Pay gap between graduates and those without degrees widens with age - Guardian Work
If you're struggling to secure a graduate job at the moment, you may be doubting what a degree is bringing to your career right now. But, it seems, its benefits increase with time, according to a new report. Research by the Resolution Foundation has found that graduates are less likely to see their pay fall with age.
Amid all the stories about the decreasing value of a degree, and with lots of students deliberating whether they should go into higher education due to increased fees, this backs up the argument from pro-HE circles that a degree is worth it for your career in the long run.
How my intern got the job and created a blueprint for all to follow – Corn on the Job
I came across this interesting post via Twitter, which describes the job hunting path of an intern from an employer's perspective. The successful intern, Jamie, began by enthusiastically tweeting the employer about a presentation said employer was due to give. Jamie attended the event, introduced himself before the talk and remained in touch.
It was this keeping in touch - along with being himself at interview - that secured Jamie his job. I really like the way this piece tracks the journey of one successful applicant and explains how you can apply that to your own job seeking. Another piece of interview advice I found particularly encouraging was: "Feel free to bring up some other true passions, just make sure that you've already expressed your passion in the skill or line of work that you're interviewing for."
Generation limbo – waiting it out – NY Times
First we had 'the lost generation' label, and now comes a new moniker for us job seeking grads; 'Generation Limbo'. This is what the New York Times calls "highly educated 20-somethings, whose careers are stuck in neutral, coping with dead-end jobs and listless prospects."
This article describes the harsh realities facing graduates in the USA who are over qualified for the low-paid secretarial and waiting jobs they are being forced to take. It's interesting to get a new perspective on an issue we've heard so much about - the challenging job market - and read about how US grads are responding.
Plus, this is a textured tale; some grads are enjoying the flexibility of odd jobs, impromptu opportunities and unexpected career turns while others find themselves doing jobs they describe as horrible.
As for a moral - the article ends with this advice: "You have to make opportunities happen for yourself."
9 words your resume can live without – Career Rocketeer
For a job-seeking graduate, there are all manner of CV-related tips available on the web. And such advice can often feel like old news. But I found this particular post a refreshing read; it provides nine CV 'buzz words' which you should think twice before including in applications.
What sort of buzz words? Well, this blogger doesn't like 'communication skills' and candidly points out: "A two-year-old has communication skills; after all, they can communicate." Oops. I must confess, this is a buzz word/skill that has crept onto my own CV. Although, all is not lost. As opposed to forgetting about these sort of skills and terms altogether, the post recommends I simple tweak it to provide examples of my excellent communication skills.
Other edits I'm going to make include providing examples of where I have been 'responsible', as opposed to simply stating it as a personal quality.
Avoid these 10 resume mistakes – Work bloom
And here are some straight forward tips for avoiding common CV mistakes. It may be stuff you've read before, but the advice serves as a really useful checklist for when finalising your CV for each job application. Tips include: avoid "I" statements, have a strong objective title and label additional pages.
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