpful if students see themselves as just in ‘one box’. Many of us have interests which mean we could fit in, to a greater or lesser extent, to any box depending on the circumstance. With thanks to Danisile Nxumalo, ‘Preparing for work’ TES resource.

4. The fourth resource is the Future You app. This can be found on the Google Play store for Android or the App Store for Apple on smartphones or via their website http://app.futureyounorfolk.com/. This app asks students to judge their own personalities and then suggests appropriate jobs based around the key Norfolk growth industries of Energy, Engineering, Life Sciences, Creative Industries, Financial Services and Health and Social Care. The students can make use of the SWOT analysis from the previous lesson plan when judging their own personalities. These sectors are all broadly represented at the Festival and gets students thinking about jobs or sectors they may not previously have considered. The website gives more information if needed http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/Childrens_services/Schools/Future_You/index.htm

They could now add the strengths or interests they have discovered here to their SWOT sheet. There is also a sheet at the end of this document where they can record ‘careers I would like to find out more about’ and ‘five exhibitors I want to visit’ based on their research in these two activities. They should bring this final sheet with them to the Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival.

Lesson objective

Make an inventory of your interests

1. Work on a farm or help save a rain forest

2. Solve a complicated maths problem

3. Act in a movie or play

4. Study social groups in society

5. Interview strangers for TV news

6. Learn about and study the economy

7. Study ‘how-to’ mechanics manuals

8. Perform science lab experiments

9. Manage an art gallery

10. Conduct a religious service

11. Get bargains at a flea market

12. Write up graphs of charts with statistics

13. Build cabinets or furniture

14. Study nature or trace the effects of pollution on

the environment

15. Write a movie screen play

16. Lead a cub or scout troop

17. Buy merchandise from a store

18. Work nine to five in a corporate office

19. Operate heavy machines

20. Play chess

21. Work on an art or music magazine

22. Get involved in a charity or community

organisation

23. Do fast-paced, high pressure sales work

24. Design computer games and programmes

25. Work outside in a national park

26. Research a law case

27. Play a musical instrument

28. Work with babies or children

29. Run for class office

30. Work after school to save money

31. Set up a stereo system

32. Read science fiction

33. Write a short story, play or novel

34. Entertain at a party

35. Work in a policeman’s office

36. Keyboard documents into computers

37. Build a jet aircraft

38. Use an electronic microscope or

a high-tech medical instrument

39. Design a line of clothes

40. Read and discuss literature

41. Debate political and social issues on TV

42. Keep accurate records of a business

43. Repair a car engine

44. Identify constellations of stars

45. Take pottery classes

46. Work with senior citizens

47. Sell products on commission

48. Set up a budget for running a large company

or government agency

2. Now for every number that you ticked above put a circle around the corresponding number in the chart below. For example, if you ticked [3. Act in a movie or play], circle 3 below.

A 1 7 13 19 25 31 37 43

B 2 8 14 20 26 32 38 44

C 3 9 15 21 27 33 39 45

D 4 10 16 22 28 34 40 46

E 5 11 17 23 29 35 41 47

F 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48

3. Finally, evaluate yourself – transfer your total for each line from the chart on the left to the spaces below. For example, if your total for line A is 4 items circled, write the number 4 on line A below.

[ ] A. Doers [ ] B. Investigators

[ ] C. Artists [ ] D. Helpers

[ ] E. Enterprisers [ ] F. Detailers

In what two personality types did you score in the highest? Write their names in the blank spaces below, then go to the next page.

1. 2.

1. Tick the activities or career fields that interest you below, whether you know much about them or not. Have someone who knows you as well to add their opinion about you too, as a guide.

Total circled

Personality types

Doers: Enjoy practical work, working with their hands.

Examples: Electrician, Athletic Trainer, Carpenter, Police Officer, Army soldier, Mechanic, Hairdresser, Construction Worker, Caterer, Truck Driver, Dressmaker, Chefs, Plumber, Welding, Computer Repairs, Engineer.

