Looking for ways to narrow down your job search? Or perhaps wondering what it’s like to work at the company you have your eye on? Luckily, there are lots of publications out there that tell you everything you need to know about the top graduate employers and what to expect as a new recruit into various industries. In this blog post, we have compiled a variety of online publications which are packed full of useful job-hunting advice and career tips. 1) The JobCrowd Top Companies for Graduates to work for 2020/21 The ultimate student guide that analyses thousands of anonymous … Read More
CV360 – Your CV Feedback Friend
You’ve written your CV in readiness to apply for a role. It’s a masterpiece! Best to get it checked over by Careers+Placements first though… *Log-in to Aston Futures to book an appointment*… Oh, there aren’t any available right now. What should you do? Don’t worry, we have a brilliant new tool called CV360 that can provide you with instant feedback on your CV. It’s a really clever resource that scores your CV against over 50 checks that commonly can make or break a candidates recruitment chances. You’ll get useful and detailed feedback that can then be implemented to help optimise … Read More
Mastering virtual interviews
More and more employers are offering video and virtual interviews these days. While this is great news if you always dread getting lost on the way to a face-to-face interview or panic about a bus not turning up when you need one, virtual interviews can present a different set of challenges. That’s why today we’re sharing our top tips for mastering these types of interviews – don’t worry, you’ve got this. Test your tech beforehand Virtual interviews are stressful enough, without adding technical problems to the mix. Avoid any potential glitches by testing your equipment before the interview date. This … Read More
Staying positive during the job search
When you’re looking for jobs, it can be hard not to feel frustrated and demotivated, especially if you feel like you’re getting nowhere fast. However, having a positive mindset is crucial to being successful in your job search. That’s why we’ve pulled together these handy tips which will have you feeling focused and on top of things in no time. We hope they’re helpful! Create a daily routine Job searching can often feel like a job in itself, so it’s important to set some boundaries so it doesn’t consume all of your time. Creating a schedule will help you feel … Read More
Mistakes I made: Libby Jones
A big realisation I made during my placement year was understanding the benefit of seeing mistakes as learning experiences rather than letting myself get disheartened by them. Now I’m starting to apply for graduate roles, I’ve realised the value of the lessons I learned in the application process and how they will help me with my future job hunting. In hindsight, the way I began my placement search was the first mistake I made. I put myself under a great deal of pressure to just find any placement because I was so panicked that I would go into third year … Read More
How to write a successful CV
Whatever kind of role you’re applying for – whether that’s a part-time job, volunteering role, placement, internship or graduate job – a great CV is essential. We’ve pulled together some tips to help you write a CV that’s sure to stand out to employers for all the right reasons. Checklist of what to include Before you get stuck into writing your CV, it’s a good idea to plan out the structure of it so you can make sure you cover all the key information an employer will want to know. Take a look at this handy checklist of what to … Read More
Getting the most out of Aston Futures
Now, we might be biased, but we think Aston Futures is pretty fantastic. It’s super helpful whatever year you’re in, so if you’re not already, it’s time to get up close and personal with it! So, what exactly is Aston Futures? Aston Futures is an online platform that’s run by Careers+Placements. It allows you to do all sorts of things, including: Search and apply for opportunities – whether that be internships, placements, graduate jobs, part-time work or volunteering roles. Whatever stage you’re at, we hope you’ll be able to find something that suits your needs (Also, some of the roles … Read More
Careers+Placements support you can access as a recent graduate
The time has come for you to fly the Aston nest *wipes away tears*. We don’t know where the last few years have gone either. However, the good news is that this doesn’t have to be goodbye, because you can still access our services for the next three years (woohoo!). Take a look at how we can continue to support you during the next stage of your journey. Get up close and personal with our Careers Graduate Team Who are those guys, we hear you ask? Well, our dedicated Careers Graduate Team are part of Careers+Placements and they will be … Read More
Why voluntary roles are worth considering
It goes without saying that volunteering is a brilliant way to boost your CV and build your confidence at any point throughout your university journey – and there are plenty of organisations that offer voluntary roles! Whether it be volunteering at a charity, at a school, at an animal rescue centre, for a political campaign or even volunteering abroad, there are a number of benefits that can be gained from volunteering. A voluntary role could be during university term-time around your lectures, seminars and other commitments. I personally volunteered at my local Citizens Advice throughout my second year and found … Read More
6 top tips for nailing term 1 of final year
So you’ve just finished your placement year (or had it, unfortunately, cut short due to COVID-19), and gained a bunch of new skills, from interpersonal communication to team-work. Now is the time to get thinking about final year, luckily I’ve got 6 tips and tricks to ensure you make the best of term 1 in the most stress-free possible.