Speed interviews

Employers at the speed interview event: Left to right (back row) Martin Koffer of Cambrian Printers, Kimk Warlow of Hywel Dda Health Board, Matthew Tench of Dilwyn Roberts Architects and Dylan Jones of Pugh Computers; (front row) Sian Furlong-Davies from Aberystwyth University Careers Service, Helen Ford of Network Rail, James Drew from Dilwyn Roberts Architects and Carolyn Parry from  Aberystwyth University Careers Service.

Employers at the speed interview event: Left to right (back row) Martin Koffer of Cambrian Printers, Kimk Warlow of Hywel Dda Health Board, Matthew Tench of Dilwyn Roberts Architects and Dylan Jones of Pugh Computers; (front row) Sian Furlong-Davies from Aberystwyth University Careers Service, Helen Ford of Network Rail, James Drew from Dilwyn Roberts Architects and Carolyn Parry from Aberystwyth University Careers Service.

01 March 2012

Students at Aberystwyth University gained invaluable feedback this week (Wednesday 29 February) on their interview skills from prospective employers.

Local, regional and major national employers spanning the public, private and third sector attended a speed interview session at Aberystwyth University to help second and final year students develop their interview confidence through enhancing their understanding of how to give a good interview.

Carolyn Parry, Acting Deputy Director of the University’s Careers Service and responsible for employer engagement, explains, “We recognise that the job market is particularly tough at the moment with fierce competition for both internships and graduate jobs. We are keen to give our students every opportunity to develop their employability skills and succeed in achieving their career aspirations.

“This event was a great opportunity for them to gain real interview experience in a safe environment and get feedback direct from a wide range of experienced recruiters including a team from Network Rail.”

“We appreciate the continued support of the employers concerned in working with us to develop student skills in this way. Some employers used the opportunity to talent spot and there was also an opportunity to network with company representatives both during and after the sessions.”

Using a speed dating format, every student participating in the sessions were interviewed by each of the participating employers for two minutes and provided with 30 seconds of feedback, thereby enabling them to build a rapid understanding of different interview styles and techniques. More than 60 students registered to participate in the event.

The Aberystwyth University Careers Advisory Service works across the University to enable and empower individuals to identify and work towards achieving their career potential.   It also supports and encourage colleagues and employers to engage with employability activities and opportunities that inspire students and graduates so they can develop the skills, understanding, experience, character and mindset needed for their future career success.

More information about the Careers Service is available at www.aber.ac.uk/careers