Graduate tips
Applying yourself As a graduate recruiter, NFU Food Chain Adviser Christine McDowell went viral earlier this year on social media when she shared her top tips for graduate job applications and interviews. Here’s what she has to say:
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It sounds obvious, but please get someone to read through your CV and covering letter. It needs to be legible. If you’re asked supplementary questions in the application, please answer them.
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Don’t spam your CV out to every graduate scheme going; tailor it to the job. It’s hugely obvious and will be a waste of your time.
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Stand out! You’re competing with hundreds of others. Show that you want the job, using your experience. Selling yourself goes a long way.
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Transferable skills are a big deal. Take some time to understand yours, and explain specifically how you use these skills in other situations.
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Examples, examples, examples – I love them! Bring to life what you say. If you tell me you’re good at communicating, tell me more. Give me a specific example of when you’ve communicated well.
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It’s all about YOU. If you are asked to describe your role in a successful team, tell me what you did, how you did it and how you contributed to the team’s success. Be clear and specific. My pet peeve is too often the word “we” is used, and I don’t know where you fitted into the team success. It will not come across as cocky, it will come across as confident.
BONUS TIP: yourself. Don’t put too much pressure on is okay So what if it goes wrong? Failing akes you too you know! Learn from the mist back made and move on. Asking for feed really helps with this.
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Be a STAR. In an interview use the STAR method to give your answer structure and to help you land your key points.
The STAR method:
Situation: Describe the situation and when it took place. Task: Explain the task and what was the goal. Action: Provide details about the action you took to attain this. Result: Conclude with the result of your action.
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Fail to prepare, prepare to fail. Think about the types of questions you might get asked and rehearse your answers. Have a variety of examples up your sleeve you can draw on. If you have used an example to answer one question, try to not use it again to answer another. Do not try blagging it, it won’t work.
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Questions are your opportunity. If you find an interviewer probing you on your answer, nine out of 10 times they are willing you on to demonstrate a core competency they are looking for (this may feel like you are being challenged).
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Finally, get comfortable being uncomfortable. It is how we grow. We all get nerves, and that's okay. Give yourself permission to feel comfortable with them and learn how best to control yours. I control mine before they kick in by doing some deep breathing well in advance of the day as I go about everyday life – driving in the car, watching TV etc. If I feel myself tensing up on the day, I take a deep breath in and out slowly.
September 2021
14/09/2021 11:18:02
