Careers information officer: Job description

Careers information officers identify, analyse and assess the suitability and value of information relevant to a careers service or careers information unit.

They develop strategies for information planning, procurement, provision and management to meet current and anticipated needs, while considering budgeting constraints.

They provide a service to internal service users, such as current and former students and work colleagues, as well as to external users, such as other organisations and clients. They may also be responsible for other areas within the service, which are not necessarily information-related, for example:

• overseeing quality standards issues;
• coordinating, organising and administering general training;
• liaising with clients about employment and training opportunities;
• planning and hosting events for the service's users.

Typical work activities

Individual tasks vary between post holders, depending on the size and type of the employing organisation, but there is common ground, and typical activities usually include:

• identifying, assessing, selecting and ordering relevant information sources and materials in hard copy and electronic formats;
• organising, classifying, maintaining and storing information, often using computer applications for access and retrieval;
• searching for information, using hard copy and electronic formats;
• answering information enquiries from service users and work colleagues;
• providing information support to colleagues within the service and to outside associates;
• marketing, advertising and publicising the service;
• planning and giving presentations and information unit tours;
• representing the service at internal and external events;
• collecting and analysing data for evaluation of the service;
• writing reports and publications;
• marketing in-house and other materials;
• planning, designing and supervising IT and website provision;
• liaising with other information providers;
• planning and controlling the information-provision budget;
• collecting, collating and presenting statistical data;
• supervising and providing training for information and support staff.