How to land that graduate job
Our recruitment expert Sarah Greedy shares her top tips for applications, online tests, video interviews and graduate assessment centres:
I recently took part in Lancaster University’s Grad Job Bootcamp to share tips and advice with students applying for graduate roles.
In a fiercely competitive environment where recruiters could be reviewing 100 plus applications for every job, you want to ensure you stand out (for the right reasons) and make it easy for a recruiter to choose you.
Before you apply
- Do your research
- Stay up-to-date with trends in the industry you want to apply for. At BGL we don’t specify degree requirements for our programmes but we do look for passion to commence a career in that field.
- Look carefully at the company you are applying to — don’t just skim read their website but take time to review social media and blog posts, press releases, financial reports and news articles.
2. List your strengths and note examples of where you’ve demonstrated them
3. Does your social media represent the image you want to portray to employers?
It’s worth noting 54% of employers have rejected candidates based on their social media profiles*. Do you have a LinkedIn profile? At BGL we’ve hired many graduates after finding and approaching them on LinkedIn. You can also use it to build networks and for learning resources.
CV tips
You don’t have long to make a first impression with your CV — indeed some say 30 seconds** is how long some managers will spend reviewing your CV so:
1. Tailor your CV to the application
List relevant experiences and study to the skills the company is looking for and highlight accomplishments, not just tasks.
2. Check for accuracy
Don’t rely on spell check to find typos! Consider asking a friend or university career advisor to proofread.
3. Keep it succinct
Avoid very long paragraphs and sentences. Having your CV in chronological order with current experience and studies at the top makes it easy for a recruiter to see what your doing now.
Application forms
1. Tailor your answers
Build in key skills the employer is looking for, their company values and where you demonstrated them
2. Don’t leave it to the deadline to apply
Some companies may close applications early if they receive a lot of interest. Unexpected technical errors if lots of people apply at the deadline could lead to your application not being submitted.
3. Save a copy of your answers
This might be helpful for later stages of your applications.
Online tests
These could be a psychometric test, task simulation, game or virtual challenge.
1. Practice, practice, practice
There are resources online to practice and check if your university has some help here.
2. Location
Choose a quiet location with good internet access where you can focus.
3. Read the questions and instructions carefully
- Some tests are written to catch you out or check you attention to detail
- Make sure you follow the instructions for things you might need (pen, scrap paper, calculator etc).
Videoconference interview
Videoconference interviewing isn’t new but speaking with fellow graduate recruiters it’s being used more than ever now for graduate programmes and internships as a result of coronavirus.
- Do your research
- Take time to look through company news, social media posts, press releases don’t just skim read their website.
- Refresh on the advert and the answers you gave on your application form.
- Think about questions you want to ask (avoid those listed on the advert like start date or programme length).
2. Location and logistics
- Check you can access the platform/site for the interview — examples could include Lifesize, Microsoft Teams, FaceTime, WebEx. Check with the recruiter if they haven’t given you the information. There could be a demo of the platform online.
- Chose a quiet location where you won’t be interrupted (consider putting a note on the door to let others not to interrupt you).
- What’s in view of the camera? Is there anything in view that might not showcase your business persona?
- Check you’ve got a good internet connection.
- Check your sound works (headphones/microphone).
- Check you’ve got enough battery.
- What will you wear?
- A glass of water.
- A pen and paper for any notes (if allowed — check with your recruiter).
Assessment centres
Be memorable for the right reasons! Assessment centres can be nerve-wracking but good preparation, getting stuck in and concentrating on the tasks will detract from nerves. And you don’t need to be the loudest person in the room!
- Be professional
- Arrive/Log on in time.
- Smile.
2. Collaborate
- Show how well you work in a team.
- You’re not in direct competition with the other graduates at the assessment centre — one or more of you may be selected across multiple days.
3. Be yourself — the most positive version of yourself.
At BGL we’re not looking to catch you out during the application process — we want to see you at your best. Good preparation does go a long way — and as recruiters we do notice the difference between someone who is prepared and not.
After our assessment centres, we offer all attendees the chance to have a feedback call with a member of the recruitment team. Whether you’re successful or didn’t make it this time, I always recommend having the feedback call. It will give you some things to consider as you either start your career with that employer or help prepare you for your next assessment centres.
Lastly, as you apply to companies, remember to get the information from them you want to know. Whilst we’re assessing you –you’re also still assessing if you want to work there.
Sources
- * 54% employers have rejected candidates based on their social media profiles (TopResume).
- **Career Builder says less than a quarter spend more than 30 seconds initially
To find out more about BGL and our opportunities for graduates and apprentices click on the icon below.
