what is an employability mentor?

Your Employability Mentor will work with you on a one-to-one basis once you come to the end of your course and throughout the summer period. They will help you navigate the transition between University and the workplace.

The mentor will work with you to determine your personal goals, and will build a plan with you to help support this. Their role is to help you to achieve your goals and reach your full potential.

This support will be in addition to any DSA support or Careers Service guidance available at the University of Bath that you may be entitled to. Here are some of the areas your Employability Mentor can help you with:

  • Applying for Jobs
  • Give advice on making job applications and updating your CV
  • Help to develop an on-line presence/profile (i.e. setting up a LinkedIn profile)
  • How to search for jobs online, setting up job alerts and key word searches using online search engines (e.g. Total Jobs, Linkedin, Monster and Indeed).
  • How to register with agencies for temporary work opportunities (to build up specific skills/experience).
  • Support with finding networking events/conferences/opportunities to add to CV/experience. 
  • Writing covering letters
  • Help with preparing for interviews 
  • Support on how to answer interview questions well
  • Provide support on time management, organisation, planning, etc.
  • Help to build and maintain motivation when applying for jobs
  • Help to improve your confidence when making job applications and attending interviews 
  • Help you to interpret any interview feedback and see how improvements can be made
  • Help you to determine the expectations of your new job role

Support if you’ve succeeded in gaining a new job:

  • Help to prepare you for meetings, give presentations, provide good customer service, etc.
  • Work to develop your social skills and communication skills to help in your new job role
  • Help to create a healthy work/life balance
  • Support to understand practical tasks in the workplace such as, understanding company policies and procedures, understanding working patterns, expectations of probationary periods, absence reporting and professional work conduct.
  • Develop any skills that might be relevant to your new role - e.g. sourcing and manipulating data, structuring assignments and information, developing proof-reading skills, formulating professional emails, working to tight deadlines.