The Graduate Recruitment

When you are in your final year at university, you should be starting to plan how you will start your career. Although your recent accomplishments will help you in starting a career, you must keep in mind that the current job market is extremely competitive. There are thousands of graduates hunting for the perfect role or training scheme. So how do you get the competitive edge over the other graduates who are being interviewed and assessed for the same job? If you follow these steps you’ll be guaranteed to make a successful impact during the interview process.

Research the company

It is recommended that you spend at least four hours preparing for a job interview/ assessment day. This includes researching into the company, looking at the services it offers or products it manufactures, industry and competition. Most importantly, you need to plan how you are going to sell into the company the benefit of employing you over any other graduate. Be prepared for the questions that ask you about why you want to work for the company or how you’ll make an impact. Expect to answer questions based around education, work experience and key skills.

If you’re wondering how to start the research then it’s as easy as getting on the Internet. If a company does not have a website you must still make sure you learn about the industry they operate in so at least you can demonstrate your research skills. Use your local or university library and speak to the people around you, they may have company or industry knowledge that will help you.

What to take with you

It is always a good idea to take examples of your work from university, ie your dissertation or a project you excelled in. Make sure this information is relevant to the job role. Anything you take with you must be presented professionally and you must be prepared to answer questions based on your work.

Most companies will expect you to take a full CV. This must be free of errors, presented clearly and identify you as a candidate who matches their person specification. Don’t fall down by having your CV state you are looking for a Marketing role when you are attending an interview for an Accounts position.

Some companies will also ask you to bring your degree certificate, transcript and Photo ID with you.

The interview

The interview is not only a chance for the interviewer to assess if you are the right person for the job, but it is also an opportunity for you to see if the job and the company are suitable for you.

During the interview you need to look for opportunities to be proactive and ask your own questions or try to lead the discussion where appropriate. Questions should reflect your keenness to work for the company. Generally you should ask questions based around the following:

At the end of the interview find out what will happen next

When will I hear from you
How will I be informed
Do you need any more information from me

After the interview

If you get offered the position or the place on the training scheme then well done. Remember many graduates do not get the first position they are interviewed for.

If you don’t get the job ask for feedback. If you have applied through an agency they will be able to provide you with reasons for your unsuccessful interview.

If you have applied direct, contact the interviewer and ask for feedback. You must remain professional and ask in a positive manner. Most interviewers will be more than happy to provide you with feedback.

Key Points

Make sure you give the interviewer your full attention
Wait for them to finish speaking, before you answer the question
Make sure you ask open questions, to ensure you get full answers
Check you understand everything that has been said

Responsibilities of the job
What support and guidance is available
What training will be available (internal and external)
Will the company support relevant professional qualifications
How will the job role develop
The team you will be working with
If you match against what they are looking for

Other aspects to talk about are:

Structure of the organisation
Success of the organisation, its profitability and product portfolio
Future strategies and development

Keep your concentration levels up during the interview and make sure you listen to the responses the interviewer gives you. The worst mistakes happen when people end up asking questions about topics that have already been covered, or don't hear or understand what the interviewer has said.

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