Graduate Job Podcast

A big hello to the 111th episode of the UK’s number 1 career podcast, and I’ve got a special episode for you this week, a fast-growing UK tech company with 3 brilliant graduate schemes on offer, I’m pleased to welcome to the show, Computacenter. In today’s show, we explore Computacenter in detail, looking at what exactly the company does and diving into the 3 graduate schemes that they offer across sales, project management and business management. We break down each of these schemes, looking at what each entails, the attributes and characteristics they look for and what you can expect at each stage of the application process. We cover why you shouldn’t worry too much about the initial online application, but why you do need to focus on the recorded video interview. We explore the face to face video stage and why you shouldn’t be surprised if there is a current graduate there who is also interviewing you. We go through what you can expect in the assessment centre, and why Computacenter is like no other graduate scheme, in that you can look forward to meeting the Managing Director at this stage. Now it doesn’t matter if you have never heard of Computacenter before, they are a company which are going places, and in this interview, I’m sure you will be impressed by the onus which their senior leaders put on finding and keeping graduate talent. As always, you can find a full transcript and links to everything we discuss, which you can find in the show notes, which today are at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/computacenter.

Before we start today let me tell you about my brilliant step-by-step online course ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’ which is LIVE!!!!! The members who have snapped it up are all doing brilliantly, and I’m pleased to say that for some of them the graduate scheme offers have already started coming through! They are loving the private member’s webinars and the course content spread over 8 modules, 23 video tutorials, 14 hours of content, and 20+ handouts. As well as the course the private member's Facebook is going down a storm, with members helping each other out and sharing all of the questions that they are facing for each application, from the recorded video interviews through to the assessment centres. How useful would you find that information? As one of the members said, ‘I just love having all of the information I need to get a graduate job in 1 place’. If you are serious about getting a graduate job, if you want to turbo-charge your job search for companies like Computacenter, if you want to know in advance all the pitfalls and mistakes so that you don’t make them yourself, and if you want to know exactly what you need to do at each stage of the process to get on a graduate scheme, then head to howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up. It is an investment in yourself which will pay itself back many thousand times over when you get that graduate job of your dreams. So, go to www.howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up now! Right, on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Computacenter and their 3 graduate schemes across sales, project management and business management
  • What Computacenter look for from candidates and how you can stand out in the application process
  • Why you shouldn’t worry too much about the initial CV stage
  • How to make an impact in the video interview
  • Why you shouldn’t be too surprised if there is a current graduate there in the interview stage
  • Secrets for performing well in the assessment centre, and why you can expect to meet the Managing Director

SELECTED LINKS INCLUDE:

Direct download: GJP-111.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:18pm BST

In the 110th episode of the UK’s number 1 career podcast, I have a very special guest returning to the show after a gap of 5 years. An innovative graduate scheme which offers a fast-track route into the field of mental health social work, it is, of course, the brilliant Think Ahead scheme. In today’s show, we explore Think Ahead in detail, looking at what the scheme is and how it is the best fast-track route into a career in mental health social work. We cover what the role entails and what you will be doing on a day to day basis. We discuss what Think Ahead look for from candidates and how you can stand out in the application process. We go over hints and tips for impressing in each stage of the process, from the initial application, through to how to make an impact in the video interview and role play, and the secrets for performing well in the assessment centre. We also delve into why it is absolutely is crucial to focus on Think Ahead’s 7 values and your motivations for why you want a career in mental health social work. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never heard of Think Ahead before, or not even considered a career in social work, this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss! As always, you can find a full transcript and links to everything we discuss, including Ivan’s top book recommendation which you need to be reading if you are applying to Think Ahead, which you can find in the show notes, which today are at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/thinkahead2.

