After graduating from University, many students, like me, find themselves stressed out at the mere prospect of finding that illustrious job. Not only is there the difficulty of working out what exactly you want to do, it can be a real challenge to find the relevant experience and of course, the employment opportunities.
However, with perseverance, determination and lots of time spent trawling the internet and sending out speculative CVs, there are chances out there! I’ve compiled my top tips for finding that job, and nailing the interview. I certainly can’t profess to be an expert on these topics, but over the last few months I’ve spent an awful lot of time on forums, completing applications and browsing interview blogs, and reading this might just give someone a helping hand in landing their dream role…
1. CV and Covering Letter!
This is your opportunity to shine, and the first impression an employer has of you. Don’t fabricate skills, but don’t hide your light under a bushel either. Maybe try brainstorming your key skills and things you do best. Asking a trusted (and brutally honest) friend to go over the areas you’ve highlighted as your strengths to get feedback is always a good idea. Rather than just state a skill, be sure to back it up with examples. Anyone can claim to have excellent communication skills, but what have you done that proves it?
As a rule, I adapt my CV for each job application and company, focusing on the key skills and experiences I have that may be relevant for the position. My main tips would be to try to get across your passions, strengths and relevant experience! And of course, double check your spelling and grammar- there’s nothing like a glaring error to put an employer off! All being well, you’ll get that interview, now what..?
2. Know your area!
Don’t feel guilty if you don’t know what you want to do with your life… if Baz Luhrman said it, it’s definitely true. However, when applying for jobs, really think about why you want to work in the specific industry and role. Nothing is going to put an employer off more than someone who has no real enthusiasm for the area. I can put my hands up and say that of all the interviews I’ve had, the one which went worse stemmed from a lack of knowledge about the sector (don’t worry corporate banking- I didn’t want to get involved with you anyway..)
With the vast resources of the internet at our fingertips, it couldn’t be easier to spend half an hour online researching the general trends, challenges and opportunities of the industry you’re applying to, which can mark the difference between success and failure.
3. Take a detailed look at the job specification
When preparing for an interview, after researching the industry, I tend to brainstorm ideas and try to link my skills and experience to the job criteria. Demonstrating a thorough knowledge of the job will go down really well, and you want to prove in the interview that you are capable of meeting the employer’s requirements.
It might be that you don’t have direct experience in all of the requirements- for example setting KPI’s- but what have you done that uses the same skills? Maybe at university you gave yourself objectives and deadlines and regularly evaluated your own performance. Perhaps you haven’t written copy in a formal context before, but can you prove you capacity to adapt your writing for different styles and genres?
4. Practise, practise, practise!
It sounds obvious, but practising answers to questions can really give you a confidence boost when you get into the interview room. Something as simple as “Tell me about yourself…” can go really wrong if you haven’t prepared; what does the employer want to know about you? This is your chance to sell ‘brand you’ and get across your key achievements and relevant skills.
Considering the job role and responsibilities, what examples are you likely to need to demonstrate? Draw up a list of examples of teamwork, leadership, communication etc. and then when it comes to the questions, you’ll have them clear in your head and ready to use.
It would certainly make a good impression to take evidence of your success too. I find having a portfolio (if relevant) relieves some of the pressure of the interview too, as you can spend time discussing specific things, rather than abstract ideas of “I write good copy” etc..
5. Be you!
Confidence is key; the employer has seen your CV before offering the interview, and you wouldn’t have made it to the next stage it they didn’t like what they were seeing. Now it’s just a matter of confirming that you are capable of doing the job, and proving you’d be an asset to their team.
They’ll be employing and working with you, so don’t pretend to be someone you’re not. Try to relax (deep breaths and a glass of water are my go to tricks), be clear and concise, and present yourself well. Dress smart, smile and do your best!
One more thing: don’t get disheartened if you don’t land that job! It’s a tough and competitive market out there, and often you could be perfect for a job, but just have slightly less experience than someone else. It isn’t necessarily a reflection on you! That said, ask for feedback and evaluate to try and improve if you can.
Good luck!