Don't Be So Modest In Your Graduate Job Search

What wouldn’t you change about your life? It’s definitely a question which provokes a lot of thought and even more analysis over what would be an acceptable answer. However, if we were to ask what you would change about your life we bet you could think of a number of different things instantly and wouldn’t hesitate to tell us them all. Why is this?

Our upbringing is a big part of the reasoning behind this. We were brought up to be modest and not boast about our achievements. As much as these are brilliant traits to have, it’s time to stop eating so much humble pie whilst searching and interviewing for graduate jobs.

Think about everything you have been involved in and embrace it, there is a difference between being outrageously self centred and merely stating the positive impact you have had upon previous employers and the community. Everyone has done something worth discussing so use your experiences to set yourself apart and be proud of what you have achieved, graduate recruiters won't be impressed by someone who cannot recognise the value they can and have contributed both within and outside of employment.

Is Time Passing You By Looking For Graduate Jobs?

So much to do that there doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day? At GRB we definitely understand the importance of effective time management, both while looking for a graduate job and once you’ve landed your first graduate role.

The first step to managing your time is prioritising the long list of activities you want to try and squeeze into your week and make sure doing something for yourself is at the top of that list. You aren’t going to come across well in interviews for graduate jobs if you are stressed and unhappy.
Next you need to have a critical look at the list, which is probably way too long to be realistic. Ask yourself honestly what you can genuinely handle and sacrifice a few of the tasks which you have put a low priority against.
Now make promises to yourself, and keep them. You’ve set yourself your list so see it through and you’ll achieve everything you wanted to, there’s nothing better than a sense of accomplishment at the end of the week!

Don’t Let A Great Graduate Job Interview Go To Waste

‘Do you have any questions for us?’ the predictable question at the end of any graduate job interview, yet a stumbling block for most graduates and experienced interviewees alike. Whether you ask questions at this point or not has a huge influence on the overall impression you make on graduate recruiters.

As part of your interview preparation you should sit down and think of questions that you could ask at this point, they can be anything, as long as they are relevant of course. Some good examples are progression, company culture, responsibility, good role models etc. Take a pen and paper into the interview too for making notes and if you happen to think of a question during the process jot it down to ask at the end.

Another good time to ask questions is when following up on the interview with a thank you letter or email. Don’t be afraid to ask any questions in these that you think of after the interview, in fact it’s better if you do and makes it more likely for the recruiter to take the time to reply to you. Ask constructive questions and you will instantly seem more interested and switched on.

Don’t Disappear After Your Graduate Job Interview

We are firm believers of not pestering potential graduate recruiters, but there is a simple method you can use to follow up after a graduate job interview, which should be used within a day of your interview.

A simple thank you email can be great for getting yourself noticed and ensuring you are remembered but don’t forget to keep it personalised and short. Use a maximum of three paragraphs, each under 4 sentences. One to thank them and reiterate interest, another to briefly state strengths that ensure your ability to excel in the role and a third to communicate anything missed in the graduate interview.
End by saying you look forward to hearing from them within a certain time scale and proof read to make sure names and punctuality are perfect and you are nothing but positive throughout.

Sending a letter through the post can be a great touch instead of an email and has more chance of being read. Take time over your handwriting and invest in some nice paper for an all out gesture showing prospective employers you value their opinion and have great attention to detail.