Before we start today let me tell you about my brilliant step-by-step online course ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’ which is LIVE!!!!! The members who have snapped it up are all doing brilliantly and loving the private member’s webinars and the course content spread over 8 modules, 23 video tutorials, 14 hours of content, and 20+ handouts. The value of the course can be seen that several have sailed through the application processes for the big graduate schemes and have their first assessment centres coming up in the next couple of weeks. As well as the course the private member's Facebook is going down a storm, with members helping each other out and sharing the questions that they are facing for each application, which as you can imagine is invaluable! As one of the members said, ‘I just love having all of the information I need to get a graduate job in 1 place’. If you are serious about getting a graduate job, if you want to turbo-charge your job search for companies like Think Ahead, if you want to know in advance all the pitfalls and mistakes so that you don’t make them yourself, and if you want to know exactly what you need to do at each stage of the process to get on a graduate scheme, then head to howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up. It is an investment in yourself which will pay itself back many thousand times over when you get that graduate job of your dreams. So, go to www.howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up now! 

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • What the Think Ahead scheme is and how it is the best fast-track route into a career in mental health social work
  • What the role entails and what you will be doing on a day to day basis
  • What Think Ahead look for from candidates and how you can stand out in the application process
  • Hints and tips for impressing in the initial application
  • How to make an impact in the video interview and role play
  • Secrets for performing well in the assessment centre
  • Why it is crucial to focus on Think Ahead’s 7 values
Direct download: GJP-110.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:43pm BST

Hello and welcome to episode 109 of the Graduate Job Podcast, the UK’s number 1 careers podcast, and I have a great episode for you today, a company who you probably haven’t thought of applying to, who have £27 billion to spend over the next 5 years, yes you heard that correctly, £27 billion, with a B, and who have 7 different graduate schemes on offer, yes today I am joined by Highways England. In the show, we explore their 7 different graduate schemes in turn and look at what you need to do to impress at each stage of the process. We cover why personal development is so important on the scheme and the professional qualifications you will gain with Highways England. We discuss the streamlined application process and why you won't need a CV and cover letter, but you will need to focus on Highways England’s values. We delve into top tips and hints for passing each stage of the application process and finish with what to expect in the assessment centre and how to stand out from the crowd. No matter if you have never heard of Highways England or you haven’t even thought of applying, this is an episode you won't want to miss, as with the 7 different graduate schemes they have something for everyone. As always you can find a full transcript with all the links which you can download over in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/highwaysengland.

Before we start today let me tell you about my brilliant new step-by-step online course ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’ which is LIVE, and which you are able to join right this very moment. The first cohort of members are in, the private member's webinars are taking place on a Tuesday evening, and I have to say, the feedback is they are loving the 8 modules, 23 video tutorials, 14 hours of content, and 20+ handouts. As one of the members said, ‘I just love having all of the information I need to get a graduate job in 1 place’. If you are serious about getting a graduate job, if you want to turbo-charge your job search, if you want to know all the pitfalls and mistakes so that you don’t make them yourself, and if you want to know exactly what you need to do at each stage of the process to get on a graduate scheme, then head to howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up. It is an investment in yourself which will pay itself back many thousand times over when you get that graduate job of your dreams. So, go to www.howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up now! Right, on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • The 7 different graduate schemes that Highways England have available
  • Why personal development is so important on the scheme and the professional qualifications you will gain
  • The lean application process to apply for a graduate job with Highways England
  • The common themes that Highways England look for, and why you need to focus on their values
  • Top tips and hints for passing each stage of the application process
  • What to expect in the assessment centre and how to stand out from the crowd
Direct download: GJP-109.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:41pm BST

Welcome to episode 108 of the UK’s number 1 career podcast. And today we go transatlantic again in the search for the best job search advice on the planet, as I speak with bestselling author Lauren Herring, author of the new book ‘Take Control of Your Job Search!: 10 Emotions You Must Master to Land the Job’. In today’s episode we focus on that topic of emotions, those pesky things that left unchecked can hold you back and get in the way of you getting that dream graduate job. We explore fear, how it shows up, how to conquer it, and why you should think about the worst thing that could possibly happen. We discuss rejection, why it is part and parcel of looking for a graduate job, and why you shouldn’t take it personally. We delve into the topic of frustration and how you can overcome it, and also the issue of confidence and why you need to unleash your inner rock star. And we also explore why it is absolutely crucial to have self-compassion as you look for a graduate job, and why if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, you shouldn’t say it to yourself. It’s a thought-provoking episode, and as usual, you can find a full transcript and links to everything we discuss in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/emotion.