Investigators: Are observant and explore a wide range of ideas to solve problems.

Examples: Nurse, Pharmacist, Dietician, Detective, Dentist, Librarian, Lawyer, Reporter, Computer system analyst, computer security specialist, Horticulture, Veterinarian, Science Teacher

Artists: Are creative, innovative, imaginative and unconventional.

Examples: English teacher, Music teacher, Graphic Designer, Interior decorator, Photographer, Museum curator, Dance Instructor, Musician, Painter, Florist, Landscaper, Lighting specialist, Writer, Entertainer

Helpers: Interact with people teaching them new skills or helping them solve personal problems.

Examples: Youth worker, Counsellor, Teacher, Funeral director, Athletic coach, Sales Representative, Fitness Instructor, Paramedic, Social Worker, Nurse, Dietician, Nursery Nurse, Travel Agent, Receptionist, Health Care Assistant, Waitress, Career Advice

Enterprisers: Risk takers who enjoy decision making, selling things, leading people and politics.

Examples: Banker, Real Estate Agent, Florist, Lawyer, Radio/TV Presenter, Branch Manager, Personnel Recruiter, Office Manager, Travel Agent, Advertising Executive, Politician, Business Manager

Detailers: People who collect and organise things following defined routines and procedures.

Examples: Accountant, Bookkeeper, Secretary, Librarian, Proof Reader, Credit Controller, Court Reporter, Medical Secretary, Accounts Auditor, Financial Analyst, Health and Safety Inspector, Probation Officer, Cashier, Hotel Clerk

Current at time of going to print on 12th February. Please see the website www.norfolkskills.co.uk for an up to date list

Norfolk & Suffolk NHS Foundation Trust - http://www.nsft.nhs.uk/Pages/Home.aspx

Access to Music http://www.accesstomusic.co.uk/

R G Carter http://www.rgcarter-construction.co.uk/

Paston Sixth Form http://www.paston.ac.uk/

Army http://army.mod.uk/

Nova Training http://www.novatraining.co.uk/

Construction Training Specialists Ltd http://www.construction-training.com/ 3aaa - https://3aaa.co.uk/

College of West Anglia https://www.cwa.ac.uk/

Poultec http://www.poultec.co.uk/

Larking Gowen http://www.larking-gowen.co.uk/

Great Yarmouth College http://www.gyc.ac.uk/

Norfolk Young Farmers http://norfolkyfc.org/

Ben Burgess http://www.benburgess.co.uk/home.aspx

St Eds Society st-eds.org

Lovewell Blake http://www.lovewell-blake.co.uk/

Exhibitors List

Norfolk Community Learning Services RAF https://www.raf.mod.uk/recruitment/

Edge Careers http://www.edgecareers.co.uk/

Norfolk Community Health & Care NHS Trust http://www norfolkcommunityhealthandcare.nhs.uk/

Tarmac http://www.tarmac.com/

Aviation Skills Partnership http://www.aviationskillspartnership.com/

West Suffolk College http://www.westsuffolkcollege.ac.uk/

Barchester Healthcare http://www.barchester.com/

Kettle Foods http://www.kettlefoods.co.uk/

Nelson County Potatoes http://nelsoncountyltd.com/

Cobb Europe Ltd http://www.cobb-europe.com/

Morgan Sindall http://www.morgansindall.com/

Norfolk Constabulary http://www.norfolk.police.uk/

AVIVA http://www.aviva.co.uk/

Suffolk and Norfolk Collaborative Outreach http://snco.ucs.ac.uk/

Norfolk County Council http://www.norfolk.gov.uk/

Careers I would like to find out more about

You may want to look at the ‘What Work Norfolk’ publication at this point for more information on the job market in general as well as opportunities in Norfolk.

One way to do this is to look them up here: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspxThis is a fantastic resource with a wealth of information about different careers and how to get into them.

