Interview Infographic

Infographics have become a bit of a trend recently and are increasingly being used on careers websites. Here's an example of one I found on the subject of interviews. As it's a bit small to read properly here, you might want to take a look at the original on mint.com:

The basic principle is to convey a lot of information in very few words and the use of the various graphics makes the key messages stand out in a way that appeals to the imagination (right side of the brain, Tony Buzan, etc).

One obvious drawback is you have no means of checking the validity of the information provided. Who for example says that 26% of 'warm source' interviews come from company websites?  How do we define a warm or cold source anyway?

Well suffice it to say that this is a pretty good introduction to the wonderful world of job interviews for candidates.  The only comments I would add are:

• Length of ideal interview answer probably varies from person to person.  Not everyone 'drones on' - a lot of people answer too briefly.
• A couple of feared questions that could have been added are: "Where do you see yourself in five years' time?" and "What are your greatest strengths and weaknesses?"

It's also apparent that infographics are multiplying like rabbits.  You can even use them to write your CV!

A Career Is Born!

Thanks to the efforts of the Beer Academy a new career has come over the horizon - that of a Beer Sommelier!

According to "Wetherspoon News", the Academy introduced its Beer Sommelier scheme in 2011 to help restaurateurs, publicans and bar staff develop on their expertise on many students' favourite subject on the lines of the more established wine sommelier.  As well as advising on quality, a key part of the sommelier's role is to suggest how beverages can be paired with food items on the establishment's menu. So, for example in the case of beer, it seems Belgian raspberry beer works really well with chocolate pudding and a tangy IPA is the perfect compliment for a Stilton at dessert.

To become a beer sommelier, candidates have to pass the Beer Academy's Advanced Training Course as well as a course entitled "How To Judge Beer" plus an 'oral' (presumably verbal) examination and a blind tasting in which they have to identify different styles of beer.  Examiners look not only for a high level of technical expertise but good communication skills to convey their enthusiasm about beer.  A written portfolio, showing the candidate's skills in pairing beer and food in practice is also required.

Apparently, the Beer Academy has identified a gap in the market for beer connoisseurs, but it is not yet clear whether we can expect a flood of vacancies coming through on the University of Cumbria Job Shop

NHS Trusts To Ringfence Posts For Local Graduates?

This may be good news for Health graduates who have so far not found jobs.

We have had sight of a recent email sent to North West NHS Trusts encouraging them to make the NHS Jobs Newly Qualified Profile Pool the 'first port of call' when undertaking major recruitment exercises.

In other words, it may give you a head start to register on the pool if you have not already done so.

According to a more detailed advisory document, employers can contact registered candidates to advise them of a particular advert that is about to be placed on the system or ask them for more information.

The Profile Pool system requires candidates to answer the following:

• Have you received notification from the Exam Board that you have
  qualified as a nurse, midwife, allied healthcare professional or as a
  healthcare scientist? (Yes/No)

• Have you qualified from an English Higher Education Institution in the UK?
  (Yes/No)

• When did you qualify? ( 2010, 2011, 2012, Other)

• Do you have the right, under UK immigration rules, to live and work in the
  UK and without restriction? (Yes/No)

• Please select your profession? (from identified list but includes all nursing disciplines, midwifery, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, radiography)

• Please select your area of specialty? (from identified list)

• Please specify which Higher Education Institution you completed your professional qualification? (Lists those Higher Education Institutions that the SHA commissioned and funded)

N.b. however that providing incorrect information will prevent the candidate from re-registering within the pool for a period of 12 weeks.

Also, candidates will still be expected to submit individual applications to specific vacancies.