Finding the right job in a recession - Top Tip # 4

4. Focus on quality not quantity - expect online applications to face extra scrutiny; prepare good quality applications in an increasingly competitive market


Don’t let them smell your fear! Or lack of preparation. It’s tempting to fire off loads of applications, largely saying the same thing. But this scattergun approach will rarely succeed. You should tailor your applications to each of the employers you are applying to. This is a bit of a careers service mantra, but it makes sense. It doesn’t mean you can’t re-use stuff you have already written on different applications. But you may need to re-package it. Just look at each job ad individually, think about what they are looking for and give it to them!

Sounds simple. Here are some things you can do to make sure you get it right first time:

• Spend as much time as you can on each application. It will show through to the employer


• Do your research. Find out about the employer. Use its website, or Vault.com (available on campus only). Check online newspapers like the Guardian to see if they are in the news at all or what’s going on in the sector


• Read the job ad. Some employers are very clear about what they are looking for (listing core competencies, qualities etc.). For others you will have to look for key words in the text


• Make sure everything you write is focussed on the job ad. Use your experience (work, volunteering, education, sports/hobbies) to show how you fit what they are looking for


• Don’t make any spelling mistakes! It’s the quickest way to the reject pile. If you are using spellcheck, make sure it is on UK English rather than US if you are applying for a UK job


• Get someone to read it first. Careers advisers are available in CDEC from 12-4pm every weekday (and 5-7pm on Wednesdays). Book on the day by calling 01273 678429 from 10am. If you can’t make it in, or have moved away after graduation, use our careers advice online system (if you are eligible)

This is all about getting an interview, it won’t get you the job. So remember, you’ll have to back up everything you say in person, if all goes well.

Keep an eye out for upcoming CDEC events. We’ve got a skills briefing and CV Clinic coming shortly. Plus Deloitte will be here on Thursday 12th February to look at the use of competencies in graduate recruitment.

Tourism Careers Fair

Tourism Futures is holding a career's fair on the 11th February at the
Ramada Jarvis in Brighton from 12 until 6pm, entry is free. Exhibitors include Visitbrighton, Ramada Jarvis and the Tourism Futures project. More information can be obtained by emailing Claire Mitchell

Gap Year Fair

Expanding Horizons are holding a gap year fair at Roedean School, Brighton on Tuesday 10th February 12 - 4pm. Entry is free and a list of exhibitors can be found online

Postgraduate open days at Sussex

There are two open days coming up for those interested in postgraduate study at the University of Sussex. The Management and Finance open day is on Wednesday 11th March, and the International Security day takes place on Wednesday 18th March.

TARGETchances Spring Events

TARGETchances regional law for ethnic minorities
11th March 2009 in Birmingham. This event is open to ethnic minority students who are in any year of study of a law or non-law degree.

TARGETchances law for students with disabilities
19 March 2009 in London. This event is open students with a disability who are in any year of study of a law or non-law degree.

For both events travel expenses are reimbursed and refreshments provided. More information about all TARGETchances events taking place in the coming months can be found on their website

Wired Sussex Digital Media Jobs and Skills Fair

The Wired Sussex Digital Media Jobs and Skills Fair takes place on the 26th of February 2009 at the Corn Exchange in Brighton. Doors open at noon & the event runs until 8pm. Companies and course providers will be on hand for you to talk to throughout the day on their stands. Additionally there is one-to-one career advice available and several useful presentations to attend. More information can be found here

New Art Theory 2009 - critical writing competition

Submissions are now being sought for New Art Theory 2009. New Art Theory is a yearly competition to recognise the best emerging new writing talent in the visual arts.

It is open to all final year undergraduates, current postgraduates and recent graduates of no more than 3 years from of any BA, MA or equivalent international course, provided the submission is on the subject of art. The winner of this selection will receive a £500 grant to aid the pursuit of their work. Further information and submission details can be found here