Exhibitors I would like to visit at the Festival

Remember, many companies have a huge variety of roles within them. For example, look at your own school. You have teachers of course, but also you are likely to have a marketing manager, a nurse, a librarian, maintenance staff, a counsellor, secretaries, personal assistants, technicians, finance staff and many more! Do not just think about the most obvious roles within organisations – ask exhibitors about the range of opportunities on offer.

Visit www.norfolkskills.co.uk and select five exhibitors you definitely want to visit and list them below.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Document 2

S.W.O.T. analysis

Strengths

Opportunities to come

Weaknesses to fill in

Thinking about why

Make an inventory of your interests

1. Work on a farm or help save a rain forest

2. Solve a complicated maths problem

3. Act in a movie or play

4. Study social groups in society

5. Interview strangers for TV news

6. Learn about and study the economy

7. Study ‘how-to’ mechanics manuals

8. Perform science lab experiments

9. Manage an art gallery

10. Conduct a religious service

11. Get bargains at a flea market

12. Write up graphs of charts with statistics

13. Build cabinets or furniture

14. Study nature or trace the effects of pollution on

the environment

15. Write a movie screen play

16. Lead a cub or scout troop

17. Buy merchandise from a store

18. Work nine to five in a corporate office

19. Operate heavy machines

20. Play chess

21. Work on an art or music magazine

22. Get involved in a charity or community

organisation

23. Do fast-paced, high pressure sales work

24. Design computer games and programmes

25. Work outside in a national park

26. Research a law case

27. Play a musical instrument

28. Work with babies or children

29. Run for class office

30. Work after school to save money

31. Set up a stereo system

32. Read science fiction

33. Write a short story, play or novel

34. Entertain at a party

35. Work in a policeman’s office

36. Keyboard documents into computers

37. Build a jet aircraft

38. Use an electronic microscope or

a high-tech medical instrument

39. Design a line of clothes

40. Read and discuss literature

41. Debate political and social issues on TV

42. Keep accurate records of a business

43. Repair a car engine

44. Identify constellations of stars

45. Take pottery classes

46. Work with senior citizens

47. Sell products on commission

48. Set up a budget for running a large company

or government agency

2. Now for every number that you ticked above put a circle around the corresponding number in the chart below. For example, if you ticked [3. Act in a movie or play], circle 3 below.

A 1 7 13 19 25 31 37 43

B 2 8 14 20 26 32 38 44

C 3 9 15 21 27 33 39 45

D 4 10 16 22 28 34 40 46

E 5 11 17 23 29 35 41 47

F 6 12 18 24 30 36 42 48

3. Finally, evaluate yourself – transfer your total for each line from the chart on the left to the spaces below. For example, if your total for line A is 4 items circled, write the number 4 on line A below.

[ ] A. Doers [ ] B. Investigators

[ ] C. Artists [ ] D. Helpers

[ ] E. Enterprisers [ ] F. Detailers

In what two personality types did you score in the highest? Write their names in the blank spaces below, then go to the next page.

1. 2.

1. Tick the activities or career fields that interest you below, whether you know much about them or not. Have someone who knows you as well to add their opinion about you too, as a guide.

Total circled

Personality types

Doers: Enjoy practical work, working with their hands.

Examples: Electrician, Athletic Trainer, Carpenter, Police Officer, Army soldier, Mechanic, Hairdresser, Construction Worker, Caterer, Truck Driver, Dressmaker, Chefs, Plumber, Welding, Computer Repairs, Engineer.

Investigators: Are observant and explore a wide range of ideas to solve problems.

Examples: Nurse, Pharmacist, Dietician, Detective, Dentist, Librarian, Lawyer, Reporter, Computer system analyst, computer security specialist, Horticulture, Veterinarian, Science Teacher

Artists: Are creative, innovative, imaginative and unconventional.

Examples: English teacher, Music teacher, Graphic Designer, Interior decorator, Photographer, Museum curator, Dance Instructor, Musician, Painter, Florist, Landscaper, Lighting specialist, Writer, Entertainer

Helpers: Interact with people teaching them new skills or helping them solve personal problems.

