3 Top Tips for Student Budgeting

January is a long month and it may take you by surprise how much you have spent in the last 5 weeks, but maybe being at the bottom of your overdraft with 2 months to go in the term is the push you need to get your budgetary matters in order. These are tips that you may have already heard, but now is the time to take notice and formalize an action plan.
Tip number 1: It is possible to save hundreds of pounds a year solely by being yourself; a student. Subscribe to all the online discount services such as wowcher, student beans, vouchercloud to name but a few. Also, every time you go to buy something, ask if they provide a student discount, remember that they won’t charge you more for asking so don’t worry about looking like a cheap skate.
Tip number 2: As grueling as it may sound, making a spread sheet of your monthly income and outgoings may well be worth the hassle. If you keep your receipts and can physically see how much your spending and whether your lifestyle is sustainable, it may give you the motivation to finally get on top of your finances. You can’t cheat the spread sheet.
Tip number 3: To get a little bit of spare cash throughout the term, if you find your text books from last year aren’t of any use to your module choices this year, sell them, set up an amazon or eBay account or even use the student VLE to flog your old books. Someone somewhere needs that second-hand selling price.

Show You're a Digital Native

Grad Guide Blog founder, Chris Hall gives this weeks tip:

Being "digital natives", we should really take advantage of growing up with new technologies and understanding them. At the top of your CV add your Twitter username, Blog page address and Linked In profile - this shows employers your online presence. It also shows them your savvy enough to be up to date with technology, and gives them further information about you that a CV may not. Employers are going to Google you, so take one step forward and give them the information so they can find out more about you.

For more tips, and the latest graduate advice and discussion, visit the gradguideblog.com

Standing Out in Group Interviews

An Job related websites have reported recently of Giles Metcalfe, the Leeds Graduate who stood around in the City of London for 9 hours handing out CV’s and talking to professionals passing by sporting a placard saying ‘ Leeds graduate looking for an opportunity in the financial services’. From this he got entered into a few interview rounds and had a few offers on the table. This is a unique example, but if you’ve got through to an assessment centre and you are being asked to stand out next to ‘the guy with the placard’, how do you stand out?

Firstly, make sure you get to the interview, punctual and well presented. Interrupting a group interview that has already started is a lot worse than having a couple of head hunters wait an extra 5 minutes for you to arrive for a one-on-one face-to-face.

Secondly, as obvious as it sounds by now, do your research around the company. Practice selling the company to friends and family, then look for the qualities that you have that make you a right fit for the company, then re-sell yourself using these qualities. On the day of the group interview, show these qualities as best you can, be comfortable in the surroundings, look forward to the future with the company which may help in the Q and A sessions as well.

Finally, be a team player. This doesn’t mean dominating every conversation but it’s not about being a wallflower either. Find the balance, be personable, get to know the team your working with a little so your oinions are valued later on in assessed group discussions. Also, be tacitical in the role-playing exercises, don’t just say the first thing that pops into your head, really think about it as one contribution that can be used by the business is better than 10 lacklustre ones that are either impractical or unexciting.

Making The Most Of Recruitment Fairs

The season is almost upon us for recruitment and career fairs, these can be a priceless resource for your graduate job search and when approached well can really rocket your job hunt forward.

Firstly, make sure you dress appropriately. Ensure you make an impression by dressing smartly and appearing confident and professional.

Make sure you are prepared too, take copies of your CV with you. Don’t hand them out aimlessly, but if you are really interested in a role then ask if they are accepting CV’s currently.

Be careful not to take too many free items, you don’t want to appear as if this is the main reason for your attendance, and if you do take the free merchandise make sure you have a bag to stash it in, that way you keep your hands free for handshakes and accepting company literature.

Finally, practice your sales speech beforehand. You will have only a couple minutes to make an impression and inform the employer about yourself, going with a short, snappy pitch helps make sure you leave a lasting impression.

Also, collect business cards of the people you have spoken to and follow up immediately thanking them for speaking with you and reiterating your interest in the role you spoke of. You may not receive a reply but it could help bring your CV to the company’s attention.

Know The Hidden Market

There are loads of graduate jobs advertised directly from companies each year, however this isn’t the complete overview of what is available. In order to gain a complete insight into the job market it is important to consider a number of different avenues.

The internet is pretty much everyone’s primary resource these days, with instant ability to search for graduate jobs. But there are other useful sources, such as job boards and recruitment consultancies that can offer a broader insight into what is available.

Signing up to just one of these resources is not enough though, different job boards and consultancies will have different clients and therefore different jobs to recruit for, so signing up to as many as possible increases the opportunities available to you. These can be registered for either online or through events such as Fresher Fairs and Recruitment Fairs that the university will be holding at some point during your time there, so make sure you attend these and make the most of every opportunity available.

