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.

The Importance of First Impressions

First impressions count for everything. Remember the old story that an interviewer makes their decision on someone within 30 seconds? Well it's not far from the truth. If you've made it to an interview for a graduate job they already know that on paper you're technically capable of the job, and yes you will still be tested on this, but equally it's your chance to present yourself. If you have the attitude of "well I can do the job so surely that's enough" then you're in for a surprise as employers want to see potential recruits make every effort with their appearance, greetings and personality in conversation. Be friendly, professional and always dress very smart (suit) even if it's not stated!

It's a full time job

Looking for a job is a full time job in itself so try and treat it like one. We know all too well how difficult it can be to motivate yourself and be disciplined with your time but if you really want it, it should come second nature. Don't just dip in and out of searching casually - set yourself times to start and finish, don't wait for deadlines - apply there and then, don't just blindly wonder through the web - have a planned strategy of where to go and when to check. If you're caught snoozing, the next graduate behind you could get their feet under the desk intended for you!

A Professional voicemail and email

Did you know that so often it's the small things that graduates do (or don't do!) that can put off recruiters? A classic example of this which may not be totally obvious is your voicemail message - what does it say about you? Very often this will be the first time they get to gauge your character. Your message should sound like you and you should avoid sounding too casual or especially using any slang. Equally, always use a professional email address. While Arsenalfan@...com or supergirlraver@...co.uk may be fine for friends, it may give employers a negative perception of your level of professionalism and commitment to your graduate job search.

Is your graudate application genuine?

In this crowded marketplace recruiters are trying their absolute hardest to pick out applicants who show any signs of not being 100% passionate about the industry they want to work in. It's not just about wanting the job - employers need convincing of your genuine interest in order for them to feel that you were unquestionably dedicated before you even heard about the vacancy. This can come in the form of evidence of your involvement related to the industry like magazine subscriptions, recent news, societies, attending talks or independent projects.