Ten things you should know about applying for graduate schemes
BE PREPARED
Your interviews and assessments will likely be carried out virtually for the foreseeable future. You’ll need to make sure you have all the correct equipment needed to do these. For example, a working laptop with a camera, good internet connection, and make sure you take into consideration your background on video calls. If you have any video interviews, make sure you do these in a quiet room, this is so that you don’t get disturbed or distracted. Make sure you have prepared yourself and your surroundings.
THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF YOU
It’s not a nice point to make, but it’s an accurate one. It doesn’t bear thinking about in terms of statistics, but you will come across people on assessment days, in interview waiting rooms, who are more qualified than you and ultimately get the role. Very few people succeed in their first attempt to secure a graduate scheme. Don’t be disheartened by this but do be realistic.
AN UPDATED CV
Many recruiters are looking at between 50 to 500 CVs a day, so make sure your CV stands out. The perfect CV is a myth, but the layout of your CV can sway the content, and the right layout can highlight exactly what you want to draw attention to. It’s also worth remembering that it’s not necessary to provide the troubling details of that C grade you got in GCSE P.E. Take some time to think about what each individual employer would view as the most important aspect of your CV and highlight it. Not literally, of course.
CHECK YOUR ONLINE FOOTPRINT
What will your future employer find when they google your name? If the thought alone makes you wince, maybe it’s time to do some housekeeping. You could update your privacy settings, or you could just make sure that your online profile reflects what you would want potential employers to see. A good guide to follow regarding what you post on social media – would you be happy if your grandparents saw it? If not, your future employer probably doesn’t want to see it, either.
BIGGER IS NOT ALWAYS BETTER
Missing out on the eighth round of interviews at a supremely huge company might feel like the end of the world, but it isn’t, and hope is not lost. Smaller firms offer benefits that larger companies simply can’t, and they won’t seduce you with structure just because that’s what feels so comfortable after three years at university. Smaller firms generally offer more opportunities – for growth, independence and responsibility.
EXPERIENCE COUNTS
Even if you haven’t worked in a full-time office role, the part-time job you’ve held at the pub, or your local supermarket will give you valuable skills. Your future employer will want to know that. They will want to know that you’ve turned up on time, looked the part, and showed some team spirit, no matter the industry your experience might be in.
SOFT SKILLS ARE IMPORTANT
As a graduate, you’re unlikely to have in-depth knowledge and experience in the roles you’re applying for. That said, if you’ve taken on the role as a President at a university society, then it’s likely your organisation and communication skills will be better than most. These things can’t be classified with a grade, but they are skills that your future employer will want to know about.
ASSESSMENT DAYS ARE STRESSFUL
You can find you’re in an assessment day with 5 to 10 other people with similar qualifications, and there’s only one position available. Chances are that you will have a full day of interviews, tests and presentations. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to show off your technical skills but remember to try your best and be yourself.
*TOP TIP: The thought may terrify you, but if you’re offered the opportunity to volunteer to present something, take the chance!
TAKE YOUR TIME
Graduate scheme applications can be lengthy, and it’s rarely as simple as emailing your CV. You can expect psychometric tests, follow up interviews, in-depth questions about your future aspirations, and much more. Employers know this, and they will also know a “cut and paste” application when they see it. The way to make sure that employers don’t think you’ve said the exact same thing in every application you’ve sent is to personalise your answer. Do you research on the role and the company, and tailor your application to be specific to the role and the company. This takes time and energy, but if you’re looking to apply to a company at which you will begin your career, it will be time well spent.
DON’T LOSE MOMENTUM
For every company the application process can be different, and each graduate scheme can attract hundreds of applications. So, it’s important to not lose momentum. Make sure you are selective in your approach; many graduates apply for multiple schemes without doing their research into the company or the role. It’s better to focus your interests and know your strengths.