Finding employment after graduation can be a daunting and confusing process. The Careers and Employability Services at UoW works very hard to make sure that you have all the support you need to make this journey easier for you.

We recently spoke to Amna Farooq, one of our recent graduates with an MSc Project Management degree (Sept 2021- Sept 2022). Amna shared about how the job-hunting process was for her, and what university resources really helped her and the support she received from Careers and Employability Services team in the form of workshops and consultations as part of the Early Careers Support for Graduates. 

The Early Careers Support for Graduates aims at helping recent graduates, postgraduates and final year students enhance their career development and employability. Our graduates have access to careers support up to 3 years after they graduate.

Hello everyone, my name is Amna and I’m excited to share my experience of how I landed a job with the help of resources available at my university. As a recent graduate, I know how daunting the job search can be. But with the right tools and guidance, it’s possible to turn that search into a success. In this blog, I’ll be sharing the tips and tricks I learned along the way, as well as the resources that were invaluable to me during my job search. Whether you’re a current student or a recent graduate, I hope this post will help you to navigate the job market with confidence and find the job of your dreams.

Where do you currently work? When were you hired?

I work at the University of Westminster, and I was recently hired in July 2023.

How did you hear about the vacancy? What was the application process like?

As a former student and part-time employee of the University of Westminster, I was immediately drawn to the institution’s vibrant culture and dynamic environment. My positive experience at the university motivated me to keep an eye on the university’s website for any relevant job opportunities. The application process was straightforward, requiring me to submit a well-presented CV and application form that highlighted my qualifications and suitability for the role.

Tell me about the overall application and interview process? Did you apply for any other position, and what were the different job search methods you used?

After working with a consultant on my CV, I made sure it met the standard. I then began working on my application process, highlighting all the skills and experience that would help me excel in the job role I was applying for. After receiving the interview invitation, I began preparing for the interview, which was scheduled a week later.

I was interviewed three times at the Student Centre with different teams. Unfortunately, I did not receive a positive response after the first interview, the second time, I was told that I was a good candidate and put on reserve. After my third interview, the manager asked me to wait at the reception. When he returned, he offered me the job. It was an unexpected and thrilling moment, and I was over the moon. I’m so glad I didn’t give up and kept trying!

I regularly monitored the organisation’s website and effectively used LinkedIn and Engage to search for job openings. Both platforms proved to be very helpful in my job search.

Which of the Graduate Success Series workshops organised by CES did you attend and what did you learn or find useful?

The University of Westminster’s Careers and Employability Service offered some fantastic workshops, and I was lucky enough to attend two of them. The first workshop, “Job Applications 101: Applying for Your Dream Job When You’re Still Employed,” with Rachel Wells helped me to analyse my personality and establishing my non-negotiable. It also helped me to set realistic goals for each stage of the job-hunting process. I was particularly impressed with the speaker, Career Coach Rachel Wells, and I continued to follow her live sessions on LinkedIn, which helped me for the job interviews.

The second workshop, “Boosting Your Emotional Intelligence in the Workplace,” with Peter Storr – taught me about the ability to self-regulate and deal with emotions to respond to a situation instead of reacting. These workshops were instrumental in my professional development and I’m grateful for the connections I made and the skills I learned.

How many one-to-one appointments did you have with careers consultants? Do you feel you received enough support to land a job?

I had the opportunity to e-meet with career consultants one-on-one eight times. Initially, they helped me to improve my CV and taught me about the UK’s CV format. After that, I scheduled appointments to refine my application forms. Lastly, I received invaluable advice on how to excel in interviews. The process was lengthy, beginning in September after I graduated, but it was worth it. I landed my current job in July, and I am grateful for the support I received from the career consultants.

What was some of the advice given to you by the careers consultants that helped you through the application and interview process? And what changes did you make and how did that impact your job search, application, and interview process?

I was provided with the following advice to improve my approach to the application and interview process: During an interview, it’s essential to use the STAR method to answer questions. Be concise, confident, and humble when highlighting your skills. Reading the job description carefully can help you understand the required skills and tailor your responses accordingly. Use ‘I’ instead of ‘we’ to emphasize your individual contributions. Don’t rush during the interview and start with simple sentences. Prepare for common questions and use Shortlist.me to get ready for the interview.

