At a Glance
- Tasks: Support students in achieving sustainable employment through personalised guidance and proactive engagement.
- Company: GBS, a leading higher education provider with a focus on employability.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in students' lives by helping them navigate their career paths.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and experience in careers guidance or employability coaching.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 34000 £ per year.
Department: Graduate Employment and Entrepreneurship
Location: Bow Road Campus, East London (On-site)
Type of Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time - 40hrs Per Week
Salary Range: £30,000-£34,000
GBS is a higher education provider offering a range of sector-relevant courses across ten campuses in London, Birmingham, Leeds and Manchester. Working in partnership with several of the UK’s leading higher education providers, we deliver vocational, undergraduate and postgraduate programmes in finance, accounting, business, construction, tourism, healthcare, and more.
Our Vision: Changing lives through education.
What We Do: The Employability and Entrepreneurship Department at GBS is dedicated to preparing students for successful careers and business ventures. It offers tailored one-to-one guidance, a dynamic online Careers Hub via Handshake, and a structured Employability Award that builds critical job-seeking skills through Bronze to Platinum levels. Students gain practical experience in CV building, networking, and real job applications, including tools like ChatGPT.
The role: The Careers Officer will play a key role in supporting students and participants to achieve sustainable employment. Through personalised guidance and proactive engagement, you will establish strong relationships with participants, help them overcome employment barriers, and support them in securing meaningful career opportunities. This role is vital to enhancing employability outcomes and ensuring participants are well-equipped for their professional journeys.
Please note, we are unable to offer sponsorship for this position.
What the role involves:
- Participant Engagement and Support: Establish and maintain positive relationships with participants, fostering trust and open communication. Provide tailored advice and support, empowering participants to navigate their career paths effectively.
- Career Planning: Partner with participants to co-create comprehensive action plans that identify suitable career opportunities aligned with their skills and aspirations. Monitor progress and update action plans as needed to reflect evolving goals and circumstances.
- Job Search Support: Provide proactive job search guidance, helping participants register on relevant job boards and platforms. Ensure participants have optimised digital profiles that are current and visible to employers.
- Application Support: Collaborate with participants to create professional, up-to-date CVs, supporting statements, and tailored covering letters for each application. Facilitate sessions to improve application and interview skills.
- Reporting and Compliance: Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of participant progress, achievements, and challenges. Contribute to regular reports on participant outcomes and programme effectiveness.
What Experience/Skills are required:
- Essential: High degree of working flexibility is required for some evening and weekend working. A degree in a relevant field, such as Careers Guidance, Business, Human Resources or Education (or equivalent experience). Proven experience in careers guidance, employability coaching, or a related field. Demonstrable success in supporting individuals to overcome barriers and achieve employment. Experience working with diverse groups, including mature students and individuals from widening participation backgrounds. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to build rapport and trust with participants. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage a large caseload effectively. Proficiency in job search platforms, digital tools, and office software. Ability to work independently and as part of a team in a fast-paced environment. Flexible and adaptable, willing to work across campuses and occasionally during evenings or weekends as required.
- Desirable: A recognised careers or employability-related qualification is desirable.
What We Offer:
- 25 days annual leave, plus 8 public holidays
- 1-day extra leave per year of service, up to a maximum of 5 days
- Workplace pension scheme
- Tuition reimbursement for career development courses
- Flexible Benefits: Cycle to Work, Workplace Nursery, Techscheme and much more
- Perks@Work discounts platform, wellbeing centre and much more
- Reward and recognition programme
- £500 award employee referral scheme
- Discretionary annual performance bonus
GBS supported my development by enrolling me in an external Leadership and Management course, which equipped me with the tools to drive my team towards continued growth and success. Before joining GBS, I did not envision myself as a manager, but I have now found my passion in leadership. — Ebony Bates (Professional Services Employee)
Careers Officer (London) employer: GBS UK
GBS is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and success of its employees while fostering a supportive and dynamic work culture. Located in East London, the Careers Officer role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on students' lives through tailored guidance and innovative employability programmes. With generous benefits such as 25 days annual leave, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to employee wellbeing, GBS stands out as a rewarding place to build a fulfilling career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Officer (London)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Attend industry events, workshops, and career fairs to meet potential employers and make connections. Remember, it’s all about who you know, so don’t be shy!
✨Tip Number 2
Polish up that LinkedIn profile! Make sure it’s current and showcases your skills and experiences. Recruiters often scout for talent online, so let’s make sure you’re visible and appealing.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Set up mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence. The more you practice, the better you’ll perform when it counts.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you land that dream job. Plus, it shows you’re serious about your career journey with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Officer (London)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Careers Officer role. Highlight relevant experience in careers guidance and employability coaching, and don’t forget to showcase your interpersonal skills!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you’re passionate about helping students achieve their career goals. Share specific examples of how you've supported individuals in overcoming barriers to employment.
Showcase Your Flexibility:Since the role requires some evening and weekend work, mention any previous experiences where you’ve demonstrated flexibility. This will show us you’re ready to adapt to the needs of our participants.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into our hands quickly and efficiently!
How to prepare for a job interview at GBS UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the role of a Careers Officer. Familiarise yourself with GBS's mission and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. This will help you articulate how your skills align with their vision of changing lives through education.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare to discuss your previous experience in careers guidance or employability coaching. Think of specific examples where you've helped individuals overcome barriers to employment. This will demonstrate your ability to support participants effectively.
✨Engage with Enthusiasm
During the interview, be sure to express genuine enthusiasm for helping students navigate their career paths. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you build rapport with diverse groups. This is crucial for establishing trust with participants.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the Employability and Entrepreneurship Department and its initiatives. This shows your interest in the role and helps you understand how you can contribute to enhancing employability outcomes for students.
