Level 5 photography
Professional Studies
Week 19
Job search

Job searches 
a process of research, networking and prospecting for employment and freelance contracts. Makes use of many media and involves significant self-promotion. 

- hard work, particularly in the current climate.

- make your life easier if you focus on what you want and do your research.

 - The Folio Employability Service will help with research and advice, and you should use your Professional Studies modules to develop a strong understanding of the market you want to work in.

- Keep records of your research as you go to save time later.

-Speak to staff on your Programme as they have a wealth of information and contacts as many of them continue to work in the sector.

- Folio has a pool of web links relevant to programmes of study plus some general links covering the arts and related organisations. These are available through the VLE.

 Sign up for alerts from the ‘jobs’ sections of websites – Arts Jobs, Guardian Culture and Media, Creative Choices.

 Sign up with company web-sites

 Find and join social media groups associated with your chosen field

 Find and follow key people on twitter

 Get seen – go to events, openings – work your contacts to get invitations

 Get noticed – make sure you have a speed pitch you can use when you meet new contacts; make sure your online profiles are professional and match your CV

These are a few of the general vacancy sites:

 http://www.artsjobs.org.uk/ http://www.creative-choices.co.uk/jobs-opportunities/jobs http://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/media/5/ http://jobs.theguardian.com/jobs/arts-and-heritage/ http://4talent.channel4.com/

Job Interviews

- The main point to remember about a job interview is that you have to sell yourself and your skills

-  PREPARATION - Research the company or organisation  and Prepare a list of questions and plan your answers

 - PRACTICE

- PERFORMANCE

Interview questions:

 “Tell me about yourself”

“What are your strengths?”

 “What are your weaknesses?”

 “Do you know anything about our company?”

“What would you like to be doing in five years time?”

 “What do you think you can offer this company?”

What influences the Interviewer?

 • Your personality and how you present yourself

• Your relevant experience

• Your relevant qualifications

 • Your background and references

• Your enthusiasm for the post in question

What Employers expect of you at interview 

 • Dress smartly/appropriately

• Arrive on time

• Relax and be yourself

• Listen carefully to questions

• Be enthusiastic

• Emphasise your skills and experience

Remember- when answer questions say ' I did...' not ' we'. The interviewers want to know about your contribution. If you keep saying 'we' this makes them unsure if it really was you who did something.

Answers to interview question (and the way you present to evidence on application form_ can foow a simple rule. learning, work experience, in your personal life which will demonstrate your faults and tell them :

Why? ( did you do something? what was the problem or challenge you faced?

What? (did you do)

How ( did it work out? what was the outcome?)

When? ( was is time limited, to a tight deadline?