Careers
If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected] or @NScareersEd
The RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair can kickstart your career or turn you in a new direction, writes Jane Redfern Jones
MIKE WILKINSON
FIND YOUR DREAM JOB
If you are keen to develop your career or just need some inspiration, the RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair is the ideal place to start. Due to the popularity of previous events, there will be four jobs fairs this year, starting with Glasgow next month and then Birmingham, London and Manchester later in the year. Major regional and national organisations will attend the events, offering much more than just job opportunities. Jobseekers should never underestimate the value of meeting potential employers face to face. In the internet age, it is easy to be complacent and only search online for vacancies, but the internet cannot provide the connections and opportunities presented at a major jobs fair. The next jobs fair will be held in Glasgow on April 9 and 10. Recruiters from all over the UK will be available to offer advice and information. Some will be interviewing at the fair, so come prepared:
NURSING STANDARD
Make time to attend seminars held in conjunction with the jobs fair exhibition
Do your homework beforehand Decide which stands you would like to see at the exhibition and the order in which you intend to visit them. A list of all the exhibitors will be available online ahead of the event (see resources). Research the employers you are most interested in Study their websites and Twitter and Facebook feeds. If you know someone who works where you want to work, talk to them and glean as much information as you can about the organisation. Prepare for the fair in the same way you would an interview Dress smartly and be organised. Practise answering typical interview questions such as: ‘Tell me about yourself’ and ‘What kind of position are you looking for?’, and compile a list of questions that you want to ask each organisation on your list. Carry at least 20 printed copies of your CV Make sure it is clear and concise, covering no
more than two sides of A4 paper. If you are targeting particular employers, tailor your CV to suit. Use the RCN CV Clinic to check that yours meets current standards (see resources). Take a notepad and pen, or tablet computer Use your notes after the fair to assess and compare employers. Ask each person you speak to for their business card Note on the reverse what was said. After the fair, write to the employers you spoke to Reiterate your interest and thank them for taking the time to talk to you – thanking them is a great way of impressing them. Even if you are not looking for a new job, the exhibitors are a great source of inspiration and ideas for career development. As well as NHS trusts, private hospitals and nursing agencies, there will be universities and colleges offering educational and training opportunities. Set aside time to attend some of the seminars that will run alongside the main event. The details will be listed online, and topics will include CV advice, interview techniques and revalidation requirements. Remember that other job seekers will be at the fair to network and gather information too, so if you find yourself in a queue, talk to the people around you. Above all, be organised, be smart and act professionally – and you might just find yourself on the road to your dream job NS Jane Redfern Jones is a nurse and careers specialist RESOURCES RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair at the SECC, Glasgow on April 9-10 www.rcnbulletinjobsfair.co.uk RCNi CV Clinic tinyurl.com/nursingcv
april 1 :: vol 29 no 31 :: 2015 63 Nursing Standard 2015.29:63-63. Downloaded from journals.rcni.com by University of British Columbia on 11/15/15. For personal use only.
If you would like to write for our careers section email the editor at [email protected] or @NScareersEd
The RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair can kickstart your career or turn you in a new direction, writes Jane Redfern Jones
MIKE WILKINSON
FIND YOUR DREAM JOB
If you are keen to develop your career or just need some inspiration, the RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair is the ideal place to start. Due to the popularity of previous events, there will be four jobs fairs this year, starting with Glasgow next month and then Birmingham, London and Manchester later in the year. Major regional and national organisations will attend the events, offering much more than just job opportunities. Jobseekers should never underestimate the value of meeting potential employers face to face. In the internet age, it is easy to be complacent and only search online for vacancies, but the internet cannot provide the connections and opportunities presented at a major jobs fair. The next jobs fair will be held in Glasgow on April 9 and 10. Recruiters from all over the UK will be available to offer advice and information. Some will be interviewing at the fair, so come prepared:
NURSING STANDARD
Make time to attend seminars held in conjunction with the jobs fair exhibition
Do your homework beforehand Decide which stands you would like to see at the exhibition and the order in which you intend to visit them. A list of all the exhibitors will be available online ahead of the event (see resources). Research the employers you are most interested in Study their websites and Twitter and Facebook feeds. If you know someone who works where you want to work, talk to them and glean as much information as you can about the organisation. Prepare for the fair in the same way you would an interview Dress smartly and be organised. Practise answering typical interview questions such as: ‘Tell me about yourself’ and ‘What kind of position are you looking for?’, and compile a list of questions that you want to ask each organisation on your list. Carry at least 20 printed copies of your CV Make sure it is clear and concise, covering no
more than two sides of A4 paper. If you are targeting particular employers, tailor your CV to suit. Use the RCN CV Clinic to check that yours meets current standards (see resources). Take a notepad and pen, or tablet computer Use your notes after the fair to assess and compare employers. Ask each person you speak to for their business card Note on the reverse what was said. After the fair, write to the employers you spoke to Reiterate your interest and thank them for taking the time to talk to you – thanking them is a great way of impressing them. Even if you are not looking for a new job, the exhibitors are a great source of inspiration and ideas for career development. As well as NHS trusts, private hospitals and nursing agencies, there will be universities and colleges offering educational and training opportunities. Set aside time to attend some of the seminars that will run alongside the main event. The details will be listed online, and topics will include CV advice, interview techniques and revalidation requirements. Remember that other job seekers will be at the fair to network and gather information too, so if you find yourself in a queue, talk to the people around you. Above all, be organised, be smart and act professionally – and you might just find yourself on the road to your dream job NS Jane Redfern Jones is a nurse and careers specialist RESOURCES RCN Bulletin Jobs Fair at the SECC, Glasgow on April 9-10 www.rcnbulletinjobsfair.co.uk RCNi CV Clinic tinyurl.com/nursingcv
april 1 :: vol 29 no 31 :: 2015 63 Nursing Standard 2015.29:63-63. Downloaded from journals.rcni.com by University of British Columbia on 11/15/15. For personal use only.