Do Something Memorable

Are you still unsure of where you want to focus your degree? Have you considered taking a gap year at the end of your studies to explore the world and figure out your next move? It’s a great thing to do to gain the life experience and soft skills companies love whilst giving you the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of others.

There are a variety of different organised projects you could get involved with on your time out, for example Africa & Asia Adventures, a fantastic not-for-profit organisation offering amazing voluntary projects in a range of areas with fantastic benefit for the community in which you would live.

Recently more and more we are noticing an increased preference from companies for applicants who have been involved in extracurricular activities and voluntary projects in order to demonstrate the key soft skills they seek and a great personality fit for their company culture. Africa and Asia Adventures and other like companies are able to provide such experiences, offering you the ability to be truly involved with new cultures, living with the locals within a totally new community, whilst gaining work experience that truly makes a difference to both you and the people you are helping.

It would definitely be an experience you would never forget and ensure that you yourself are unforgettable.

Think Carefully Before Making That Call

Missed a call? Do you think about who it could be before calling back? Do you even call back? Whether during a graduate job search, or just in general, it is so important to do this.

Firstly, if you have missed a call and there is a voicemail then listen to the voicemail. It will contain information on the caller and the reasons behind the call as well as possibly a direct line for you to call. This will allow you to prepare and seem organised and informed when calling back.

Also think carefully about your phone etiquette when calling into a company, our consultants advise that lines such as ‘Hi, My name is…I had a missed call from…earlier on today/yesterday etc. Is it possible to speak to them now?’ are always winners; it sounds professional and gives a great first impression.

Especially when applying for jobs, make sure you answer your phone professionally and with an engaging tone, never screen your calls and always call back using the best phone etiquette, you never know when it will count.

Be Patient

We know it isn’t easy to be patient when it comes to your graduate job search but it is important for a number of different reasons.

Firstly, be aware that you won’t be the only applicant for a role. It may take a little bit of time for you to receive feedback, do not chase progress after a few hours or a day, they probably haven’t even had time to look at any applications yet. It’s always good to be keen, but you don’t want to risk annoying your potential employer and seeming high maintenance.

Secondly, if you have any questions that’s great, but don’t expect an immediate answer. Questions about the role will more than likely be easy for the interviewer to answer, but if it isn’t and they have to find out give them time to do so. Questions you have after an offer of employment may also be simple to answer, but there are many variables here, such as number of new employees, number of the years the company have run the role and logistics of the job. It can be frustrating if you do not have all the answers immediately, but remember, they want you to work for them and you are in a great position. They will be doing their best to sort everything; it just may take some time.

Finally, everybody will receive rejection at least once before finding the graduate job for them, do not get disheartened. Be patient and keep going, you will succeed and it will be worth it when you do.

Stand Out In The Eyes Of Graduate Recruiters

Always doing extensive research on the company you have your graduate interview with is a given and we’re sure you do it but so does 99% of your competition for graduate jobs. So how do you set yourself apart from the rest?

The answer is research. You may have done loads, but there’s one thing the majority of candidates forget; the person who is going your graduate interview. We have such a broad range of networking mediums at our disposal these days that it is incredibly easy to do some effective research into your interviewer. When being offered an interview always ask who it will be with, if not already told, and make a note of the name and their job position within the company. Take advantage of resources such as LinkedIn to find out more about this person; what have they done in the past? What do they enjoy in their spare time? Etc. Try and find a common interest, such as sport or subjects studied, and use this to your advantage in the interview to strike up interesting conversation. Such an approach will instantly build rapport and make you memorable.

Tweet Your Way Into Graduate Jobs

There are many different networking opportunities to explore when searching for graduate jobs. Recently social media has been becoming a popular medium for reaching out and finding potential graduate recruiters, one of the most notable being Twitter.

As a micro-blogging site Twitter allows its members to remain up to date with the lives and events of the people and companies they choose to follow. This is beneficial as it keeps you up to date with latest graduate job postings and prepares you for graduate interviews by keeping you informed of latest company news. It’s also a good opportunity to show off your writing skills, especially if interested in a literary career path. Taking advantage of Twitters many functions can result in your appearance under key word searches, giving you more presence.

If you haven’t yet created an account sign up today and begin building your presence. If you do have an account but don’t use it much, keep it fresh, you never know when companies may view it and if you do use your Twitter frequently be careful of what you post, your online identity says a lot about you to graduate recruiters.

Grow Your Network When Looking For A Graduate Job

The graduate job market is very competitive, with many graduates fighting to be seen by graduate recruiters. Networking events are a great way to see and be seen by important contacts within companies, so make use of them.

There are a few things to remember at networking events, whether they are small events or large career fairs. Think of them as a way to get to know the graduate recruiters, showing interest and asking for advice in a friendly, professional manner will make them more willing to help you. Be confident, directly introduce yourself and open with a question to get the juices flowing. Always mind your appearance too; you want to appear smart and professional so save the tracksuits and hoodies for the comfort of your own living room.

