Recently a lot of people have been asking me for tips and advice on how to go about the recruitment process as I was lucky enough to be offered a number of graduate schemes. From CV writing to telephone interviews and assessment centres the internet has so much information to give prospective candidates but I thought i'd share some of my own experiences with you, just in case they can be of some help! This post is by no means the 'right' way to go about job applications or interviews; it is simply a few things I did in my applications that I really, truly believe helped me to be successful. I imagine this post is going to be a long one as I am extremely passionate about this topic and found my recruitment processes really enjoyable so without further ado, here we go...
1) Start Early!
Even if the world of work seems like a lifetime away, trust me- it is not. When I was at school it was mandatory to complete two weeks work experience. This is a great time to establish contacts as many employers take on their work experience students after their placement. This happened to me and as soon as I turned sixteen I became a waitress in a hotel on a weekend for the next two and a bit years. Hotel work tends to be especially good for students as a lot of the time they adopt zero-hour casual contracts that allow students to dictate when they can work around their studies. Any work is valuable work on a CV as it all proves that you can demonstrate certain qualities in practice and obviously, the earlier you start working, the more experience you gain. If work experience isn't an option, try applying for internships, weekend jobs or thinking about an area that interests you and volunteering for a cause in that field. I know so many people that walked dogs for the RSPCA, helped out at after school drama and art clubs or taught swimming that are now doing really well off the back of those experiences.
2) Take Opportunities!
Employers are seeking more than just academic success when looking at candidates and this increases the importance of having extra activities on your CV. These don't necessarily have to be 'serious' extra maths classes on an evening but instead can be a great way to showcase some of your personality and give you lots to talk about in interviews. It may be that you play an instrument, sport or enjoy writing (like me!). If there is the opportunity to take exams and achieve grades in the instrument or sport take part in then go for it! This shows how dedicated you can be! Start a blog, enter competitions or awards at your school or University, attend fitness classes, learn a language...some of these opportunities won't be presented to you directly but search the internet and there will always be something of interest in your area. It is up to you to create your own future and by building a packed CV you're already halfway there.
3) Write a Killer CV!
This might be the hardest one of my ten tips as there are SO many different ways to write a CV and there will always be someone that thinks something could be changed. There are templates all over the internet, Connexions centres across the country and most Universities have a Careers Service all designed to help you perfect a CV and present yourself in the best way to employers. However you choose to layout your CV make sure it embodies these things;
-A respectable font. No swirls and curls thank you very much. No 'fun' WordArt titles please, we aren't in junior school anymore guys and yes, I have actually seen a 26 year old's CV like this.
-Consistency. Picked your font? Great! Now stick to it. Likewise keep to the same font size. If you have slightly larger subheadings make sure ALL the subheadings are this size. I hate to be patronising but so many people do not adhere to this and it just displays a total lack of care to the employer.
-Relevant information. Tailor, tailor, tailor. Even if you just change your 'personal profile' to suit the job specification more closely. There is no point telling an accountancy firm how you've always had an interest in marketing. Similarly, to me, it is almost insulting to send in a completely neutral CV detailing how you are 'an ideal candidate for this role'. It is so obvious when CV's have just been pinged off to fifty different job adverts, don't bother wasting the employer's and your own time. Chances are you won't even get a reply. Yes it takes time, but I researched every single one of my companies and tailored my applications and trust me it pays off.
This might be the hardest one of my ten tips as there are SO many different ways to write a CV and there will always be someone that thinks something could be changed. There are templates all over the internet, Connexions centres across the country and most Universities have a Careers Service all designed to help you perfect a CV and present yourself in the best way to employers. However you choose to layout your CV make sure it embodies these things;
-A respectable font. No swirls and curls thank you very much. No 'fun' WordArt titles please, we aren't in junior school anymore guys and yes, I have actually seen a 26 year old's CV like this.
-Consistency. Picked your font? Great! Now stick to it. Likewise keep to the same font size. If you have slightly larger subheadings make sure ALL the subheadings are this size. I hate to be patronising but so many people do not adhere to this and it just displays a total lack of care to the employer.
-Relevant information. Tailor, tailor, tailor. Even if you just change your 'personal profile' to suit the job specification more closely. There is no point telling an accountancy firm how you've always had an interest in marketing. Similarly, to me, it is almost insulting to send in a completely neutral CV detailing how you are 'an ideal candidate for this role'. It is so obvious when CV's have just been pinged off to fifty different job adverts, don't bother wasting the employer's and your own time. Chances are you won't even get a reply. Yes it takes time, but I researched every single one of my companies and tailored my applications and trust me it pays off.
4) Have a Personality!
