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Student Code of Practice

Strategies for Success

It is our desire to see students be successful in their pursuit for employment and in their employment once it has been obtained. The following are strategies that typically lead to success for students in both the application process and while on the job. They also constitute our minimum requirements for student behaviour when interacting with employers and are laid out so that the Careers Centre can continue to enjoy the rapport it has developed with employers, thus leading to future opportunities for students.

1. Review the vacancy criteria.
Please read the Further Details section of the vacancies carefully as we aim to provide as much information about the position, duties, qualifications, location, and working hours as we possible can. In addition we will provide information about the necessity to have your own transport and the suitability of the position for overseas students when that information is made available to us. Employers are frustrated when they receive numerous applications from candidates who do not meet the minimum requirements; likewise it is a waste of your time to apply for positions that you are truly not suited for.

2. Attend any interviews you are offered
Again it is frustrating and wasteful to employers when they schedule interviews with candidates who then don't turn up. When you are offered an interview make sure to get the employer's name and contact information so that you can reach them in the event that you need to cancel or reschedule an interview. If you are unable to reach an employer please contact the Careers Centre and we will be happy to contact them for you.

3. Demonstrate reliability
Once you have been offered a position and have agreed upon a schedule and a set of responsibilities with the employer please make sure you fulfil any commitments you have made. If you need to make changes to your schedule or wish to change your duties initiate a conversation with the employer and discuss your desires before you implement any changes.

4. Give notice
Two weeks is the standard amount of time we would recommend that you give an employer if you need to discontinue your employment with them. Leaving your employer on good terms may mean that they will be willing to serve as a referee for you or offer you other opportunities in the future.

5. Project a positive image
When you attend an interview you do not need to wear a suit; however smart attire and a neat appearance are essential. Once you have accepted a position dress appropriately for the organisation you are working for. In some cases your employer will provide you with a dress code or uniform. If they don't and you are concerned about what you should wear to work observe what others are wearing and dress appropriately.

6. Balance work and studies
The Careers Centre recommends that students not work more than fifteen hours per week during term so as not to interfere with their studies. If you feel that you are working too many hours but really enjoy your job, have a conversation with your employer who may be willing to cut back on your schedule in order to keep you on.  Please note, international students have a legal obligation not to work more than 20 hours per week during term-time.

Following these simple guidelines enables the Careers Centre to continue to be an advocate with employers as to the value of student employment. In our experience those students who demonstrate these behaviours also benefit directly as they have been offered promotions, raises, the opportunity to work additional or more desirable shifts and in some cases have been offered graduate level work with the organisation upon completion of their studies.

Termination of Use of Service

The Careers Centre reserves the right to terminate an individual student's use of the service for behaviour that it deems to be inappropriate. These reasons can include, but are not limited to:

• verbal or physical abuse of the Careers Centre staff;

• determination that you are not legally able to work in the UK;

• if you are found to be violating any restrictions placed on your work in the UK;

• providing false information on your registration form;

• circumvention any of our stated policies or procedures.
  

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