A lot of universities hold their own departmental networking events, which a selection of employers attend. These are a great way to network as they are much smaller. At events it can be beneficial to take a contact card with you to give out, rather than a CV which may not get read. The best thing to do though is get a contact card from the employers so that you can take control and initiate contact, a sure fire way to ensure you are remembered.

Careers Fairs and Putting Yourself Out There!

You don't always have to put pressure on yourself to find a graduate job. Sometimes the right start could be as easy as just putting yourself out there by networking at any of the upcoming autumn careers fairs in the next few weeks. The GRB will be visiting The London Graduate fair from The Careers Group and Target Jobs next week on the 18th October. Don’t miss it, it’s a fantastic free event with 100’s of employers and workshops - take a look here. Another good step could be to get in touch with your department society, course rep or alumni. It’s never too late to get involved and learn more about your options. Perhaps you know of a friend or a peer that has already succeeded in securing a job? First list out everything you are doing and then take a look at their approach - is there something new you can add to your job searching technique? Remember, there is always something new to try, a new approach or a new area to research - your options are never exhausted.

Using Twitter for Graduate Jobs

If you didn't know, social media is playing a bigger part in the world of graduate recruitment than ever and aside from the more professional LinkedIn, Twitter is actually a fantastic tool to use in your search for graduate jobs. Don't see Twitter as just a social tool, as by crafting out clever searches you can uncover networking opportunities that could really open doors for you and impress key people. Try it - simply go to Twitter.com and type in a search for a job title or area of interest and look through the results to find people either advertising or talking about it. Connect or ‘follow’ these people to send them a message and find out more or even just click the link normally in the tweet. This approach is just the tip of the iceberg, the rest is down to your networking skills so get out there!

Good Networking

Networking is a sure way to generate leads for job hunting and it’s also a fantastic skill to have as an employee. Sure it can come easier to some people than for others, but if you’re presented with an opportunity to meet a great contact face to face, here are some ground rules: Never ask for a job, ask for information - the subtle, rapport building approach will always reveal answers. Don’t take up too much of their time - no one wants to be remembered as being an inconvenience so be conscious of what they could be doing. Give them a chance to speak - if you don’t then you’ll never learn anything. Create a vehicle for follow-up - if you want to maintain the relationship you need to create an opportunity for you to touch base again, such as offering to email or call them about something they are interested in. Build common ground and your indirect job search will open up with every new contact you speak to.

Make the most of a meeting

Whether it’s a brief meeting with your careers service, approaching a stand at a careers fair or attending an interview make sure you are getting the most out of the situation. Try and anticipate the kind of conversation that will come up and prepare some relevant points to make. Be inquisitive and try and ask something original. Most employers at career fairs can find themselves answering the same questions all day and if the answers can be easily found on the company website (which you should research before) then it just makes you look unprepared. Those all important first impressions really count even if you’re just speaking with someone who could advise you or point you in the right direction to find employment.

Secure Your References

Now the end of the academic year is approaching it would be a good idea to secure your references so you know that if called upon, they will be happy to recommend you. Bettering that, get a hard copy signed by them - it will really speed up the job offer process if you can present this at interview and also show that you're organised. Your reference normally comes from a tutor/lecturer or an employer whilst at university. It might sound obvious but make sure you pick people that you’ve worked hard for and you know you get on with!

The Perfect Elevator Pitch

You may or may not be familiar with this term but an "elevator pitch" is a phrase to describe when you literally have 20 seconds to sell yourself or product. You never know who you may meet and when so in a graduate's case this pitch is a vital selling tool which you must perfect. Your content should outline who you are, what you do and why you're good at it. Ultimately the use of this pitch will make you come across as confident, focused and your passion unquestionable - a very important characteristic for employers trying to avoid the people that are looking at their industry as a second or third choice. You could also use this as your opening personal statement on your CV.

Word of mouth - Graduate Networking

Are you networking as effectively as possible? Many jobs are not even posted online or elsewhere these days. Word-of-mouth and employee referral account for the vast amount of recruiting efforts. Make sure everyone you know is aware of what you are looking for and what you have to offer.

Use Freshers Week

Even if you're not a fresher, freshers week is full of fantastic opportunities that only come around once a year - make the most of it! Go along to your freshers fair and sign up with any societies that you're interested in, as extra curricular activities will add instant value to your CV. You could even help with any events in freshers week or work for your uni showing new people around. This role is commonly known as a 'Student Ambassador' - ask your university marketing department for more information.

References for your Graduate Job

Secure your references. Meet with professors, employers and others on-campus that you hope to use as a reference.  Be certain they are enthusiastic about doing so and understand what opportunities you seek and qualifications you possess.  Ask if they would be willing to give you an electronic copy of a letter of recommendation in the event you need to produce one on short notice.