After realizing that my job applications were not being accepted, I began reading the job descriptions carefully and tailoring my applications to the specific requirements. I also received advice to use the STAR method while answering interview questions, which helped me to structure my responses and communicate more effectively. As a result, my interview performance improved significantly.

How did the career consultation contribute to your confidence and overall preparation for the job interview and recruitment process?

Career consultations have been incredibly beneficial for me, especially since I recently moved to the UK, and everything is new. I gained valuable insights into my strengths and weaknesses, and I received guidance on how to improve my job applications. Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have known how to structure my applications or why they were getting rejected. The consultants helped me to identify areas of improvement and provided me with practical advice on how to make my applications stand out. Thanks to their support, I feel more confident in my job search and have a better understanding of what employers are looking for.

Would you recommend the Graduate Success Series workshops and one to one support received from the CES to other students and graduates?

Absolutely! I highly recommend the Graduate Success Series workshops and one-to-one support from the CES to other students and graduates. The workshops were informative and engaging, and the one-to-one appointments were invaluable. The career consultants were knowledgeable and supportive, and they provided me with practical advice and guidance that helped me to improve my job search. I believe that the CES is an excellent resource for anyone who is looking to enhance their employability skills and prepare for their career. I’m grateful for the support I received and would encourage others to take advantage of this fantastic service.

Did you have to overcome any barriers to success? Were there any challenges or obstacles you faced during your job search or recruitment process and how did the support provided either through the career consultation or workshops help you overcome them?

Yes, I faced several barriers during my job search, including a lack of fluency in English, unfamiliarity with the recruitment process, and low self-confidence. These challenges made it difficult for me to apply for roles and put myself forward as a candidate. However, the support provided by the career consultations and workshops helped me to overcome these obstacles. The career consultants provided me with practical advice on how to improve my language skills, and the workshops gave me a better understanding of the recruitment process and how to tailor my applications to meet the expectations of employers. They also helped me to build my confidence and develop a positive mindset, which made it easier for me to apply for roles and present myself in interviews. Thanks to their support, I was able to overcome these barriers and secure a job that I’m excited about.

What kind of strategies or tips would you recommend students do while they’re still in university to prepare for life after graduation?

I would recommend that students take advantage of the resources available to them while they’re still in university to prepare for life after graduation. This could include attending career fairs, networking events, and workshops, as well as seeking advice from career consultants or mentors. It’s important to be honest with yourself about your interests and goals, and to work hard to achieve them. If you’re unsure about your career path, try to gain experience in fields that interest you through internships, volunteering, or part-time work. This will not only help you to develop your skills and knowledge but also give you a better understanding of the industry and make valuable connections. By being proactive and taking steps to prepare for your future, you’ll be better positioned to succeed after graduation.

Based on your experience, what advice would you give other students and graduates who aren’t sure what they want to do after graduation?

If you’re not sure what you want to do after graduation, my advice would be to take some time to reflect on your interests, values, and skills. What are you passionate about? What motivates you? What are your strengths? It can also be helpful to seek advice from others, such as career consultants, mentors, or alumni. They can provide valuable insights into different career paths and help you to identify your strengths and weaknesses. It’s important to keep an open mind and be willing to explore different options. Don’t be afraid to try new things, whether it’s through internships, volunteering, or part-time work. This will help you to gain experience, build your skills, and make valuable connections. Remember, it’s okay not to have everything figured out right away. Take it one step at a time, and trust that with hard work and persistence, you’ll find your way.

I am extremely grateful to the career consultants including Natalia Ciofu, Abigail Sexton, Janet Willoughby, Elishba Zachariah and the Work Experience and Placement Officer, Emily Whinnet. I would like to give a special thanks to Natalia for her help.

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Many thanks to Zainab, our graduate intern for The Early Careers Support for Graduates, and Amna for this blog!

Feel free to get in touch with us for further information and support! You can contact us via email on careers@westminster.ac.uk to support you on your career journey!