Final year in college is a crazy time. Everyone is trying to fit so much in because it might be their last year in college, but everyone is also worrying about grades because it’s the year that counts the most. At this stage, a lot of students might have a graduate job lined up from completing an internship, but a lot of people are left with no job and no idea where to start looking. There is an endless amount of information and advice out there to help students so I have summarised it below, from trying to decide on what roles to apply for to nailing that final interview and securing that offer.
2. Make a list.
This piece of advice really works for everything, but I can’t stress how important it is. If you see a job or company that looks interesting, then write it down. Create a folder on your laptop, because with everything else going on you will forget about it. Most job applications for graduates open in late September or early October so it’s a good idea to do a bit of research in early September and take note of the when applications open and close. Nothing worse than finding a job you really like and realising you’ve missed the deadline!
3. Application, application, application.
Graduate jobs get hundreds of applications, so it’s important that you don’t rush through this first step. Most forms will ask a similar set of questions; why you want to work for us, what are your strengths and weaknesses, how will your past experiences help you in this job, what is your greatest achievement, etc. The key to answering these questions well is knowing exactly what they company is looking for. Look on each company’s website and check what characteristics they want. They might emphasis teamwork, networking, flexibility, ambition, or curiosity. Try and reflect these characteristics in your answers, but only if they apply to you. If a company outlines their ideal graduate and it doesn’t sound like you, then there is no point lying on the application form. Keep searching and you will find the job that suits you!
4. Video Interviews.
This is usually a quick process and it’s the first time that a potential employer will see you in person. Treat it like a real interview, look professional and be prepared for the different types of questions they could ask you. In most video interviews, you will have the opportunity to re-record your answers if you mess up the first time. Recruiters understand that video interviews can feel a bit awkward and they want to see the best you can offer. So, if you can re-record your answers, take the first recording as a chance to prepare your answer and plan it out in your head. Then when you are ready, take a breath and record your answer and submit. It’s important not to keep re-recording answers because you will just stress yourself out and usually you first prepared answer is the best.
5. Assessment Centres.
While these can seem very daunting at first, assessment centres are an enjoyable and useful experience. The employer mainly wants to see how you interact in a team with people you don’t know. Typical tasks at an assessment centre can include working on a case study in a group and answering questions, then maybe a short individual or group presentation on your decisions, along with an individual interview. It’s important to put your best self forward on the day of an assessment centre, be sure to talk with the other graduates and have fun. You are being observed from the minute you walk in so it’s important to make a good impression.
Assessment centres can have anywhere between 6 and 20 people and while it can be difficult to stand out, you don’t want to stand out for the wrong reasons. The best way to stand out isn’t to be the loudest voice in the room, or to take charge of a group and suggest all the ideas. A much smarter way to stand out is to make sure you work with everyone else, make sure everyone else gets their voices heard and then encourage people to see things from different points of view. Make sure to interact with the assessors and ask them questions about their role and the company. While this is a chance for them to get to know you, it’s also a great way for you to get to know the company.
6. The Final Interview.
Remember that not everyone who applied for the role makes it this far, you should be very proud with yourself. This is your final chance to prove that you are the right person for the job. Review your application again, make sure you know everything that you can about the company and its graduate programme. If you are passionate for the job, then the interviewers will be able to see this. Have some examples prepared to demonstrate your ability in the key competences that they are looking for. Remember that you are being observed the entire time so even as someone is walking you to the interview room, talk with them and ask them about their role. This will just help to settle your nerves before you start your interview. Finally, just be confident in your ability and trust that you have put the work in at every stage and you deserve an offer.
Websites such as Grad Ireland (www.gradireland.com) and your college’s careers centre (the UCD careers centre has a wealth of information and advice, www.ucd.ie/careers/students) can have some great information on how to get started with applications and how to improve your CV.
Now the only thing you’ll have to worry about is deciding on your favourite from all your job offers!