5 top tips from public sector employers

Posted on 14 December 2018 • CVs and applications, Graduate opportunities, Interviews and assessments, Jobs, internships and work experience, Teaching and education

Our brand new top tips come directly from employers who we interviewed last summer during the insight days for OU students we hosted. You can find all the tips on the resources tab of OpportunityHub, but here are our top 5:

1. Show your passion

Make your application stand out by showing an interest in the sector at large and the work of the organisation you’re applying to. Talk about how you could benefit the organisation and why you want to be part of it. Watch Lee Bruce on Public Affairs jobs at the Local Government Association:

2. Research the employer

Investigate the organisation and its goals, the scheme or programme you’re applying to, and other candidates’ experiences so you’re equipped with as much information as possible. Watch Charlotte Sangster on preparing for Teach First’s assessment centres:

3. Ask questions

Ask your own questions at the end of an interview to find out how you can benefit from the role and get a sense of the team you’ll be joining. Watch Rachel Phelps, Policy Advisor at the LGA:

4. Use the help available

Some employers offer advice on how to identify the skills they are looking for and the ways you can present or develop them, and online resources to assist you through the application process. Watch George Petrou on Teach First’s application support:

5. Make the most of graduate schemes

Graduate schemes are a great way to enter the workforce at top employers. Watch Patrick McDermott on his experience in the LGA’s National Graduate Development Programme:

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