What Our Clients Say
Research Staff Testimonials
Whether you are following a Researcher, Academic career path, or looking to further your career in the HE, public, private or third sector, employability advice and support, is available to all Loughborough Research Staff.
The support available ranges from confidential one to one career consultations, quick advice for CV checking, interview coaching, career transition and end-of-contract careers advice. Also employability workshops and talks, presentations and careers fairs with Employers.
Some of our Clients have been happy to share their experiences, to highlight range of careers services and resources available :
“I just wanted to say thank you for the coaching for the interview. It has certainly helped me to anticipate the situation and to remain confident about it. Which may just have been what I needed, because I have been offered me the job! I am really happy about it, and I am looking forward to an interesting future career at Loughborough.”
Loughborough University Lecturer
“After being shortlisted for a Lectureship position, I saw the Careers Adviser for Research Staff to go through a mock interview shortly before the real one.
I was feeling quite tense about the interview, so I really put myself in the situation for practice. The Careers Adviser was helpful and friendly and highlighted my strong points and areas for development during the mock interview. This helped me shape the way I discussed my experience during my real interview.
I believe not many people are aware of all the services that you provide... and I think you provide an outstanding service.”
Loughborough University Lecturer
“Just wanted to say a big thank you for helping me out with my CV and cover letter. Only with your help and expertise I managed to get my dream Job.”
Researcher – Loughborough University
“I approached the Careers & Employability Centre when I was invited to attend my first interview for an academic position. At our first meeting the Careers Adviser gave me some invaluable advice on how best to prepare for the interview. Shortly afterwards she gave me a formal mock interview, again providing great feedback and advice in advance of the ‘real thing’. Although I was not offered the position on this occasion, I went into the interview substantially better prepared, and more confident, than if I hadn’t had this support. All the advice and comments were usable and easy to implement, and are definitely things that I will take forward into future interview situations. I would strongly encourage anyone, at any stage of the application process, to take advantage of the great range of support and experience available through our Careers Centre.”
…“yesterday I was interviewed for a lectureship..they called me back later in the day to let me know I had been successful… I used the advice and hints you gave me a while ago to help me prepare, so I just wanted to let you know how much you have helped, and that I appreciate it greatly!”
Loughborough University Researcher
The Careers and Employability Adviser helped me with application specific advice, help with the application form, then interview coaching etc. I got the specific job that I wanted with United Nations Industrial Development Organisation.
Researcher with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
I attended several workshops on job hunting, career planning/transition, interview skills, and CV preparation. I also met employers at careers fairs and practised example aptitude tests. The one-to-one careers consultation helped me, as a mid-career researcher, see that there are more career options than I had realised. I was looking for a new direction in my career (due to my contract ending) and was not quite sure what I wanted. The personal support and encouragement in the job search process was good as this can be a bit stressful at times. Also help with interview preparation was very valuable, as I haven't done well in these in the past, except in those for postdoc positions. I also think my awareness of what employers expect improved quite a bit.
Loughborough Researcher to Scientific Programme in the Rutherford Appleton Laboratory
“I knew the type of career I wanted, but was unsure how to being researching the vast range of resources and make my final decision. I met with the Careers Advisor for Research Staff to discuss my options.
The best thing about the service was that it provided a structured approach, enabling me to fit in job searching in my spare time around my work. The careers service was very flexible and made use of email and telephone as I was working away from the University on a KTP project
It was suggested that I start by drawing up a single page of career options, and then prioritise my five top choices. I was also given useful resources about new organisations that I had not previously considered. I used the careers alumni database to speak to employees in different companies which was invaluable.
Next, I was given excellent advice on how to tailor my curriculum vitae for each job vacancy, and was given feedback on my CV and application forms. This ensured that I was noticed by the right companies at the initial application process. I also attended psychometric testing workshops, as I had not undertaken online tests before and this boosted my skills and confidence. All of this helped me secure three interviews and the careers service helped me to prepare for these interviews, making use of the ‘STAR’ stories to sell my experience and also practice my skills through interview coaching..
I couldn’t have secured the interviews that I did without the excellent help I received and I will soon be starting my new role as a Researcher with the National Audit Office.”
Researcher in National Audit Office
“Well, what do you know I’ve just heard from XXX and I’m through to the next round!" A large part thanks to you for boosting my confidence in my work experience. I thought I’d let you know and also that I’ll possibly be seeking your help further…”
Loughborough University Researcher
“It was very helpful both in understanding the career path that I chose and in obtaining my current (Lecturer) position.”
Loughborough University Researcher
“Just a quick e-mail to let you know that I got that lectureship position in the Department of XXX." I am very excited about it. Thanks a lot again for your help and advice.”
Loughborough University Researcher
“The careers consultation provided an opportunity to discuss where I was now and possible career paths, it also gave me the opportunity to find out more about the services on offer. The outputs from the consultations were a range practical ideas, including informational interviews with lecturers, plus appropriate reading material and tools to support this exploratory phase. And I'm sure there will be further outcomes from this process.”
Loughborough University Researcher
“The Careers Adviser provided an individual and confidential service. The idea of ‘pitching’ one’s skills enhanced my employability. The positive guidance instilled a feeling of hope and possible success”
Loughborough University Researcher
It is good for researchers in my position to have careers support available, particularly useful is the possibility to go through a process where you can explore alternatives and get feedback on concrete outputs, such as CVs.
Loughborough University Researcher
Careers Service increased my chance to be shortlisted.
Loughborough University Researcher
It was very helpful both in understanding the career path that I chose and in obtaining my current position.
Loughborough University Researcher
Provided clear guidance in process and structure (STAR etc) technique – gave constructive advice without being destructive.
Loughborough University Researcher
Provided resources to use and an individual service. Was able to target need. Avoided formulaic approach or making it appear so. Idea of ‘pitching’ one’s skills as an aspect of employability to an individual. Gave positive guidance and instilled feeling of hope and possible success.
Loughborough University Researcher
Guidance Consultation avoided a formulaic approach or making it appear so. Encouraged me to ‘pitch’ one’s skills as an aspect of employability to an individual. Gave positive guidance and instilled feeling of hope and possible success.
Loughborough University Researcher
The speed at which the Adviser keyed into what was important about the job I was applying for and where my skills that you read from CV fitted into the position helped me to quickly work out what my key advantages were and therefore enabled me to mould the right answers.
I think it should be promoted as a standard service provided to employees on fixed term contracts. That does not mean it has to be mandatory, but it should be strongly recommended during the induction.
Loughborough University Researcher
“I am looking forward to an interesting and lasting career at Loughborough.”
“I have been offered the job!”
"Just to let you know, I got the job as a scientific programmer at the Rutherford laboratory after a very long recruitment process. The job starts in September. Thanks very much for your great help."
The interview went very well and I have been offered the post (of Lecturer), thank you very much for your help and support, I really appreciate it."
“Well, what do you know I’ve just heard from the employer and I’m through to the next round.”
“Thank you for the coaching for the interview.”
“Your highly recommended interview preparation.”
“Interview coaching helped me to anticipate the situation and to remain confident about it.”
“Thanks for boosting my confidence in my work experience.”