Before we start today let me tell you about my brilliant new step-by-step online course ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’ which is LIVE!!!!! The first cohort of members are in, the private member's webinars are taking place on a Tuesday evening, and I have to say, the feedback is they are loving the 8 modules, 23 video tutorials, 14 hours of content, and 20+ handouts. As one of the members said, ‘I just love having all of the information I need to get a graduate job in 1 place’. If you are serious about getting a graduate job, if you want to turbo-charge your job search, if you want to know all the pitfalls and mistakes so that you don’t make them yourself, and if you want to know exactly what you need to do at each stage of the process to get on a graduate scheme, then head to howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up. It is an investment in yourself which will pay itself back many thousand times over when you get that graduate job of your dreams. So, go to www.howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up now! Right, on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • The emotions you need to keep an eye on so they don’t derail your job search
  • How to conquer fear as you look for a graduate job
  • Why rejection is a part of the job search process and you should embrace it
  • How to deal with the frustration of trying to get on a graduate scheme
  • Why confidence is key, and you should embrace your inner rock star
  • The importance of self-compassion, and if you wouldn’t say it to a friend, you shouldn’t say it to yourself
Direct download: GJP-108.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:36pm BST

A big hello to episode 107 of the UK’s number 1 career podcast. And today we explore the topic of interviews, and specifically the small mistakes that people make in a job interview that can have big and bad consequences, as I chat with author Anne Baum. We delve into Anne’s new book and explore how you can make a great impression in a face to face interview. We explore 9 different key mistakes that candidates tend to make, so you can ensure that you aren’t making them. The face-to-face interview stage is the crucial part of the process, slip up here and you won’t be getting the graduate job, so this is an episode that you won’t want to miss! As always, you can find a full transcript and all the links from today in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/mistake.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why it is so important to perform well in an interview
  • 9 key mistakes to avoid to ensure that you aren’t rejected
  • Why being overconfident about your achievements is not the recipe for success
  • How it is still crucial to dress smartly for an interview, even in a dress down culture
  • The importance of body language, and what it says about you in an interview
  • Why acting as if you only care about what’s in it for you is not a good look in an interview

Check out the How to Get a Graduate Job step-by-step online course at https://howtogetagraduatejob.com/

Direct download: GJP-107.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:18pm BST

Hello and a warm welcome to episode 106 of the UK's number 1 career podcast. It’s the beginning of the application process for graduate schemes, internships, vacation schemes and training contracts, and I have a beauty for you today. No matter who you apply to, for whatever type of scheme, you are going to have to do an online test, and increasingly, that test is going to take the form of a games-based assessment, and that is what we explore today, as I speak to Al Frater from Arctic Shores who are the leading provider of games based assessments, and who designed the PWC Career Unlocked games-based test. We will go into what games-based assessments are and why they are being used by graduate schemes. We will cover what you can expect in a games-based test and the types of games you can expect. We delve into how you can impress in them, and top tips for standing out from the crowd. We also explode some myths about games-based assessments cover why you shouldn’t believe everything that you read online. As always, it’s an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. And today you can find a full transcript including all of the links in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/games.

 

Before we start today let me tell you about my brilliant new step-by-step online course ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’ which I’m pleased to say is now LIVE!!!!! The first cohort of members have signed up and are in, and are loving the 8 modules, 23 video tutorials, and 20+ handouts and we have the first members-only webinar next week. The feedback has been brilliant, as one of the members said, ‘I just love having all of the information I need to get a graduate job in 1 place’. If you are serious about getting a graduate job, if you want to turbo-charge your job search, if you want to know all the pitfalls and mistakes so that you don’t make them yourself, and if you want to know exactly what you need to know to get on a graduate scheme, then head to howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up. It is an investment in yourself which will pay itself back many thousand times over when you get that graduate job. So, go to www.howtogetagraduatejob.com and sign up now! Right, on with the show.