Examples: Youth worker, Counsellor, Teacher, Funeral director, Athletic coach, Sales Representative, Fitness Instructor, Paramedic, Social Worker, Nurse, Dietician, Nursery Nurse, Travel Agent, Receptionist, Health Care Assistant, Waitress, Career Advice

Enterprisers: Risk takers who enjoy decision making, selling things, leading people and politics.

Examples: Banker, Real Estate Agent, Florist, Lawyer, Radio/TV Presenter, Branch Manager, Personnel Recruiter, Office Manager, Travel Agent, Advertising Executive, Politician, Business Manager

Detailers: People who collect and organise things following defined routines and procedures.

Examples: Accountant, Bookkeeper, Secretary, Librarian, Proof Reader, Credit Controller, Court Reporter, Medical Secretary, Accounts Auditor, Financial Analyst, Health and Safety Inspector, Probation Officer, Cashier, Hotel Clerk

Careers I would like to find out more about

You may want to look at the ‘What Work Norfolk’ publication at this point for more information on the job market in general as well as opportunities in Norfolk.

One way to do this is to look them up here: https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspxThis is a fantastic resource with a wealth of information about different careers and how to get into them.

Exhibitors I would like to visit at the Festival

Remember, many companies have a huge variety of roles within them. For example, look at your own school. You have teachers of course, but also you are likely to have a marketing manager, a nurse, a librarian, maintenance staff, a counsellor, secretaries, personal assistants, technicians, finance staff and many more! Do not just think about the most obvious roles within organisations – ask exhibitors about the range of opportunities on offer.

Visit www.norfolkskills.co.uk and select five exhibitors you definitely want to visit and list them below.

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Document 3

Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival 2016

Pre-event presentation

The festival aims to offer YOU, young people, the chance to ‘have a go’ at work related skills as well as meet and chat with employers and employees from

throughout Norfolk in an informal setting.

‘Work Related Skills’

Who you can visit? The main arena is split into areas according to each key Employment Sector in Norfolk. These will be: Advanced Manufacturing, Energy and Engineering ICT – Digital and Creative Financial and Insurance Services Leisure, Tourism and Culture Agriculture Health and Social Care Construction Higher Education The Armed Forces

Norfolk Chamber of Commerce will be running the ‘YOUR FUTURE ZONE’ throughout the festival which includes Informative Workshops, Speed Sessions with businesses and ‘Have a Go’ activities.

Speed Networking

Workshops

Have a Go Activities

ZONE

ST WALSTAN HALL

‘Networking’

What do you know already?

Before arriving

Taste of what’s to come…

On The Day

The Festival Passport

Practical Tips • You aren’t going to a job

interview, its an informal setting, but do dress appropriately

• Some of the festival requires walking outside, bring a coat and prepare yourself for rain!

• Don’t miss out because you have the wrong clothing on

Don’t be afraid to explore!

Presenter

Presentation Notes

After the festival use what you have learnt, don’t just forget about it If you discussed a further meeting or keeping in contact with an exhibitor make sure you do, they may meet thousands of students like you during the festival, they aren’t able to contact everyone Develop an idea for your next step, an end goal and what you will need to do to reach it Use the follow up information provided to build on what you’ve learnt during your time at the festival Make sure you know who to go to for more information, advice and guidance for the future

Finally… • The Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival was designed

for YOU and we want YOU to have had a great experience

• After your visit please fill out the Evaluation Form to help us shape the festival for future years and give feedback to the exhibitors on how you think they did

• Please make use of the range of post show resources to help with future options, applications and web research

• And THANK YOU for your time and attendance

Document 4

Post Festival Activity and useful websites

Overview • This activity provides information on opportunities and platforms for

students and teachers to access support networks and websites that will facilitate further research and help to guide and support students as they continue on their career journeys.

Links to the show • In order for students to further develop the skills and knowledge that they

have gained from The Norfolk Skills and Careers Festival, they should conduct research using a range of useful websites, links, and career networks. Through this, students will increase their knowledge and understanding of career options and their confidence in planning for their future careers independently.

