Always Ask Questions

Everyone has experienced it, knows it’s going to be asked, or both. The question at the end of every interview; ‘Do you have any questions?’ The only answer to this question is ‘Yes’.

This is your opportunity to shine. Have questions prepared before you have even entered your interview so that you will have things to ask without fail, for example, ‘why is the position vacant?’, ‘what are the long term goals of the company and the department’, ‘what is the company culture like?’, ‘what is a standard day in this role like?’ and asking if the interviewers themselves like working there and why. Asking such questions shows your interest in the company and expresses long term intentions.

Also ensure you take a notepad and pen (in a folder, neatly presented, no chewed up old biros) into the interview with you so that if you think of a question from the interview you can jot it down to remember later. Such interest, preparation and organisation is sure to leave a great, lasting impression.

Do Your Research

Last week’s tip was to ensure you have researched the role you are applying to, and the career path you are set on. This week’s tip follows on in same nature; research.

Another element of research you will need to do is on the company to which you are applying. Ensure you have done this before applying, it will help you tailor your application to the company properly, helping you stand out from other applicants. You also never know when a company may call so doing this research at the earliest stage of the application will ensure preparation when receiving a surprise call.

When you are invited to an interview, do more research, don’t just rely on your initial research. This research will need to be far more in depth, and you will need to consider the external environment too, such as competitors and the market in which they operate. Doing this will enable you to tailor your answers, think of good questions to ask at the end of your interview and give a great overall first impression, making sure you stand out from the crowd.

Know What You Want

When applying to graduate jobs, in a time when too many people are falling into the trap of applying to any role, you need to know what you want. By this we don’t mean narrowing down your job search to only one specific type of career, we mean avoiding making a very common mistake; not truly understanding what you are applying to.

Research your chosen path thoroughly, just because you may have heard of the job role at university doesn’t necessarily mean you completely understand what that position entails. This may sound obvious, but it is a mistake we see regularly. As a job applicant you need to be able to answer what you understand about the career and role and why you are interested in it. For example, consultancy, there are many different types, yet more and more we speak to people who want to go into consultancy, but don’t realise consultancy ranges across every industry and therefore haven’t thought about which interests them.

Having a thorough understanding of the career path you want and the role you are applying to will leave any interviewer impressed and far more convinced of your interest, sincerity and suitability for their vacancy.

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.

Top 5 Tips For A Successul Study Period

We know it’s not easy to remain focussed when revising for those all important exams, especially with so many distractions around at university. With the study period well underway and exams looming we have put together 5 of what are, in our opinion, the best tips to improve your chances of studying success.

1. Start Early. Sleeping in and revising late will leave you sluggish, unmotivated and distracted. Starting early will ensure you feel you have achieved and also have some time to relax with friends.

2. Put a timetable up and send it to your friends. Then people will know when you are supposed to be revising, which will lessen distractions and increase motivation.

3. Go Old School. Print all the information you need from your computer then switch it off. With technology comes many distractions, take it old school with paper and colourful pens for increased success.

4. Utilise what you are learning. Don’t just sit and stare at facts until you think you have memorised them. Answer practice questions and write mini essays about what you are learning to ensure you truly understand and can use your knowledge.

5. Potassium. Eat bananas to enhance focus and increase energy. Don’t fall into the trap of living off caffeine, go for a slow energy release and feel sustained for longer.

Good Luck!

Is Your CV Up To Scratch?

With the incredibly high volume of applications received by graduate employers and recruiters alike, the presentation and content of your CV is of the upmost importance. Here are some simple things you can do to ensure your CV doesn’t ruin your chances at that dream role.

Ensure all your personal and contact information is clear and correct. Make sure you have included an up to date mobile number, a home number (if applicable) and email address, and that you have written them correctly. If you miss numbers or use an old university email address then you are not contactable.
Provide all information clearly in sections and make sure elements are shown in reverse chronological order and that this is kept consistent throughout your CV.

Declare your A level or equivalent results, not just subjects studied or they may be assumed to not meet the requirements. Also provide a predicted final grade (or actual grade if already achieved) for your degree, along with a couple relevant module results.

Finally, avoid paragraphs and mini essays of information within your CV. These days it is so important that potential employers can recognise your achievements, both academic and extra curricular, quickly. If you have provided this within a half a page of writing it isn’t clear and won’t show you off to your full potential.

For more information on CV’s please refer to our CV guide: http://www.grb.uk.com/cv_makeover.0.html

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.