g EMPLOYABILITY an Employers Perspective Mike Simpson Mott

g EMPLOYABILITY an Employers Perspective Mike Simpson Mott Mac. Donald Ltd

Introduction - overview of the Mott Mac. Donald Graduate recruitment process - skills and competencies - some examples - some conclusions - questions g

About Mott Mac. Donald - a management, engineering and development consultancy - operating in 140 countries - 13, 000 staff - multi-disciplinary professional services provider - placed 8 th in the Sunday Times ’ 20 Best Big Companies to Work For’ g

2008 Graduate Intake (UK) Number of Graduates required - 247 Current offers made - 205 Applications received - 3, 500 g

Recruitment Process Application Interview Offer g

Application Form Qualifiers - Differentiators - appropriate degree to meet minimum standards set by professional institutions. answers to the questions: Your Inspiration Your Career Choice g

Application Form Differentiators - some examples g

Career Choice ‘Whilst at school architecture was my main spiration, however after a period of work experience I realised I was interested in the practical aspects of the building and decided to go into engineering. I feel Mott Mac. Dobald provides the range of buildings to inspire me and pushes what is thought as possible. ’ g

The Interview - testing for behaviours, skills and competencies - about 1 hour long g

Skills and Competencies - communication - flexibility/adaptability - teamwork - self awareness - innovation - motivation - initiative - interpersonal skills - problem solving - analytical skills g

Example Questions · Why does a career in consultancy appeal to you? – communication – understanding · What attracts you to Mott Mac. Donald? – communication – initiative g

Example Questions · Which subjects of your degree did you find the most interesting and why? – self awareness – analytical skills · What was the greatest challenge you faced whilst completing your final year project? – problem solving – flexibility/adaptability – innovation g

Example Questions · Can you tell me about a time when you’ve worked as part of a team? – teamwork – interpersonal skills · Have you ever set yourself and achieved any goals? – initiative – motivation g

Example Questions · Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? – initiative – motivation – realism · What are your interests outside University? – socialiser – loner g

Conclusions - academic success is a Qualifier, not a Differentiator - transferable skills, competencies and behaviours are Differentiators - ability to communicate clearly and persuasively is vital - employability is about research, skills, and seizing the moment. g

g QUESTIONS?

g www. mottmac. com