Typical questions

• • Where can I get samples of psychometric tests?

• • I need to find out the qualifications required to enter Law school.

Starting points

• • The introduction of student fees has made students increasingly concerned about their future employability. It is now common for them to ask library staff for assistance with aspects of the job search process.

• • Most colleges have specialist careers guidance services, many of which maintain their own libraries with access to separate specialist subscription services. Always refer students to them first.

• • However, library staff can help with locating employment vacancies (see the Newspapers chapter); researching employers (consult the Companies chapter); locating the relevant trade association and scholarly societies (see the appropriate subject chapters) and interview skills (see Presentation Skills chapter). This section includes websites where practical advice on tests, CVs and interviews can be found.

Recommended resources

Basic resources

National Careers Service [Basic]

nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/home

Maintained by the UK government to assist citizens. Includes job profiles and advice on job seeking for all levels.

Occupational Outlook Handbook

www.bls.gov/ooh

Published by the US Federal government, this resource provides current overviews of careers and employment opportunities. It includes information on entry qualifications and pay rates. It also contains predictions of the fastest growing areas.

Vault Online Career Library (Subscription)

www.vault.com

Good example of a commercial database available via many careers services. Includes career guides and profiles, industry research, sample CVs and resumés.

Recruitment

High Fliers Research [Specialist]

www.highfliers.co.uk

Specialises in graduate recruitment research. The Graduate Market provides a snapshot of in the UK. It includes data on starting salaries in specific sectors.

Prospects

www.prospects.ac.uk

Website affiliated to HECSU (Higher Education Careers Services Unit) which offers students free access to a wealth of information, including skills matching to job profiles, job and university application advice, searchable databases of courses, and internship and graduate employment opportunities.

TargetJobs

targetjobs.co.uk

Leading website for graduate recruitment in the UK. Includes careers advice as well as internship and job vacancies.

Times Top 100 Graduate Employers

www.top100graduateemployers.com

Annual survey which highlights Britain's top graduate employers.

Students may also be interested in viewing Stonewall's ranking of top LGBT employers –www.stonewall.org.uk.