OXFORD
OxfordGuideToCareers2017
OxfordGuideToCareers2017
You also want an ePaper? Increase the reach of your titles
YUMPU automatically turns print PDFs into web optimized ePapers that Google loves.
D<br />
APPLICATION ESSENTIALS<br />
FURTHER STUDY<br />
PERSONAL STATEMENTS FOR FURTHER STUDY<br />
Your personal statement needs to be tailored to the institution to which you are applying. In general, you need<br />
to convey:<br />
YOUR INTERESTS<br />
Why you want to study this topic or field. Is it a natural<br />
extension of your current interests? How did you become<br />
interested in this area? What have you done within your<br />
degree or outside of your study to fuel this interest?<br />
WHY US?<br />
Why you have chosen this specific course and institution?<br />
Are there particular options or modules of interest? Is there<br />
particular expertise in that department? Has access to<br />
specific resources such as museum collections, libraries or<br />
laboratory equipment been a factor? Has the reputation of<br />
the course inspired you? Are you attracted by opportunities<br />
for collaboration or work placements? Have you attended<br />
any Open Days or made other visits?<br />
WHAT YOU BRING<br />
How your experience equips you for the course; consider the<br />
subjects you studied at undergraduate level, your relevant<br />
skills (technical, language, computing, research methods),<br />
independent study or research, prior (relevant) experience,<br />
academic awards and other achievements.<br />
YOUR ASPIRATIONS<br />
Where the course might lead you and how it will help you<br />
move towards your goals. You don’t need a detailed career<br />
plan, but you do need to show how this course fits in with<br />
your general aspirations. Do you have a broad interest in<br />
contributing to a particular issue or field? Or do you have a<br />
more specific goal in mind? Summarise your application in<br />
your closing paragraph, return to any themes you introduced<br />
at the beginning, and restate your enthusiasm for the course.<br />
MORE INFORMATION AND EXAMPLES:<br />
www.careers.ox.ac.uk/personal-statements-for-further-study<br />
PSYCHOMETRIC TESTS<br />
Many graduate schemes use online tests in the initial application stage and, if successful, you’ll<br />
probably be asked to take similar tests as part of an Assessment Centres. These tests typically<br />
include numerical, verbal and abstract reasoning tests – and occasionally ‘personality’ tests, or<br />
in-tray/e-tray exercises as well (see page 52).<br />
Psychometric tests are normally multiple choice questions,<br />
and both speed and accuracy are important. It is therefore<br />
important to familiarise yourself with the structure and style<br />
of the tests in advance and develop your technique. This will<br />
allow you to focus your time and energy in the actual test<br />
on the questions asked, not on wondering how you should<br />
answer them.<br />
The recruiter’s website will normally provide both advice and<br />
practice questions, and you should always complete these<br />
practice tests. In addition, the Careers Service offers free<br />
access to practice tests through the subscriptions pages on<br />
CareerConnect (p.4) – as well as our online guidance and the<br />
practice materials and books in our Resource Centre.<br />
50<br />
EQUALITY & DIVERSITY:<br />
DISCLOSURE?<br />
If you feel that you might be at a<br />
disadvantage to others sitting the test,<br />
owing to a disability or dyslexia and dyspraxia then do<br />
contact the recruiter beforehand, to discuss if adjustments<br />
could be made for you, eg, extra time in the timed tests.<br />
Your experiences of adjustments that are made for you at<br />
University are a good guideline as to what you can ask for,<br />
or advise a recruiter to put in place.<br />
www.careers.ox.ac.uk<br />
VERBAL REASONING SKILLS<br />
These typically test your ability to make logical inferences, and<br />
to extract the details and main points from different passages<br />
<br />
numerical tests, though reading manuals, technical reports or<br />
academic and business journals may help. If English isn’t your<br />
<br />
subject, to ensure you are comfortable with different styles.<br />
Less frequently, you may also encounter PERSONALITY<br />
TESTS; SITUATIONAL JUDGEMENT TESTS; or INDUCTIVE/<br />
ABSTRACT/DIAGRAMATIC REASONING TESTS. Look online<br />
for more information on these or speak to a Careers Adviser if<br />
you want some guidance.<br />
NUMERICAL REASONING TESTS<br />
On these, you’ll likely be asked to do addition, subtraction,<br />
division, multiplication and calculations of percentages and<br />
ratios. The ability to extract information from charts and<br />
graphs can be as important as actual calculations. Remember<br />
that, unless a job requires a high level of numeracy, numerical<br />
tests are not likely to be pitched higher than GCSE-level<br />
<br />
study different types of charts (eg, in quality newspapers<br />
<br />
in our guidance and held in our Resource Centre, The<br />
Careers Service holds numeracy refresher sessions: these are<br />
advertised in our Events calendar on CareerConnect.