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This will be my last blog of 2009 as I will be on holiday now until January.

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Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Dec 16, 2009 10:15 AM GMT
Later on today I am going up to Nottingham Trent University to talk to the students about professionalism. The question is, what is professionalism and what does it mean to me? more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Dec 14, 2009 9:01 AM GMT
With Christmas looming around the corner it can be a tough time if you haven’t found a job. Although things slow down a little bit at this time of year there are still plenty of opportunities available. more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Dec 7, 2009 11:39 AM GMT
Have you ever thought about mentoring? Whether that is mentoring others or being mentored yourself? more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Dec 3, 2009 2:12 PM GMT
I was fortunate enough today to listen to a live webinar with Richard Bolles who is the author of ‘What Colour Is Your Parachute’ which is a self help careers book which is published every year.


You can find out more about it here.

One of the things he talked about was informational interviews. They are used to ask advice and get contacts from someone in a position you would like to know more about. It can be over the phone or email but it is best done face to face; this doesn’t have to be complicated, a coffee or dinner or even going to see them in their role.

You can be looking for future opportunities in the sector, maintaining your network for information only and not necessarily for job hunting. It is a low key way to approach an organisation and to try out any ideas you may have e.g. does the industry have any need for a person with these types of skills/concerns/values. Remember you are trying to find out more about the lay of the land.

If you’re not looking for a job at the moment, then you won’t be so anxious and subsequently it provides a low stress option where you don’t feel that everything is riding on how you conduct it. Jobs can often be created where none existed before, even in this climate. For more information see this site. more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Nov 25, 2009 10:07 AM GMT
There are some places in the UK that are more geared to the scientific industry than others and finding companies in your local area can be tricky. more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Nov 23, 2009 9:14 AM GMT
Although it should be, and is ultimately, a celebration; Christmas is looming around the corner and is a prime time for stress with family gatherings, travel, presents to buy and making the dreaded dinner! more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Nov 18, 2009 9:38 AM GMT
I visit many universities in the UK to talk about alternative careers in chemistry. I am often asked about science communication which most people assume is disseminating knowledge through outreach work and writing scientific articles and/or journals. However, there are some related roles and the unsung hero in the publishing world is the editor. more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Nov 16, 2009 9:51 AM GMT
You’ve got through the initial stages and bagged yourself an interview. Now the worry begins as to what questions you might be asked.
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Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Nov 13, 2009 3:13 PM GMT
Sorry for the absence, I have out and about in the UK doing careers surgeries. One thing I was frequently asked was how to use recruitment agencies.


In the current climate finding a job can be really tough, especially for recent graduates or if you are returning to work after being made redundant or having time off for any other reason.

Recruitment agencies can be useful in your job search as they are used by companies directly, sometimes before they are even advertise positions externally. Agencies are a common and effective way of attracting good-quality candidates for the company, saving them time in looking through all the applications.

They can also give you heads up on new positions, provide you with access to contacts, temporary and permanent work and are available at different levels, from graduate to executive level. They are experts in their field and occasionally can provide you with an idea from the left field which might lead you into a new career.

Of course they are ultimately working for the company, since they pay the wages but they can, and do, work hard for the client too, since it is you who gets them the pay! There are many recruiters out there and if you don’t get on with the first one, try another until you do.

For a list of recruiters in the UK see: http://www.rec.uk.com/home

One of the things to remember is that  they should never charge you for anything. If you are worried about ‘fake jobs’ and job scam websites, there was this article over the weekend that gives some advice. more...
Posted by Charlotte Ashley-Roberts on Nov 11, 2009 10:42 AM GMT
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