Graduates’ biggest interview mistakes

So you got an interview! First of all, well done, you are one of the select few to be interviewed. Now how to turn the offer of an interview into a job offer? Follow my handy tips and you will have a better chance of success.

•  Showing an understanding of the job: Knowledge is the key here. Look up your interviewer on LinkedIn. Read through the job description, news reports, research the industry, and the company and its competitors. Can you formulate an answer to ‘why do you want this job?’ or ‘what do you know about our company?’ I have found http://www.wikijob.co.uk/ an extremely useful tool as it allows previous graduates to inform others about their interview experiences.
•  Using ‘we’ instead of ‘I’: A recruiter will ask you competency-based questions. ‘Tell me of a time when you worked well in a team’. It is essential that you answer this question using ‘I’. The recruiter wants to know what you can bring to the role. Use the STAR method here. (A good website to show you how to this  http://careerweb.leeds.ac.uk/info/20/applications/216/star_method). Another point is to make your examples fit with the type organisation or role you are going for. There is no point talking about how you managed a large team if you want to work for a small family run business! 
•  Not knowing why you want the job: Passion is the key here. Yes, an organisation is looking for a person with the right skills, but skills can be learnt and improved. An organisation wants someone who has passion for the job, who will be eager to learn and who will give 110%. Passion can be shown through knowledge.
• Do you have any question? : When going to an interview have three insightful questions ready to ask at the end of the interview. DO NOT include questions revolving around remuneration and holiday! Here are some questions I have found to be positive:

o   Are there opportunities to travel?

o   Have you always worked for the company? (people always like to talk about themselves)

o   Are there good opportunities for progression within the company?

o   What did you think of the recent ... (story)….in the news?

•   Follow up: This can be the most nerve-racking part of the process! Send the interviewer a post-interview thank you note for their time and for any feedback. This is an excellent way to be remembered by the recruiter. 

Why do graduate job applications get rejected??

Students either fit into one of two categories. Either they tailor each application to each job, applying to a few roles, but well, or make numerous applications to hundreds of positions. Which student do you think has more success? From reading numerous articles, I am going to outline the main reasons why employers reject applications. If you can think of ways to combat these, you will one step closer to getting your dream job, or at least a job!

1. The main reason employers reject application is that it is obviously not bespoke. Read through your application. If you can replace the employer’s name with another company and it still makes sense, it is not a CV that has been created for that company. My advice would be find five unique reasons why you want to work for that company. This links to the next fore-paw, lack of research.
2. Lack of research is one of the primary reasons a job application is rejected. How are you supposed to know about the company or the role you are applying to without doing any research? My advice would be to look beyond the company’s website. Have you read the company’s reports? Have they been in the news recently? Who are their competitors? Have there been any developments in the field? This will show companies that you have a real interest in their company?
3.  Cun ypu rord thos? Yes you can… but is it right? Employers say that their pet hate is applicants’ poor spelling and grammar. With some employers, this will mean your application is automatically rejected. Other companies will have limits on the number of errors allowed in an application. I would advise printing off your application and reading it or send it to a friend or family member to read! Imagine the reason you didn't get a job is because you made a spelling error!
4.   Applying for a role that you are not qualified for. But I have a degree! I hear you cry. So? So do lots of other graduates. Some graduates want to be at the top straight away and do not apply to entry level positions. Read the job description. If you don’t have the relevant skills and/or experience don’t apply. You are wasting your time and the recruiters.

For further reading or advice here is some reading!

·         http://careers.theguardian.com/careers-blog/graduate-employers-feedback

·         http://targetjobs.co.uk/careers-advice/acceptance-and-rejection

·         http://graduatefog.co.uk/advice/handle-rejection/

·         http://careersblog.warwick.ac.uk/2013/11/14/why-do-applications-get-rejected/

'UK STEM Student Challenge'

Are you studying a science, technology, engineering or mathematical based subject? Are you looking to showcase your skills in front of top employers including Coca-Cola and MARS? Then the Student Challenge is for you! The Bright Futures Society is holding a national event for students based in London. Experience a day of physical and mental team challenges designed for you to showcase and develop your business skills. The day will allow you to improve your employability, gain direct feedback from top employers, win work placements and shadowing experiences; and above all an opportunity to have fun!

Visit: http://www.brightfutures.co.uk/home/events/the-uk-stem-student-challenge.html for more details and to sign up!

'Volunteering-What's in it for me?

Many students think that to have a CV that is appealing to employers that you must do some kind of volunteering while at university. Some students may see this as an extra workload on top of their studies, but doing volunteering can be invaluable. I have volunteered as a mentor for school children, a StAR and writing this blog for the careers department! Here are a few benefits I have found:

Gaining experience of a role. One of the main barriers students find when going for their first graduate job is lack of experience. It is always a Catch 22- you need a job to get experience, but can't get the job without experience! This can be resolved through volunteering.You can gain the necessary skills and competencies needed to make good job applications in the future.

Volunteering could lead to paid work. I have found that many of my volunteering positions have lead to paid work or recommendations. For example, volunteering as a StAR has lead to the paid role of Institute Representative for the Business School.

You can log volunteering hours. The SU has a volunteering scheme revolving around the V-record (these can be collected from the SU reception). In this you can record your volunteering hours. This year, for anyone who volunteers for more than 50 hours; the accolade with be visible on The HEAR. This will be visible to all employers and will show them that you have done more with your time at university than just study!

Little perks! I recorded my volunteering hours with VInspired, who run a national volunteering scheme. From this I got free tickets to go and see Radio 1's Hackney Weekend. 

Oh and finally, you may just have fun!!

To find out more about volunteering opportunities visit:

http://vinspired.com/

http://www.do-it.org.uk/

http://www.worcestervolunteercentre.org.uk/

The university also has strong links with the YMCA, visit First Point for more information!'