Top MBA Careers how-to guides

Are you looking for a job or a change of direction in your working life?

The following how-to guides offer advice on the job search and career development.

Read tips written by experts from business schools and MBA graduates.

Tips for switching careers — Becky Eisen

Does your CV or resume tell the wrong story? To increase your chances of securing a role in a different job, sector or both, highlight your transferable skills and learn the language of your targeted industry. A word cloud can also help improve your CV.

How to use LinkedIn for career success — Bryn Panee Burkhart

The world’s largest professional networking site has become important in the recruiting strategy of many companies. Get yourself on employer’s radars by learning how to create a profile that showcases your strengths and areas of expertise.

How to negotiate a job offer and salary — Cynthia Saunders-Cheatham

If you have another job offer, especially with a company in the same sector, or you know of peers who have received higher offers with a similar organisation, you may be able to use that information as leverage. Companies like to offer competitive salaries to their peers.

How to turn an internship into a job offer — Sue Kline

It is important to network during your internship. Building relationships over time will give you the opportunity to get to know your colleagues and learn from them, as well as let them get to know you. This is a chance for them to see the value you bring to the organisation.

How to prepare for an informational interview — Javier Muñoz Parrondo and Rosie Innes

It is essential to carry out more than three informational interviews on a specific role so that you get common themes rather than a personal opinion. Remember to do your research on those you wish to talk to and who have jobs that you find inspiring.

How to build a positive online reputation — Dorie Clark

Discover how to create an online presence that draws employers to you. For example, creating a LinkedIn profile, blogging about trends in your targeted industry and retweeting articles about the field you are interested in shows that you are staying on top of key issues.

How to write a tailored CV — Corinne Mills

In your profile, it is critical to reflect the recruiter’s priorities rather than your own. Include in your CV or resume, the keywords from the job description and the terminology that recruiters are likely to use to reinforce the match between you and your dream role.

How to achieve a work-life balance — Angela Ogier

Do you feel as though you are taking on too much at work? Then let your managers know your constraints and discuss them with colleagues to work out what you can delegate. Remember to focus on high-priority tasks and find time to do something positive for yourself.

How to make yourself stand out in a job interview — Jennifer Whitten

Think of the interview as a conversation and be your authentic self. You may face a question in which you do not have experience in that specific area. If so, you can share a related experience, or what you would do if you were in that situation.

How to succeed at assessment centres — Iain McLoughlin

You need to show the ability to grasp what is happening in the macroeconomic environment. To succeed at assessment centres, you need to demonstrate that you are commercially aware, possess drive and motivation, can help a team to understand your way of thinking and have problem-solving skills.