We offer four main types of appointment

1. CV Feedback
2. Quick Queries
3. Mock Interviews
4. Guidance Appointments

Please see our opening hours for availability.

CV Feedback

If you need help with your CV, as well as our online CV advice our Information Room has reference material and hand-outs to help you with CVs. Do also see the online Jobs & Careers Blackboard module for your School – it should be in your module list on the Portal Academic tab. Here you will find tailored advice for CVs and applications and a link to CV Builder to help you develop your CV.

Once you have worked on your draft CV you can book a Quick Query appointment for feedback. Please note we do not rewrite your CV or correct language problems for you. You should show your CV to a trusted friend to ensure it reads well. We provide feedback on CV structure, style, content and relevance to the vacancy or employer.

When staffing permits, we run CV clinics on Fridays from 10am-12pm. These usually take place during the first half of term on a drop-in basis, particularly leading up to careers fairs. Please see our opening hours for availability.

Quick Queries

Quick Query advice sessions, lasting up to 15 minutes, offer immediate advice and information and can aid preparation, if necessary, for a longer 45 minute Guidance Appointment. They are bookable on the day by ringing 01603 593452 from 9am and are held every weekday during term time between 11am-4pm and most afternoons during vacation. During a Quick Query session you will see the Careers Adviser on duty; this will not normally be the adviser for your school. Common topics include:

• Where to begin
• Career choices
• Finding work
• Work experience
• Finding and using resources
• CV feedback
• Application forms
• Interview preparation
• PG funding resources

Mock Interviews

If you have an interview coming up, we offer mock interviews on a one-to-one basis. Mock interviews can be video recorded, if you wish, to provide immediate feedback. These recordings are immediately deleted and copies are not currently available for the client to take away. If you would like to discuss interview technique and approaches to interviews in general, please book a Quick Query, or refer to our online materials on interview preparation and interview techniques.

Guidance Appointments

Careers Guidance Appointments, of 45 minutes duration, provide opportunity for more substantial reflection and to discuss particular circumstances, issues or ideas in greater depth. They can be booked well in advance, typically after a Quick Query session by ringing 01603 593452 to help you get the most from our guidance. You will normally be booked in to see the Careers Adviser assigned to your school, though you may also be booked with an alternative where appropriate.

Q: What is the aim of the 45 minute careers guidance interview?

A: The nature of the guidance interview depends on your own needs and circumstances. However, through discussion it aims to help you assess your personal strengths, interests and skills and begin to think about how these relate to different career options. It can allow you the chance to critically evaluate your ideas and can help in planning a strategy for getting into your chosen area. This might include techniques for generating job opportunities or ways of locating employers.

Q: What is the careers adviser's role?

A: The careers adviser's role is to facilitate and support you to find ways of moving forward with your career ideas. As well as practical help with applications, CVs, interviews, covering letters, occupational information and further study, the Careers Adviser is a resource to explore career ideas and concerns. Don't think you have to know what you want to do to speak to a Careers Adviser. They can help you whatever your stage of planning and welcome those who aren't sure what to do or who feel completely lost. 
 

Q: What will happen at the guidance interview?

A: Based on your needs, the adviser will negotiate with you an appropriate structure and focus for the interview. This will involve the adviser asking questions and taking time to find out more about you; your ideas, motivations and priorities. The adviser may also identify other issues that relate to planning your next steps and will work with you to recommend appropriate sources of information or advice where relevant.

Q: What does the client have to do?

A: The client (student, graduate, etc...) is the only one who can make decisions – the adviser will provide feedback and advice but cannot choose actions for the client. Be prepared to initiate your own action plan based on the issues arising from the session. Ultimately, taking action is the best way of building your confidence, generating opportunities and gaining experience. 
 

Q: Will the guidance interview be treated as confidential?

A: Yes, definitely. We do keep a summary of the main points discussed for our records and to aid future sessions, but all information is kept confidentially and conforms to current data protection regulations.

Q: What are the kind of queries you commonly deal with?

A: Examples include:

• 'I've no idea what to do'
• 'Some of my friends are planning to work in finance/ law/ etc. Would this be suitable for me?'
• 'My parents want me to follow their advice, but I'm not so sure.'
• 'Should I move to pursue my dream job or do postgraduate study?'
• 'I've applied for lots of graduate training schemes but had no luck, what can I do now?'
• 'I'm torn between two areas of work.'
• 'What can I offer an employer?'
• 'I'm thinking of working in a particular field, but not sure how to go about it.'
• 'I'm not enjoying my course and thinking about leaving.'
• 'I'm looking at a few job websites but wonder if there are any other opportunities out there.'