 

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • What games-based assessments are
  • Why they are now being used by graduate schemes
  • What you can expect when you take a games-based test
  • Top tips for impressing in a games-based assessment
  • Whether gamers stand a better chance in the tests than non-gamers
  • Why you shouldn’t believe everything you read online about games-based tests
  • Why you don’t have to be perfect to pass a games-based test
Direct download: GJP-106.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:43am BST

I’m pleased to announce that my ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’ course is now LIVE! This step-by-step course is designed to take you by the hand and guide you through the tricky process of applying for and getting a graduate job. I’ve been working on it full time for the last 5 months, and it is packed chock full of everything that you need to do to get on a graduate scheme. In this episode I lift the lid on the course and show you exactly what you can expect from its 8 modules, containing 23 video tutorials, and over 14 hours of content. I go through those 8 modules in turn and also cover the exclusive bonuses worth over £300 that I’m giving away in the first week the course is on sale, and why you need to snap them up before the end of September. The only link to remember from the episode today is https://howtogetagraduatejob.com/

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Who the course is for, and who it is NOT for?
  • What is included in the course?
  • Why you need it if you are applying for a graduate scheme
  • The £300+ of bonuses that come with the course if you buy it in the first week
  • Why I’m so confident you will love it, that it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee
Direct download: GJP-105.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:58pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 104th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast, the UK’s number 1 careers podcast. The days of popping your CV in the post to apply for a graduate job are long gong, which is why you need to make sure that your online application is absolutely top-notch. The industry average is that 75% of people fail at the online application stage! Let that sink in…75%. That is an awful lot of people who aren’t getting over the first hurdle in their application for a graduate job. And an awful lot of wasted time and energy. But today that is going to change, as we are going to go through 5 rules you need to follow to ensure that your online application for a graduate job isn’t wasted, and so that it gets you through to the next stage of the process. We cover why you need to pay particular attention to the job spec, and know exactly what each firm is looking for. We explore why your unique selling points are so crucial and how you can pick out what they might be. We delve into why tailoring your application is so important, and why you shouldn’t expect the online application process to be too easy. We finish by discussing why good spelling and grammar could be the difference between getting through to the next stage or getting your online application put in the proverbial bin. So sit back relax and have a listen safely in the knowledge that you can download a full transcript of the episode today over in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/onlineapplications.

Direct download: GJP-104.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:15pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 103rd episode of the Graduate Job Podcast, the UK’s number 1 careers podcast. I have a cracking episode for you today, as I’m joined on the show by Dan Doherty, Recruitment Manager for global consulting and technology giant Capgemini. I have to warn you, it’s a longer episode than normal, coming in at nearly an hour twenty today, but there is a good reason for it, as we go deep deep down into exactly what you need to do to get a graduate job at Capgemini. We explore the different roles that they have available, from the Invent Accelerate Programme, through to direct entry for a host of technology and business specific roles such as cyber security and project analyst roles. We also explore all aspects of the recruitment process in depth and look at the key mistakes you need to avoid. We explore why Capgemini look to recruit from a broad range of universities, why the degree you studied matters less than you might think, and why you should definitely let them know about your side hustle. We cover why 65% of applicants fail at the initial online application stage, and what you can do to make sure that isn’t you. We look at why you need to forget about your competency answers when applying to Capgemini, and instead start to think about your strengths. We discuss why it is so crucial to show your authentic self in the video interview and exactly what you need to do to impress when you get to the assessment centre. If you have ever thought about applying to Capgemini, a consulting firm more generally, or any professional services company, then this is an episode which you won’t want to miss. As always you can find a full transcript with all of the links over in the show notes at https://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/capgemini. As I said it’s a longer episode than normal, so get yourself a cup of tea, settle down and enjoy my chat with Dan Doherty.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • How to get your hands on the free guide ‘The 5 steps you must take before applying for graduate jobs’ by going to https://howtogetagraduatejob.com/
  • The graduate job opportunities that are available at Capgemini
  • Why Capgemini look to recruit from a broad range of universities and why the degree you studied matters less than you might think
  • Why 65% of applicants fail at the initial online application stage
  • Why you need to forget about competency questions and focus on strength-based questions
  • Why you need to show your authentic self through the video interview and assessment centre stages
Direct download: GJP-103.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:09pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 102nd episode of the Graduate Job Podcast, the UK’s number 1 careers podcast. And I’ve got a goodie for you today, I’m going to take you through the often-overlooked part of the interview process, strengths-based questions! Graduates are well versed with competency questions, and can give a STAR answer till the cows come home, but learning about and practising strengths-based questions are often overlooked, and that needs to change, and it will….today. In the show today I will walk you through what strengths-based questions are, and why you need to know how to answer them. We discuss why they have been growing in popularity and why that growth is only going to continue. We cover the types of questions you could face and also hints and tips for how you can answer them and also the interview itself. Its and all-round strengths-based interview masterclass. No matter where you are in your job search, if you have ever had a strength-based interview before, or never heard of them, this is an episode which you are not going to want to miss. Now the all the links and a full transcript from today can be found in the show notes at which you can find at https://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/strength

