Careers information officer

Careers information officers play a key role in providing high-quality careers information by managing and developing a range of resources

They ensure that information is accurate, accessible, inclusive and relevant, while balancing user needs with budget and resource constraints.

The role has evolved in recent years due to advances in technology, with a growing emphasis on digital skills. This may include managing websites, creating multimedia content, collecting and analysing data, and working with databases and CRM systems. Accessibility for all users, including those who are disabled or neurodiverse, is a vital part of the role.

In smaller organisations, you may take on a variety of tasks, while in larger institutions, you might specialise in areas such as digital information management or student engagement, for example. The role may involve working closely with students, graduates, employers, professional bodies and education providers.

Job titles vary depending on the organisation and focus of the role. Examples include careers information specialist, information and insights officer, business/systems information officer or information and engagement officer.

Responsibilities

Tasks vary depending on the type and size of the organisation. However, as a careers information officer, you'll typically need to:

• source, evaluate and curate careers and labour market information (LMI) from a range of trusted sources
• research, purchase and manage subscriptions to external resources such as CV builders and review tools, interview simulators and career-matching platforms
• create engaging, user-focused content such as sector insights, local LMI and career guides for use across a range of media, including blogs, social media, websites, videos, apps and printed materials
• present information in a clear, inclusive and accessible format suitable for a variety of platforms and audiences
• use content management systems (CMS) to manage and update information-related website content
• ensure all digital information complies with latest Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) and organisational accessibility policies, and provide alternative formats where needed
• respond to user enquiries, which may take the form of short interactions at an enquiry desk/via email or longer one-to-one appointments
• support consultants and advisers by supplying up-to-date information to underpin guidance delivery
• support projects involving student ambassadors to co-create content and embed the student voice in service delivery (if working in an HE careers service)
• deliver workshops, presentations or webinars that help users to develop independent career research skills
• work with colleagues to develop and maintain multi-platform content (e.g., websites, apps, video, social media), ensuring consistency of messaging, tone and branding
• collect and analyse service usage data to identify trends and engagement
• build relationships with sector bodies, data providers and other professionals to share best practice and enhance the quality of resources
• promote careers information and tools through targeted campaigns via social media and newsletters, for example, in line with organisational branding
• stay informed about emerging careers trends, evolving labour market needs and innovations in digital information delivery.

In a more senior role, such as careers information manager, you may also need to:

• lead the development and delivery of the careers information strategy
• manage a team responsible for digital content and information services, including recruitment, training and performance oversight
• oversee budgets for content development, digital tools and information resources
• represent your service at meetings and on external networks focused on careers information and digital engagement
• drive innovation by exploring and implementing new technologies, such as AI-powered content or data tools.

Salary

• Entry level salaries are typically between £23,000 and £28,000 depending on your experience.
• Experienced information officers may earn £30,000+.
• Salaries for information managers typically start at £40,000.

Salaries vary depending on the type and size of employer, your location and experience.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Working hours are typically 9am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. You may need to work some weekends or evenings to meet client needs.

There may be some opportunities for part-time work, job sharing and hybrid working.

What to expect

• The work tends to be office-based, working mainly with other staff and clients.
• Jobs are available in careers services and careers units throughout the UK.
• Some tasks, such as updating information and gathering statistics, may be cyclical and performed at the same times each year.
• You won't generally need to travel unless you work at multiple sites. However, you may travel occasionally to attend training and conferences.

Qualifications

This area of work is open to graduates from all subject areas. Depending on the focus of your role, the following degree subjects may be particularly useful:

• business management
• marketing/digital marketing
• data science
• mathematics
• media and communications
• library and information management.

However, careers information officers come from a variety of academic backgrounds, including the arts, languages and social sciences.

Employers often value transferable skills and relevant experience as much as subject-specific qualifications.

You may get a job with an HND or foundation degree. While a degree is not always essential, it can be an advantage, especially in competitive settings.

Some careers information officers choose to gain a Level 4 Diploma in Career Information and Advice. This qualification is particularly relevant for those working in organisations that deliver career learning programmes and who support students in finding and using career information.

Search postgraduate courses in information science.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• excellent verbal communication skills, for responding to a range of user enquiries
• strong written communication skills, with the ability to create content in various formats for a range of audiences
• digital literacy, including confidence with web content management systems (CMS), social media platforms and online publishing tools
• effective customer service skills, including tact, diplomacy, active listening and patience
• strong research skills using print, digital and online sources
• the ability to assess and present complex information in an accessible, inclusive and engaging format
• good organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise tasks and manage multiple projects
• a high level of accuracy and attention to detail, with a logical and methodical approach to information management
• problem solving and analytical thinking skills to interpret data and evaluate resource effectiveness
• intellectual curiosity, a broad knowledge base and the capacity to think laterally
• adaptability and a flexible attitude to working in a fast-changing, user-focused environment
• teamwork skills, with the ability to work effectively with colleagues, students and external partners
• a commitment to continuing professional development and staying informed about labour market trends and emerging technologies.

Work experience

Pre-entry experience is highly beneficial and will help you develop the skills needed to be a careers information officer. Experience in any of the following areas can be particularly valuable:

• library, information or guidance work
• marketing, communications or digital media
• data analysis and reporting
• website management and content creation
• administration, reception or customer service
• education support or student services
• social media management or campaign coordination.

Volunteering or work shadowing at a university or college careers service is especially useful. It can give you a direct insight into the day-to-day responsibilities of the role, such as responding to enquiries, creating information resources and supporting engagement.

Employers value candidates who demonstrate initiative, communication skills and an understanding of inclusive, accessible information provision.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Employment may be in any organisation with a careers information service or unit, particularly:

• university and college careers services
• careers consultancies
• careers publishers
• careers software houses and website providers
• government departments
• private careers services
• recruitment and employment agencies.

Look for job vacancies at:

• AGCAS Jobs
• Jobs.ac.uk - jobs in higher education
• Information Professional Jobs - CILIP's recruitment website
• Careers in Careers
• tesJobs and THE Unijobs

Professional development

Courses and training opportunities vary depending on your employer. You'll typically learn on the job and undertake in-house training as well as external courses in areas such as writing digital content, web development, marketing, data analysis and using social media and other digital platforms.

AGCAS, CILIP and the CDI provide training opportunities, such as courses, webinars and other events, in specific areas, such as:

• data management
• data protection
• employer engagement
• guidance skills
• using AI
• writing for impact.

There are a variety of options available, from short courses to post-experience certificates, diplomas and Masters, delivered via seminars, conferences, taught or research courses and through more informal meetings and discussion groups.

You may undertake postgraduate or professional qualifications in more specialised areas, such as librarianship or information science/management, IT or careers guidance.

Search postgraduate courses in information science.

Career prospects

Opportunities for advancement as a careers information officer may be limited. However, you may be able to progress to the role of careers information manager, with responsibility for a team of information staff. Moving from a small service to a larger one may provide more scope for progression.

Alternatively, you could move into an information officer or management role in a different sector, such as:

• commercial
• financial
• health
• legal
• medical
• scientific
• technical.

To find out more, see information officer.

There are also opportunities, once you've gained experience, to move into related roles. For example, if you have an interest in career guidance, you could undertake further training and move into a career adviser, consultant or employability adviser post.

Other options include a move into data analysis, marketing or web development roles, depending on your area of interest. Alternatively, you could gain chartered librarianship status and move into a librarian role.