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 mission to change lives through education.
- Benefits: 25 days annual leave, flexible benefits, and opportunities for professional development.
- 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 (West End of 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. With a commitment to professional development, including tuition reimbursement for career advancement courses and a robust reward and recognition programme, GBS empowers its staff to thrive in their roles. Located in the vibrant West End of London, employees benefit from a diverse and inclusive environment, flexible working options, and a strong focus on enhancing employability outcomes for students, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Careers Officer (West End of London)
✨Tip Number 1
Get your networking game on! Attend industry events, workshops, and meetups to connect with professionals in your field. Remember, it’s all about who you know, so don’t be shy – introduce yourself and make those connections!
✨Tip Number 2
Polish up your online presence! Make sure your LinkedIn profile is up-to-date and reflects your skills and experiences. Engage with relevant content and join groups related to your career interests to increase your visibility.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for interviews by doing mock sessions with friends or mentors. Focus on common questions and your personal story to showcase your strengths and how they align with the role.
✨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, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over others. So, what are you waiting for? Get started!
We think you need these skills to ace Careers Officer (West End of 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 this role requires some evening and weekend work, make sure to mention your flexibility in your application. We love candidates who are adaptable and ready to meet the needs of our participants!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at GBS.
How to prepare for a job interview at GBS UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, make sure you understand the role of a Careers Officer and the specific responsibilities outlined in the job description. Familiarise yourself with GBS's mission and how the Employability and Entrepreneurship Department operates. This will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and alignment with their vision.
✨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. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your impact.
✨Engage with Participants
Since the role involves establishing strong relationships with participants, be ready to share your approach to building rapport and trust. Consider discussing any techniques you've used in the past to engage diverse groups, especially those from widening participation backgrounds.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
At the end of the interview, have a few insightful questions prepared. You might ask about the tools and resources available for supporting participants or how success is measured within the department. This shows your enthusiasm for the role and helps you gauge if it's the right fit for you.