Learning outcomes: • Students will have used ICT and research skills to find more

information about careers and training opportunities they are interested in.

• They will support their peers with anxieties and questions about the future with individuals or organisations who are equipped and ready to help.

• Independent research skills will be developed by students, to empower and encourage them to take ownership of their career path using easy-to-access, youth-focused tools and information.

Activity: Independent research about careers Resources: ICT, personal career information logs

Timings: 1 lesson

Suggested delivery:

• Students use what they learnt on their visit, independent research skills and the links listed below to find information about their career path.

• They record the information that they find in their personal career information logs. Students discuss what information they have found with their partner.

Personal Career Information Log My career goal is:

What I need to get there: • Qualifications

• Skills

• Experience

• Job hunting skills (consider CVs, job searching, interviews etc.)

Useful websites and links: • www.helpyouchoose.org – help You Choose is Norfolk’s information, advice and

opportunities website where you can find post-16 courses and apprenticeship opportunities

• www.notgoingtouni.co.uk – opportunities that exist outside of traditional university such as apprenticeships, sponsored degrees, gap years, distance learning, work experience and jobs

• www.disabilityrightsuk.org – information for disabled you people and a free Disabled Students Helpline 0800 328505

• www.icould.com – real stories to inspire your career and the BUZZ Quiz • https://nationalcareersservicedirect.gov.uk – CV builder, action plans, funding

information, a section specifically for 13-19 years olds as well as nearly 800 job profiles and loads more

• www.plotr.co.uk – a one-stop shop for career inspiration, preparation and guidance

• www.do-it.org – volunteering opportunities

Useful websites and links continued: • www.brightknowledge.org – a guide to careers education and student life • www.totalprofessions.com – useful for anyone choosing a professional career

covering 34 careers sectors • www.ucas.com – everything you need to know about higher education • www.barclayslifeskills.com – Life Skills is a curriculum-linked education program

developed with businesses and teachers to help get young people in the UK ready for the world of work

Document 5

Post Festival 16+ activity

How to Get Your Ideal Job in the Digital Age

The Current Career Landscape • The notion of a ‘Career’ has changed dramatically over the past decade.

Today’s workforce change their jobs more often than ever before, and the idea of designing your own career and planning your next move is more appealing in a world where employers can no longer be relied upon to provide life-long employment.

• For past generations, career strategies were Ready, Aim, Fire (and then retire). But job seekers cannot plan like that any longer. These days the better approach is ready-aim-fire-aim-fire-aim-fire.

• Today, recruitment has migrated almost completely to the Internet, and social media play an increasingly important part in the recruitment and selection process.

Self-marketing skills In this new environment a new set of skills is required. To succeed in the current job market, candidates need to:

• Develop the ability to market themselves effectively to potential employers and others in their industries

• Position themselves and their skills in the best light

• Network online and offline to identify new opportunities before they reach the rest of the market

Developing a Toolkit • The digital, online world provides a whole new set of virtual tools. Social media such as LinkedIn,

Twitter, Facebook and YouTube, not to mention personal websites, blogs and online interest groups, provide a completely new landscape in which a candidate may operate. In most cases the gatekeepers and employers are already using these tools to source and research potential employees. They value the information and context that these online tools can provide, and this gives them unprecedented access to a vast pool of potential employees.

• Unfortunately for many potential employees this is a game from which they are unknowingly excluded

• Without an awareness of the image that they are portraying of themselves online, they never make it past the employer’s initial search. Without a strong ‘personal brand’ they do not stand out from the crowd, and are passed over without consideration. Building a strong online presentation of yourself and your skills is no longer an ‘optional extra’, but the fundamental core for career progression.

The 5 Rs of Career Success in the Digital Age In this environment candidates need to take active control of their own careers. Advisers and careers educators may find it helpful to introduce job seekers to the 5 Rs:

1. Responsibility: A willingness to take responsibility for your situation and not take anything for granted. Your ‘career’ is a living, breathing, changing thing that must be constantly nurtured.

