Find something that’s right for you

‘Look for something that’s right for you!’

Monique Steegmans Recruiter at Randstad

Monique Steegmans, employment expert and account manager at Randstad, gives advice on what you need to know when you graduate. ‘You may have chosen a programme that you’re still keen on, or you may be following a programme but don’t know where to look next. ‘Find something that’s right for you, whether in employment or further study.’

Keep improving yourself. ‘Being a graduate from a university of applied sciences will always help you in your career,’ says Steegmans. Her advice is to continue studying after obtaining your diploma. ‘Keep improving yourself. That doesn’t necessarily mean studying at university: you can gain knowledge at the company you’re working at or by attending workshops. That’s something that’s really big right now. And "life-long learning" is the motto here. If you keep developing/improving throughout your life, you make sure you are and stay interesting on the labour market.’

Students who are thinking about a gap year and then resuming their studies are advised NOT to do so. ‘If your study programme didn’t quite offer what you were looking for, pick another one, at a higher level, in an area that interests you. Don’t run away from it all by going on a gap year or travelling. The danger is in the distraction: you’re likely to get used to having money, enjoy having new experiences, and never return to studying. Only go travelling once you’ve finished studying.’

Staying on at your internship company Steegmans says that many graduates stay on at their internship company. ‘If you’re offered that job after finishing your internship, take it! However, I know that not everyone is given this opportunity.’ She advises them to avoid looking for job openings and instead to find a job via contacts in their network. ‘Your network might not be so large when you’re in your early twenties, so ask your parents, neighbours, relatives, friends, and acquaintances.’

You’ll get there! ‘If that doesn’t work out, find five companies in the region that you’d like to work at. Try to get in contact with someone from HR and arrange an introductory meeting to get more information about the company and whether you’d enjoy working there. Of course, you still have to be well prepared and able to answer questions like: “Why you would you like to work for our company?”. Take a look at the annual report, the website, and research what the company is good at and less good at. In conclusion, these are my tips: Gather information, look for the study programme or work that suits you, apply, network, and get in contact with people! Good luck to all graduates! Don’t give up – you’ll get there!’

Applying for jobs - here’s what to do!

The new way of applying for jobs

Camiel Wolfs Business Studies Lecturer

You’ve made it: you’ve got your degree. Now it’s time to look for a job. But where to start? How to stand out among all the other applicants? And what should you watch out for at the interview? Business Studies Lecturer Camiel Wolfs has advice.

You’re in a much stronger position if you’re already known

Apply where you’re known

‘The best way to find work is via your existing contacts. For instance, the organization where you did your internship’, says Camiel. ‘You can also apply where you’re not known, via job vacancy websites or an advert in the newspaper, but you’ll have much more of a chance if you’re already known.’

Make sure your personal statement stands out

Want the job? Make sure your letter shows that. ‘It’s better to send one good letter to a company you really want to work for than fifteen letters to random companies in the hope that something comes out of it,’ states Camiel. ‘Don’t send a standard personal statement, – you need to adjust it to the vacancy and the company.’

‘And don’t only say that you want to develop yourself further. Companies will appoint you because you’re good at something, not because you want to learn. So show what you’ve got to offer. But make sure you don’t come across as too boastful.’ According to Camiel, it’s important to find a balance between selling yourself and not exaggerating.

Ask someone you trust to read your letter to see how your message is coming across.

Prepare for your job interview

An employer wants be sure that you met the organization’s requirements. So it’s important that they gain a good impression of you. The employer knows what its requirements are and will ask questions about these. Camiel added: ‘It’s important that you memorize a few examples, both positive and negative.’ Additional important points are: be on time, be aware of your non-verbal communication, and dress according to the feel of the company.

Trust yourself

Many graduates are concerned about their limited work experience and doubt whether they have enough self-knowledge to put themselves out there. Camiel thinks that’s unwarranted. ‘Graduates underestimate themselves. There are practical components in every study programme, such as projects and internships. That’s experience too. Moreover, employers know you don’t have 25 years’ experience yet. In the end, it’s also important to do things and try things. You’ll not succeed all the time, but that’s normal.’ You’re sure to be successful using Camiel’s tips!