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • How to get your hands on the free guide ‘The 5 steps you must take before applying for graduate jobs’ by going to https://howtogetagraduatejob.com/
  • What strengths-based questions are
  • Why they are important and why you need to know how to answer them
  • The reasons why strengths-based questions have been growing in popularity and why that growth is only going to continue.
  • The types of strengths-based questions you could face
  • Hints and tips for how you can answer them and what you can expect in the interview itself
Direct download: GJP-102.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:40pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 101st episode of the Graduate Job Podcast, the UK's number 1 careers podcast. And I have a special episode for you today, with 2 big announcements. 1 relating to my upcoming course ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’, and one brilliant giveaway for you which I reveal at the end of the episode. In the show today I give you a sneak peek inside my upcoming course and give you a taste of what you can expect in each of the 8 modules. We cover why I’m releasing a course in the first place, and what the course involves. We explore each of the 8 modules in turn and why they will transform your job search and your life and will save you years of wasted applications. No matter where you are in your job search, if you have ever thought about getting help with your applications or not, this is an episode which you are not going to want to miss. Before we get started links and a full transcript from today can be found in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/episode101.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • How to get your hands on the free guide ‘The 5 steps you must take before applying for graduate jobs’ by going to https://howtogetagraduatejob.com/
  • What you can expect from the ‘How to Get a Graduate Job’ course
  • Details of the 8 modules and what is included at each stage
  • The goodies, bonuses and handouts, and why you need to sign up so that you can be one of the first to get the course
  • Why I am developing the course and the years of work which have gone into it
  • When the course will go live
Direct download: GJP-101.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:20pm BST

A big hello, to a very special episode, a milestone which has been 2051 days in the making, welcome to episode 100 of the graduate job podcast! It’s taken me longer than I would have thought to get here, and I wasn’t sure if I would at some points, but here we are. Today I will explore some the key things I have learnt over the course of these nearly 6 years and 100 episodes, and how you can put that knowledge to use in your search for a graduate job. I will cover the importance of taking the leap and starting, and how that first step is the most important. I touch upon imposter syndrome, and why it’s something that everyone has and how it doesn’t go away. I talk about how people will always help if you ask them, and why when the going gets tough you need to stick with it. Crucially I talk about why you should always look to learn from the knowledge and mistakes of others, and why it is important to follow your passions. No matter where you are on your job search, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always a full transcript which you can handily download and all the links from today can be found in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/100.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why starting can be so difficult, but why it is so important
  • What imposter syndrome is and why it is more prevalent than you think
  • Why you need to be asking people for help as you look for a graduate job
  • How perseverance and staying the course will be so vital as you look for a job
  • Why smart job seekers look to utilise the knowledge of other people
  • The importance of having a passion that gets you out of bed in the morning
Direct download: GJP-100.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:54pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 99th episode of the UKs number 1 careers podcast. In today’s episode I answer a listener question from Bruno. Bruno had been listening to episode 61 on how to get a graduate job with a 2.2. or 3rd and asked me the following question, ‘There are lots of companies who take a 2.2, but what about a third-class degree? Does that count as well? Or is there really no hope for someone who got a third-class degree?’ Don’t worry Bruno, there is always hope, and today I will take you through what you need to do to get a graduate job with a third. We will cover why first you need to take a bit of time to reflect on why you got a third, but importantly you need to understand that this degree classification does not in any way define who you are as a person, or what you will go on to do in your life. We look at why you need to focus down in your approach, and why graduate jobs and not graduate schemes will be the best way forward. Finally, we touch upon why experience is the key for your long-term success. No matter where you are in your job search, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always you can find a full downloadable transcript and all the links from everything, we discuss today at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/third

