Do you have a disorganised manager? It is fair to say that across anyone’s employment history, they will face periods of overwhelm in the workplace. Especially when managing multiple tasks, projects, and individuals, coupled with high pressure, as is typical in a management position. However, some managers will have more effective strategies for dealing with…>
Written by Clare Hall
Clare Hall (née Pitkin) has been working in the UK Higher Education sector for over ten years, including with students' unions, university careers services, as well as conducting research on graduate employability and race equality in HE for the University of Birmingham. Clare completed her MA in Education Studies in 2019, with a research focus on employability in the curriculum. She has recently developed an online employability award programme for students at the University of Portsmouth, where she has also been working in information advice and guidance for eight years. Clare has regularly contributed to online careers advice content, developed workshops to enhance employability skills and prospects, and has contributed to academic journal articles.
Managing a hands-off manager
Is your manager a ‘hands-off manager’? There will always be pros and cons to having a supervisor or manager with a different approach to leadership, but for some employees having a ‘hands-off’ or ‘laissez-faire’ manager who offers limited direction and who might not always be forthcoming in their feedback can pose a challenge. Managers who…>
How to write a PhD research proposal
When is a PhD research proposal needed? Getting your application underway to secure a place on a PhD or research master’s programme may seem daunting. But we have put together this dedicated guide on the key information to consider and content to develop. When exploring your options to undertake a research-focused degree at postgraduate level,…>
How to Write a Cover Letter for PhD Applications
What is a PhD cover letter? Many institutions opt to incorporate a cover letter as part of their application process, which is likely to be accompanied by an academic CV. Whilst your CV will offer an overview of your range of qualifications, experience, and skills. Your cover letter provides a specific opportunity to discuss your…>
Cover letter for job applications
What is the purpose of a cover letter? Whilst your CV offers a brief professional summary of your skills, experience and achievements. It is commonly used by recruiters to initially assess your suitability for a role. A cover letter has a slightly different focus and purpose. A cover letter aims to persuade an employer to…>
How to shape your first CV
If you are a recent graduate looking to secure your first graduate role, producing a stand-out CV is essential. Despite employers using a range of methods later in the recruitment process, CVs are still fairly common practice as part of their initial application process. With this in mind, we’ve identified some key considerations for you…>
How to build and develop a high-performing team
With rapid change across the labour market, including technological advancements, the introduction of new government policies, and shifts in the economy, it is more important than ever that organisations commit to agile working. While efficiency remains important, a focus on a better work-life balance for employees and building supportive and high-performing teams in the work…>
Accessing your careers service as a postgrad
Why is it important to access your university careers service as a postgraduate student? Whether you are studying towards a taught or research-based master’s, or undertaking a PhD, you can still access support through your university’s careers service. Whilst you may have opted to pursue postgraduate study with a specific career goal in mind, your…>
A guide to publishing for Early Career Researchers
There can be a lot of pressure on early career researchers to work towards publication. With this in mind, it is essential to have a clear plan in place to ensure you utilise your time effectively, and can confidently navigate the processes associated with publishing your work. Whether you’re working towards a journal article, or…>
How can CPD Microcredentials enhance your career?
What is a CPD microcredential? A CPD microcredential is an online course that will support you in developing sector or industry-relevant skills, knowledge and expertise and will provide you with a certification and/or a number of academic credits depending on the course or provider. Most commonly learners will receive a digital certificate and/or badge which…>