Using your term break effectively

Now Easter is nearly upon us most of you will be on your term break. Surprisingly during these periods we normally see activity slow down as most students choose to either take it easy or tie up deadlines. If you're the savvy type you'll be using this gap to your advantage by re-assessing yourself and getting back into the job scene. Try taking one or two days out to look through feedback, read back through your CVs, work out where you have been looking and form a new direction which you haven't tried. Searching for a job online can be laborious when there is so much to get through, but in this marketplace it's still an absolute necessity if you want to find a good selection to apply to - especially if you're preferences are quite particular. Remember to always take notes on the different places you search, what industries are looking for, the jobs they have and the advice they may give - but form your own conclusions. It's these notes that can be re-worked back into your job search to help you become more refined.

How can your CV stand out?

CVs are not just about academic content. Presentation and individuality play a very important role as well - have you really thought about what you're putting out there? Some ideas for an original CV could include a link to your website (if you have one like a portfolio or blog), mention of industry related media you follow or have recently seen that impressed you, links to inspiration/articles or any evidence of your involvement in impressive projects that are just out of the ordinary - obviously nothing completely unrelated! Another thing to remember is that recruiters have to sift through a lot of CVs so make sure the entire document is not too wordy (two pages). Bullet point wherever possible and take out any unessential text. Write an opening statement of three or four lines positioned as the first thing they read. In it you should outline your career ambitions and why your skills are suited so they can instantly build a picture of who you are - think about it carefully to avoid sounding like everyone else.

Graduate Career Fair Events

With the spring season almost upon us it's time to set some dates in your diary for the wave of career fairs that fall over the coming months. Career fairs should be seen as a vital ingredient in your search so find out when your university and neighbouring universities are holding theirs as well as any national ones close by. Look into who's attending by either asking the organisers or visiting their website and get some background research done so you can impress on the day. Don't you wish that you could be given the chance to stand out from the pile of CVs employers have on their desk? Well you can because they'll be standing right in front of you! GRB are off to London tomorrow for our first one of the year and you can find out more details here.

Consistency in CV, Application and Interview

Always make sure you are consistent at every stage of the recruitment process. From ensuring you have no unexplained gaps of time between jobs on your CV, through to giving the same answers at interview to similar questions you answered in your application. Not all interviewers will give you a real grilling on contradiction or inconsistency but most of them will home in on it in one way or another. Be sure you can always explain things from every angle, give factual answers and keep every detail on your application at the forefront of your mind.

Key Networking in Graduate Recruitment

Networking plays a key part in finding a graduate job. There are many free online networking tools available - the obvious big names being Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn - which are all new routes to applications. Many employers are embracing these methods so they are a good place to start. Outside of online networking think about who you know, what they do and who they might know. Draw up a list if it helps and contact anyone that might give you a lead. Pushing yourself to make the most of every hint of opportunity will always increase your chances of finding work or work experience. Even if it's by the smallest amount, you never know what it could lead to' Visit our: Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube and Blogger.