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why you are not your degree, and why your self-worth should not be attached to a degree classification
  • The importance of self-reflection and thinking about why you got a third-class degree
  • EY’s forward looking approach to looking at a graduate’s all-round abilities and not just their degree classification
  • How looking for graduate jobs and not graduate schemes is the way to go
  • Why experience is the key to getting a graduate job with a third
Direct download: GJP-99.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:13pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 98th episode of the UK’s number 1 careers podcast. In today’s episode I answer a listener question from Jessie, who got in touch and asked me the following question. ‘I graduated 7 years ago but want to completely change the direction of my career. Am I too old to apply for a graduate job?’ A great question and one I will walk you through today. We will look at if there is indeed an age limit on graduate jobs, or if there is a time limit for how quickly you have to apply after university. We explore why work experience and skills are so key, and some of the key things you need to do to if you are thinking of transitioning careers. No matter where you are in your job search, still studying, or thinking of changing careers, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always you can find a full downloadable transcript and all the links from everything we discuss today at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/age

 

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why age is no barrier to applying for a graduate job
  • Why graduate recruiters value the skills and experience that older graduates bring
  • Why thinking about your skills and experience is so crucial if you are pivoting your career
  • How to link your skills to the competencies and values of a graduate recruiter
Direct download: GJP-98.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:47am BST

Hello, and a very warm welcome to the 97th episode of the UK's number 1 careers podcast. I have a very special episode for you today, an episode which has been 9 months in the making. Back in September, a listener got in touch asking about my coaching services to help with his applications for graduate jobs, and I’m pleased that today 9 months later, he joins me on the show to discuss how he got on. It’s not too much of a spoiler to let you know that he did really well, getting 3 jobs offers in this time. We delve into his thoughts, reflections and advice as a graduate going through the different application processes. We cover the importance of focussing down and why it so crucial to ensure that your CV is perfect before you start applying for graduate jobs.  We talk about his experience with online tests, and why you are wasting your time if you don’t put energy into practising this vital step. We explore practical hints and tips for video interviews, and key mistakes to avoid, and Jean shares his feedback and advice from taking part in 4 graduate assessment centres, and in particular his insights into how to stand out in the group exercise at an assessment centre. We also delve into the benefits of getting outside help to assist you through the process, and why you definitely should think about investing in yourself. No matter where you are in your job search, just starting after graduation or one year in with lots of rejections under your belt, this is an episode you won't want to miss. As always you can find a full downloadable transcript and all the links from everything we discuss today at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/coachingsuccess.

 

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • A graduate’s perspective on going through the graduate job application process
  • Why it is so crucial to ensure that your CV is perfect before you start applying
  • Why you are wasting your time applying if you don’t focus on practising the online tests
  • Practical hints and tips for video interviews, and key mistakes to avoid!
  • Feedback and advice from taking part in 4 graduate assessment centres
  • How to stand out in the group exercise at an assessment centre
  • Why you should think about investing in yourself and getting some outside help.
Direct download: GJP-97.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:22pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 96th episode of the UK’s number 1 careers podcast, and I’ve got a cracking show for you today. The graduate job recruitment process is always changing, and a big recent change has been in the exponential rise in the use of video interviews instead of telephone interviews. In this episode, I’m joined by digital interview guru Paul Bailo and we explore everything you need to do to impress in a video interview. We cover why you need to think of yourself as the star of the show in a video interview, and why investing in a few cheap pieces of equipment can make all of the difference. We look at how 85% of a digital interview has nothing to do with what you say, but why you do need to pay close attention to the ‘Triangle of love’. We explore how to do a ‘digital handshake’ in your interview, and the tips and tricks to ensure that you finish the video interview on a high. Stay tuned to the end of the episode as well, as I reveal a brand new service that will be able to help you practice recorded video interviews. No matter where you are on your job search, you are going to have to do video interviews, so make sure you listen to the episode today. As always, a full transcript and all the links from today can be found in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/digital.

