22 advice for graduates
career clinic
Making decisions about your career
can be daunting; however the
GradJobs career clinic is here to
help. If you’re unsure how to create
a cracking CV and covering letter,
or you’d like advice on how to land
that top job, then look no further…
Illustrations by Natalie Boo Mosquera
I have an assessment day though you might be feeling nervous smile it is important to take note of whether
approaching and I’m nervous as I and be courteous at all times. Understand a cover letter has been requested, and
don’t know what to expect. How can I the company and the role. Look at each that it includes any additional information
overcome my nerves? element of the day as a challenge and required, such as why you are interested
The best way to overcome nerves is ask questions if you are not sure of the in the position, current salary, and so on.
preparation. If you’re feeling nervous instructions. Finally, remember to enjoy In most cases it is best to keep it relatively
because you don’t know what to expect, the experience. short. I believe that if you get your CV right,
do some research. Call the company and Fiona McConnell the cover letter is just a formality. Make
ask them what type of selection activities sure that any important information, such
you should expect and what competencies It’s important that you research the as key skills, are on your CV. Then, all you
or skills are being tested. Alternatively, look company. You would be surprised how need to do is make sure the letter confirms
at the job advertisement as this will tell many graduate apply without knowing your interest in applying, introduces the
you what skills the company is looking for, what the company does. Most have a CV, and highlights any key points in the
while the website might show the company website and ask to see a copy of their CV (without repeating everything). Lastly,
values as these will also be important at graduate brochure. Make sure that you it should briefly state what you will bring
the assessment day. Once you start to know exactly what you are required to do to the position, connecting your education
take control and focus on what you can prior to the day and on the day, and if there and experience to the requirements of the
do to prepare you will feel more confident. is the opportunity to practice any online role. Finish with a call to action, stating
When you are at the assessment day, think tests ensure that you do. It’s important to clear expectations of what happens next.
about things that you have done well or give concise answers so practice with your Peter Panayotou
times when you have been confident in friends for some honest feedback. Make
the past. This will help you access a more sure you arrive for your assessment day Always send a covering letter with your CV.
positive state and lead you to focus on in plenty of time – nothing makes nerves Some candidates go overboard and write
how you want to feel. worse than the worry of arriving late. Most pages and pages about why they want the
Lindsay Hanson interviewers expect a candidate to be a job. The best covering letters state what
little nervous so don’t worry! job they are applying for and why, and then
An assessment centre is a two way Michelle Stevens list the top three reasons why you are the
process; not only are you interviewed to right person for the job. Also include any
assess your suitability for the role, but also Is it necessary to send a cover letter specific details that are important about
it is an opportunity for you to understand with my CV and what should I include? your current situation which have not been
if the role is right for you. First impressions In the case of a speculative application covered by your CV. For example, you
are important when you are attending (a direct approach to a prospective are more than happy to relocate if the job
the assessment day, look presentable, employer to enquire about the possibility of is in a different area. Think about it, what
arrive early, give yourself time to familarise employment) you will certainly need one. would you think if you received a CV in
yourself with the surroundings. Even But when applying for a specific vacancy, the post with no explanation? If you don’t
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