job application. Too many final year field, working behind the scenes for a you could do that will help you get to your
students and graduates are not using the college drama production, or raising money favoured role / career / company within the
resources available to them, presumably for your university RAG event. So you need next two to three years. And don’t at this
because they don’t think they need any to tell prospective employers about these stage be choosy about where you are
help. And they’re wrong. Having been things. Many people with great academic based – start out in Land’s End if you need
involved in graduate recruitment one way or achievements get filtered out at the first to (I hear rent is cheap!) and you can
another for 6 of the past 8 years I have stage as from their CV it looks as though always get a transfer to the glamorous
become acutely aware of the extent to they have never stepped outside of a London office once you’ve proved yourself.
which applicants let themselves down with classroom. Don’t forget, businesses want
their applications, be it a weak CV, an to employ people who they will enjoy Christina Breaden set up IdiomEdge, a
incoherent covering letter, self-deprecating working with. company that helps graduates with all aspects
comments in an interview, or simply the of the application process. She has helped
dreaded weak handshake! 4. Be flexible in what you are applying to many graduates improve their CVs, cover
and where you are willing to locate. Yes, letters and application forms, and offers
I have four key tips for those of you seeking start by applying to your ideal job but if that interview and assessment centre training,
work at the moment. doesn’t bear fruit then consider other roles practice and feedback.
1. Get help! There are loads of resources
out there so use them. If you have not been
to see your careers service yet then shame
on you! There are also companies out there
who offer specialised help to graduates
with every aspect of the job application
process (see
www.IdiomEdge.co.uk )
and if nothing else, have somebody proof
read EVERY application you do before
sending it off (preferably somebody from a
business background if you are applying
to a business).
2. Work hard at it. This doesn’t mean
spending 8 hours a day firing off the same
CV and cover letter to every company with a
recruitment advertisement out there. You
need to ensure that every application you
send has been tailored to the role – yes this
is hard work but I assume you genuinely do
want a job? Do your research on each
company and demonstrate this in your
cover letter; “I would relish the opportunity
to work for such a large and successful
organization. The way in which the company
has excelled during the recession is very
impressive...” works a treat. And ensure you
make the time to do other things as well. If
you only do applications all day every day
you will quickly become de-motivated.
3. Think about all the skills you have
developed at university and ensure you put
these across in your CV and covering letter.
Yes you may be able to demonstrate
excellent teamwork, decisiveness or
problem solving skills through your
academic work, but it’s more likely you
have developed these skills on the sports
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