2. Resources: A confidence and desire to invest in your own abilities and keep ‘ahead of the pack’. Learning no longer finishes at school or university, but is a constant and never-ending process. The most successful people place above-average importance on keeping up-to-date with developments in their industry.

3. Reputation: A well-positioned online reputation as one of the leaders in their field, using blogging and social media to build an audience. This is the Personal Branding side of things.

4. Repositioning: A commitment to constantly adapting in order to keep up with changes and shifts in your sector and always being well positioned to take advantage. A rigid building is destroyed in an earthquake, whilst the more flexible buildings are able to withstand the same destructive forces without crumbling.

5. Relationships: An emphasis on building and maintaining relationships in and around your field of work. This has become more and more important as the number of different people that workers interact with over the course of their working lives has grown at an incredible rate. This is about the ever growing importance of networking and the theory of ‘Six Degrees of Separation’.

Entrepreneurial Career Strategy • In order to survive and prosper in the current and future job markets, the

digital generation needs to adopt an Entrepreneurial approach to their career. Entrepreneurial career strategy involves learning while going, executing while planning, finishing while starting, aiming while firing. There are no, clear start and finish points; no designated “ready” or “set” phase followed by a “go” phase.

The 4 Routes to the Job Market • ADVERTISED jobs – in the press, on company and organisation websites, on job

boards such as Fish4Jobs, Indeed and Monster

• RECRUITMENT AGENCIES – ranging from Head Hunters for top jobs, through Search and Selection consultants who provide employers with a short list of candidates through to the High Street Agencies and purely web–based recruiters

• DIRECT APPROACH – identifying relevant organisations who are operating in your area of interest and making a direct approach to relevant people within that organisation.

• NETWORKING – seeking advice from friends, acquaintances, or colleagues (past or present), alumni from educational institutions or professional advisers. The principle is that we mount a networking campaign which will lead us to find out about the exact nature and location of our ideal job.

Developing your Personal Brand – the brand called YOU • Virtually everyone nowadays has some sort of online presence. If job seekers have not

already done so, it is worth Googling your own name and seeing what it throws up. Particularly for those Generation Y and Generation Z people born into the Digital Era - they will have probably started their online presence with digital photographs taken at their birth!

• The term ‘Branding’ is borrowed from marketing professionals, but the concept of a Personal Brand has become useful shorthand to describe how you present yourself to the world in the Digital era.

• As the amount of information about us proliferates via the Internet we need to manage the way that this information is presented, so that it provides a consistent and attractive image to potential employers.

Your CV •Your Sales Brochure •People read the first half of the first page •People are most likely to read it on screen •Tell people what you have done …and what you learned doing it! •Relevance •What you achieved while you were there •Even if it is basic, being outcome focused will set you apart

LinkedIn •Recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary research tool •Your profile is your personal advert •Marketing principles apply •Match your employer’s needs with your strengths •LinkedIn is the ‘hub’ of your online personal brand •Organisations have their own LinkedIn pages •Organisations actively look up potential candidates on LinkedIn

Twitter • Set up your account to reinforce your Personal Brand • Follow relevant companies and individuals • Follow events and conferences • Use Twitter Hashtags (#) for job searches e.g. #jobs, #jobsearch • Participate: be active in tweeting and retweeting about your target audience

Facebook • Manage your Privacy Settings carefully • Make sure only friends can see your photos • Make sure only friends can see your posts • Check what the outside world can see when they access your Facebook page • Consider using the Facebook app BranchOut (allows users to see which

Facebook friends work at specific companies)

For more resources please go to: • https://nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/Pages/Home.aspx • www.jobsite.co.uk • www.jobs24.co.uk/jobs • www.monster.co.uk • www.reed.co.uk • www.cv-library.co.uk • www.hays.co.uk • http://careers.theguardian.com/careers-blog • www.gov.uk/browse/working/finding-job • www.indeed.co.uk/ • www.dailyjobseeker.tumblr.com