EMPLOYABILITY

1. EMPLOYABILITY an Employers Perspective Mike Simpson Mott MacDonald Ltd

2. Introduction • overview of the Mott MacDonald Graduate recruitment process • skills and competencies • some examples • some conclusions • questions

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

4. 2008 Graduate Intake (UK) Number of Graduates required - 247 Current offers made - 205 Applications received - 3,500

5. Recruitment Process Application Interview Offer

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

7. Application Form Differentiators - some examples

8. 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 MacDobald provides the range of buildings to inspire me and pushes what is thought as possible.’

9. The Interview • testing for behaviours, skills and competencies • about 1 hour long

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

11. Example Questions • Why does a career in consultancy appeal to you? • communication • understanding • What attracts you to Mott MacDonald? • communication • initiative

12. 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

13. 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

14. Example Questions • Where do you see yourself in 5 years time? • initiative • motivation • realism • What are your interests outside University? • socialiser • loner

15. 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.

16. QUESTIONS?

17. www.mottmac.com