Hi ##FIRSTNAME##

Welcome to the December 2009 edition of the GJS eNewsletter -

GJS is a free recruitment service for students & graduates looking to work in the counties of Hampshire, Dorset, Wiltshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Surrey & Sussex.

If you're looking for full & part-time jobs, placements, internships and volunteering in the South of England visit GJS to search and apply for the best opportunities within the region!

Did you know we have over 150 opportunities on our site every day, from Creative Web Designer, Electronic Engineering to Consultancy based opportunities, click more jobs for the latest vacancies. Remember the easiest way to be kept up-to-date is to sign up to receive email alerts.

In this newsletter:

• Steps to Success event
• In a challenging jobs market - Size doesn’t matter!
• What are the advantages of working for an SME?
• How do I get a job in a SME?

GJS, along with Southampton Solent University hosted the second Steps to Success event for students and graduates last month.

The event gave valuable information on what to expect from the graduate job market, what options are available after graduation, such as employment or postgraduate study, as well as helpful hints on creating an impressive CV and how to stand out in an interview.

With industrial psychologists stating that 55% of an interview is visual and based on first impressions this is an important tip to keep in mind!

Andy Moverley from IBM added to the importance of first impressions and body language in his presentation, stating:   "Make a good first impression - be polite and courteous, look the interviewer in the eye and listen to what they are saying. Remember to think of a few questions to ask as this will show your interest in the company".

The next GJS event is likely to be in the spring and we will email you further information. In the meantime, remember you can keep in touch with us and other graduates via our Facebook Group.

A report has shown that almost one in five small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are planning to take on new staff over the coming months. (www.prospects.ac.uk 2009).

In the whole of the UK, in 2008, SMEs accounted for 99.9% of all enterprises (Department for Business and Innovation, 2009)

There are more than 1,000 SME’s registered in the GJS business directory

Gaining varied experience: because of the size of the company, there is less distinction between roles. It’s likely that you’ll get involved in a wider range of activities and there is the possibility of taking on extra responsibilities.   Work/life balance: many SMEs can be flexible and offer family-friendly policies, such as job sharing, working from home and flexible or part-time hours.   Early responsibility: it’s possible that you’ll have the opportunity to take on responsibility early on in the job and promotion may be quicker   Seeing the final result: usually the process between the initial idea and the end result is quick and it’s likely that you will be involved in each stage of the project.   Being part of the team: the opportunity to work as part of a small team, all working towards the same goals can be fulfilling

You are unlikely to find opportunities for working in SMEs in graduate recruitment directories. You can find SMEs advertising opportunities on the GJS website where you can send them your CV or apply directly to the employer by using the GJS business directory.

The recruitment process with an SME is often much quicker than businesses with graduate recruitment schemes, another plus in a challenging jobs market.

Thank you for taking the time to read our eNewsletter, and don't forget to tell your colleagues and friends about GJS - the leading regional students & graduate recruitment service dedicated to the South.

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