Admittedly, on paper it is trickier to put across your personality but in phone, video and face to face interviews it's really important to be yourself. Be someone that you yourself would hire. Be polite, courteous and professional but also be human as this shows the interviewer that you are approachable, easy to get along with and will fit into the company well. When asked questions, give honest and passionate answers that show your interests and personality- it's not a crime to make a joke in an interview if you think it is appropriate! Obviously it is very important to gauge your interviewers personality before opening your mouth however I treated all of my interviews as a formal chat and spoke about topics completely unrelated to the job as well answering the questions. These included cheese, holidays, music, Coronation Street and aftershave! I really think it helps to have an actual conversation with the interviewer as opposed to just sitting and answering the questions- the interview should be a two way chat. At the end of an interview it is highly likely you will be asked if you have any further questions. Lots of websites give examples of questions to ask and these tend to be corporate and progression based. Whilst these may be interesting I asked each of my interviewers about themselves and their journey in the company, how long they had been there, if they enjoy working for the company and if they have always been in the same role. This gives the interviewer a chance to talk about themselves and shows your interest in them as well as being on topic and allowing you to gain knowledge about the way employees are treated within the organisation.
Admittedly, on paper it is trickier to put across your personality but in phone, video and face to face interviews it's really important to be yourself. Be someone that you yourself would hire. Be polite, courteous and professional but also be human as this shows the interviewer that you are approachable, easy to get along with and will fit into the company well. When asked questions, give honest and passionate answers that show your interests and personality- it's not a crime to make a joke in an interview if you think it is appropriate! Obviously it is very important to gauge your interviewers personality before opening your mouth however I treated all of my interviews as a formal chat and spoke about topics completely unrelated to the job as well answering the questions. These included cheese, holidays, music, Coronation Street and aftershave! I really think it helps to have an actual conversation with the interviewer as opposed to just sitting and answering the questions- the interview should be a two way chat. At the end of an interview it is highly likely you will be asked if you have any further questions. Lots of websites give examples of questions to ask and these tend to be corporate and progression based. Whilst these may be interesting I asked each of my interviewers about themselves and their journey in the company, how long they had been there, if they enjoy working for the company and if they have always been in the same role. This gives the interviewer a chance to talk about themselves and shows your interest in them as well as being on topic and allowing you to gain knowledge about the way employees are treated within the organisation.
5) Remember the Name!
A relatively easy one but something I think makes a real difference. If you are sending an email find out the name of the relevant person and address it to them. In a phone interview it is likely that the interviewer will begin by introducing themselves, remember their name and thank them personally at the end of the call. These are little ways to personalise the conversation and I think it definitely makes you more memorable. When attending interviews I also try and catch the name of the person on a reception or also working in the office as well as chatting to them before the interview. If it is relevant, you can later bring up the conversation you had with the other member of staff in your interview to reinforce a point. Little things such as saying 'I was talking to .... on reception earlier and she was telling me...' give the impression that you are already getting involved in the workplace and will fit into the team easily. Always a bonus!
A relatively easy one but something I think makes a real difference. If you are sending an email find out the name of the relevant person and address it to them. In a phone interview it is likely that the interviewer will begin by introducing themselves, remember their name and thank them personally at the end of the call. These are little ways to personalise the conversation and I think it definitely makes you more memorable. When attending interviews I also try and catch the name of the person on a reception or also working in the office as well as chatting to them before the interview. If it is relevant, you can later bring up the conversation you had with the other member of staff in your interview to reinforce a point. Little things such as saying 'I was talking to .... on reception earlier and she was telling me...' give the impression that you are already getting involved in the workplace and will fit into the team easily. Always a bonus!
6) Praise Others!
This one is especially applicable at assessment centres. If another candidate mentions a good idea in a group task you're probably going to be slightly gutted at your own feeble contributions in comparison with their sheer brilliance. At my own assessment centres, if this was the case I remembered the name of the candidate and their idea- especially if it went down particularly well with the assessors. The chances are that later in your one to one interview you will be asked how you think the day has gone, what you made of the tasks and how you think you have performed. At this point, when answering the questions I would throw in the name of the other candidate and comment on how good their idea was and how it could have been developed. To me, this shows the interviewer that you are a team player and recognise when others have done well. It also displays your ability to listen, take on board and develop an idea and shows you are aware that sometimes others have ideas that may be better than your own but that you can utilise this constructively.
This one is especially applicable at assessment centres. If another candidate mentions a good idea in a group task you're probably going to be slightly gutted at your own feeble contributions in comparison with their sheer brilliance. At my own assessment centres, if this was the case I remembered the name of the candidate and their idea- especially if it went down particularly well with the assessors. The chances are that later in your one to one interview you will be asked how you think the day has gone, what you made of the tasks and how you think you have performed. At this point, when answering the questions I would throw in the name of the other candidate and comment on how good their idea was and how it could have been developed. To me, this shows the interviewer that you are a team player and recognise when others have done well. It also displays your ability to listen, take on board and develop an idea and shows you are aware that sometimes others have ideas that may be better than your own but that you can utilise this constructively.
7) Listen to All!
Just as before, taking on board other peoples ideas and opinions is really important in group tasks at assessment centres. It is crucial to make your voice heard and contribute however, tactfulness and politeness go a long way in these activities. Allowing others to have their say and, if the conversation becomes a debate, listening to others fully before calmly relaying your own thoughts speaks volumes to assessors. It isn't about who can shout the loudest and, sometimes, merely observing when others become heated shows that you are dignified and professional.
