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!'

National Recruitment Exhibition

National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition

8th & 9th November 

NEC

Wondering what you should do next year, when university finishes? Most students can't decide what to have for dinner, let alone what they want to do as a career. Think back to when you were a child, what did you want to be? is it the same as now? Some students may have a specific company or occupation in mind, others may have no clue! A good way to gain an insight into companies is to attend networking events. These provide an opportunity to ask recruiters what it takes to write an application that passes the selection process and to find out exactly what the company culture is. There are mock assessment centres, CV clinics, graduate panels and much more! Gradjobs is hosting the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition at the NEC on the 8th & 9th of November. With 100 top companies, it is a good opportunity to ask all those burning questions; to seek out numerous companies in one day. Maybe you will come away interested in a company you never thought about!

To reserve your place visit: https://www.gradjobs.co.uk/recruitment-exhibitions/autumn-birmingham-2013'

Graduate vacancies and internships.. which company to choose?

'Tick-tock, tick-tock, tick-tock. With so much to do such as assignments, dissertations, and exams; the last thing some students want to think about is applying to graduate schemes and internships. However, with most schemes closing in October and all closing by January, if you want to take the 'traditional' route you will have to be quick! I think this puts extreme pressure on students. To ease this pressure, the Careers and Study Skills Zone is offering free copies of graduate employer directories. These free directories will be a useful tool in understanding the options/companies available and 'hints and tips' on creating successful applications. Nevertheless, I would like to emphasis that large graduate schemes are not the only route to a 'successful' careers. There are many options and paths, so don't get overwhelmed with applying to numerous schemes or disheartened if you don't get accepted.'

Student challenge, win £1000 and an internship with Siemens!

Bright Futures Magazine: graduate opportunities and careers advice for all!

‘What inspired me to come to the University of Worcester’

Decisions, decisions, decisions! Millions of A-level/BTEC students will be deciding this winter whether they want to go to university at all and if so, which university to attend? This was the position I was in three years ago. So what inspired me to come to University of Worcester? When attending the open day, I just knew that the University of Worcester was the university for me. It just felt right. I felt that being a smaller university, it could provide me with more opportunities. Over the three years, this has been proven to be true. I am involved in the student academic representative scheme, The Worcester Award, the SAP Project and volunteering opportunities. The university has a keen focus on employability. All of these opportunities have provided me with talking opportunities in interviews. What is the main aim of university? To get a degree or to have a good time? A little of both, but in my opinion it is to develop skills that could be used in the workplace. So, if you want to attend a university that has the best environment to make the transition for student to graduate, then the University of Worcester is the place for you!?

How do I make myself a 'well-rounded' student?

"Have you ever heard 'a degree is not enough?' This is what I heard before I started university and continuously ever since! This got me thinking, 'how can I find the time to get a good degree and do all these extra-curricular activities?'Good time-management. It is a challenge but is vital to show employers that you have transferable skills such as good communication skills, analytical skills and the ability to manage your time. All of these can be developed through a wide range of activities that the university promotes. Student societies and sports clubs, V-record, The Worcester Award, StAR- Accreditation scheme, Part-time jobs. I would strongly recommend that students attend the 'Get Involved' event during the first Worcester Week on Monday, October 21 at 12:00pm The Pear Tree in Worcester, Worcestershire to find out what you could do! These experiences are good for answering competency based questions at interviews. The more you do, the more examples you can use using the STAR technique. If you were a recruiter, would you choose the candidate that only had a degree or degree plus extra-curricular activities?

Youth Unemployment.. Help, advice...