Just as before, taking on board other peoples ideas and opinions is really important in group tasks at assessment centres. It is crucial to make your voice heard and contribute however, tactfulness and politeness go a long way in these activities. Allowing others to have their say and, if the conversation becomes a debate, listening to others fully before calmly relaying your own thoughts speaks volumes to assessors. It isn't about who can shout the loudest and, sometimes, merely observing when others become heated shows that you are dignified and professional.
8) Be Polite and Friendly to EVERYONE!
This should go without saying but everyone from the guy in the car park, receptionist and cleaner should have your utmost respect. Smile, say 'Good Morning' and chat to anyone and everyone you meet- you never know who you may be talking to! I enjoyed getting to know the other candidates and would introduce myself to them and ask about their University, course and where they were from straight away as this is a great way to gauge their personalities and can come in handy when working together later in the day. In my head, it also helps to have the other candidates on side. If they like you from the beginning they are more likely to listen to your opinions, take note when you are talking and have pleasant things to say about you. For assessors watching group tasks, I think it must be clear who controls the conversation by volume and who controls it by personality and respect and taking the time to get to know your fellow candidates can really put you in a good light. Similarly, if your assessment centre has a lunch break use this as an opportunity to get to know the assessors on a more personal and informal level as even when you are not completing a task, everything you do on the day will be taken into consideration.
9) Know What You Want!
What is it that you want out of a career? What type of company do you want to work for? Do you want to travel with your work? Do you want to specialise in something or spend time in different departments? Are you willing to relocate for a job? These are all questions to ask yourself before even applying for a job or graduate scheme. The answers to these questions should be your motivation for applying for a certain company and can be used to answer the inevitable question of 'Why would you like to work for us?'. If you're a home bird don't apply for a company that want you to travel. Decide if you want to work for a big name or if you'd prefer the comfort of a smaller business that can nurture you. It may sound obvious but do your research!
What is it that you want out of a career? What type of company do you want to work for? Do you want to travel with your work? Do you want to specialise in something or spend time in different departments? Are you willing to relocate for a job? These are all questions to ask yourself before even applying for a job or graduate scheme. The answers to these questions should be your motivation for applying for a certain company and can be used to answer the inevitable question of 'Why would you like to work for us?'. If you're a home bird don't apply for a company that want you to travel. Decide if you want to work for a big name or if you'd prefer the comfort of a smaller business that can nurture you. It may sound obvious but do your research!
10) Finally, Don't Worry About Rejection.
It's going to happen and it's going to be okay. Just because one company didn't progress you to the next stage or hire you on the spot at your assessment centre doesn't mean you're a bad candidate. You are simply not what they're looking for on that occasion. I am terrible at maths (hence studying English) but even I can work out that if there are 400 people applying for 10 spaces- the odds aren't great. Someone has to get hired and if you're lucky it will be you, but it's mathematically unlikely. Not being accepted onto a graduate scheme or job is nothing personal and the entire experience, for me, was just a great way to practice my interview technique and become more comfortable with assessment centres. To put it into context, I worked hard enough and was lucky enough to be offered 5 graduate schemes. I was also rejected by another 9 be it after a telephone/video interview or after the assessment centre. There were also another couple that I just never heard back from. You need to be realistic about these things and just like entering a competition, there is always a higher chance you won't win. What's important is drawing upon the experience and using it to your advantage on the next occasion- by the time I had attended my sixth assessment centre I felt like a seasoned pro!
I hope this post can be of some help to someone, somewhere! Everyone is employable and the trick is to just prove that you are to the right people! If you have any more questions then please let me know!
Good luck to anyone applying for jobs right now and, in the words of The Hunger Games' Effie Trinket- may the odds be ever in your favour.
G x
It's going to happen and it's going to be okay. Just because one company didn't progress you to the next stage or hire you on the spot at your assessment centre doesn't mean you're a bad candidate. You are simply not what they're looking for on that occasion. I am terrible at maths (hence studying English) but even I can work out that if there are 400 people applying for 10 spaces- the odds aren't great. Someone has to get hired and if you're lucky it will be you, but it's mathematically unlikely. Not being accepted onto a graduate scheme or job is nothing personal and the entire experience, for me, was just a great way to practice my interview technique and become more comfortable with assessment centres. To put it into context, I worked hard enough and was lucky enough to be offered 5 graduate schemes. I was also rejected by another 9 be it after a telephone/video interview or after the assessment centre. There were also another couple that I just never heard back from. You need to be realistic about these things and just like entering a competition, there is always a higher chance you won't win. What's important is drawing upon the experience and using it to your advantage on the next occasion- by the time I had attended my sixth assessment centre I felt like a seasoned pro!
I hope this post can be of some help to someone, somewhere! Everyone is employable and the trick is to just prove that you are to the right people! If you have any more questions then please let me know!
Good luck to anyone applying for jobs right now and, in the words of The Hunger Games' Effie Trinket- may the odds be ever in your favour.
G x
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