 

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why you need to think of yourself as the star of the show in a video interview
  • How a few pieces of equipment can make all of the difference
  • How 85% of a digital interview has nothing to do with what you say
  • What the ‘Triangle of love’ is, and why it is so important
  • How to do a ‘digital handshake’ in your interview
  • The body language and non-verbal tips you need to be using
  • How to end a digital interview on a high
Direct download: GJP-96.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:25pm BST

Welcome to the 95th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast. Over the coming weeks students would normally be graduating and heading out into the world to start looking for a graduate job. This transition period from university to work is a stressful enough time, not helped often by the extra pressure placed on recent graduates from parents. Which is why this episode is dedicated to parents and how they can help their recently graduated kids find a graduate job. Get them to download it, download it for them if you have to, but try and get them to listen to it. In today's episode, I explore 8 key things that your parents need to do to help you as you try and get a graduate job. I cover why worrying and panic is not going to do anyone any good, and why your parents might be out of touch with the modern world of work and recruitment. We delve into why they should be thinking about your needs and not theirs, and why getting their chequebook out to fund a masters isn’t the answer. We look at what they can do to help, why they should think about dropping me an email, how they can utilise their network, and why their mindset matter. No matter where you are on your job search for a graduate job, just graduating or already applying, this is an episode you need to listen to. Links today and a full transcript can be found in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/parents.

Before we start let me tell you about the brilliant course I’m working on cunningly titled “How to get a graduate job”. This course is packed chock full of decades of experience into one step by step guide of everything you need to do to get a graduate job. There are videos, guides, handouts, cheat sheets, example CVs, example covering letters, example answers to those annoying 200-word competency questions, help with telephone interviews, video interviews. Look if you need to know it to get a graduate job it’s in my course. The course is going live in August, but to be the first to hear about it and get it at a never to be repeated price with special bonuses, head to www.graduatejobpodcast.com/course and leave me your email. Right, on with the show.

Direct download: GJP-95.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 9:52am BST

Welcome to the 94th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast, the UK’s number 1 careers podcast. Today I take you through the tricky topic of how to deal with rejection when you apply for a graduate job. It’s a topic that you hope you aren’t going to have to deal with, but the simple fact is, at some stage you’re going to get the old ‘thanks but no thanks’ email, and you are going to need to know what to do when it lands through in your inbox. I take you through the 8 stages of dealing with getting rejected from a graduate job, from acknowledging exactly why it hurts, to why you really shouldn’t take it personally. To why you need to step back and be honest with yourself, and how you should go about doing this. I delve into why getting feedback on your performance is so crucial, and just as importantly what you need to then do with that feedback. In this episode I take you step by step through the process from anger and upset at the initial rejection to taking the learning and using it to super charge your graduate job search.

No matter where you are in your job search, if you’ve started applying, or still thinking about which jobs to apply to, if you’ve not had a rejection yet or if you have a stack of them, this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. Now the only link you need to remember from today is www.graduatejobpodcast.com/rejection, as that has all the links to everything which we discuss and a full transcript which you can download, so make sure you head on over there.

Direct download: GJP-94.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 10:22am BST

Hello and thank you for joining me for the 93rd episode of the UKs number 1 careers podcast and boy do I have a cracker for you today. I’m joined on the show by a company who aren’t a household name, but whose products you will definitely have used. They are in the FTSE 100, are growing rapidly, and have some of the most exciting and international graduate schemes on the market today. They are of course packaging and recycling giant DS Smith. In this episode we delve deep into DS Smith and cover what exactly that they do as a business, and the types of roles they offer across their 3 graduate schemes. We look into the finance scheme in particular and its amazing opportunity to spend one-year placements working across Europe. We explore what you need to do to apply and the details of each stage of the application process. We cover how you can stand out from the crowd and what you can expect from the virtual assessment centre. No matter if you have already applied, or not even heard of DS Smith, this is an episode you won’t want to miss, as it is packed full of brilliant advice which will stand you in good stead for any graduate scheme you apply to. As always, a full transcript and all the links from today can be found in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/dssmith.

 MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • DS Smith and exactly what they do as a business
  • Their 3 graduate schemes and what you can expect across each
  • The international travel opportunities available on the finance scheme
  • Details of each stage of the application process
  • Why 23-page CVs aren’t needed to apply
  • How to stand out from the crowd at each stage
  • What to expect from the virtual assessment centre

 

Direct download: GJP-93.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:06pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 92nd episode of the Graduate Job Podcast. In today’s episode I tackle a listener question, which is when is the best time to apply for a graduate job? Is it better to apply during your final year, or once you have graduated? In this episode I take you through the pros and cons of when you should start applying.  We cover when graduate schemes are open from, why applicants often underestimate the work required to apply for a graduate job, and why you need to think carefully about if you have capacity to apply for jobs whilst you are in your final year. I delve into some of the advantages of applying early, such as the skills and experience you learn from an early application, how it might reset your expectations about how difficult the application will be, and how it could be worth applying early if you don’t think you will get a 2.1. Finally, I explore why ultimately you should ignore any peer pressure and only apply for graduate jobs when you have capacity and are ready. No matter where you are on your job search, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always you can find a full transcript with all the links from today in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/when.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • When graduate schemes open and close, and why you need to make sure you apply early
  • Why applying in your final year might be best if you think you will get a 2:2
  • How most graduates underestimate the work required to apply successfully for graduate jobs
  • Why you need to disregard peer pressure and what your friends are doing, and apply when is best for you
  • Why you need to be making the most of your time at university
Direct download: GJP-92.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:09am BST

Welcome to the 91st episode of the Graduate Job Podcast where this week we get niche and dive into getting a graduate job in the field of quality and regulatory affairs. I’m joined today by regulatory affairs expert Karandeep Badwal, we explore just exactly what quality and regulatory affairs is and why it is such a booming area for graduates. In this episode, aside from me repeatedly stumbling over the phrase ‘regulatory affairs’, we discuss the key skills you need to thrive in this area of work, why work experience is so crucial to starting your career, and the things you need to be doing now to get noticed and get your first role. No matter if you are already set on getting into regulatory affairs, or if you have never heard of the area before, this is an episode you should listen to as we explore topics such as how to use LinkedIn effectively, how to send effective cold emails and how to get noticed through volunteering and work experience which are relevant no matter what industry you are applying to. The only link you need to remember today is www.graduatejobpodcast.com/regulatoryaffairs which has a full transcript you can download and also all links to everything we discuss. 

Before we start let me tell you about the brilliant course I'm working on cunningly titled "how to get a graduate job". In this course is packed decades of experience into one step by step guide of everything you need to do to get a graduate job. There are videos, guides, handouts, help with CVs applications, video interviews, if you need to know if to get a graduate job it's in my course. It's going live at the end of August, but to be the first to hear about it and get it at a never to be repeated price with special bonuses, head to graduatejobpodcast.com/course and leave me your email. Right, on with the show.

Don’t forget, also make sure you check out https://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/subscribe which links to how to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and by email. So, something for everyone there.                  

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why quality and regulatory affairs is such a booming area for graduates 
  • Top tips for getting ahead whilst you are still at university 
  • How to stand out when you apply for a graduate job in quality and regulatory affairs
  • Why getting work experience is so crucial to starting your career 
  • The key skills you need to get ahead in quality and regulatory affairs
  • The number one thing you need to be doing NOW to get ahead
Direct download: GJP-91.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:11pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 90th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast.  Today is the follow up episode to episode 86 where I spoke with Martina Gibbons, recruitment lead for IPS Grow. As a reminder, IPS stands for Individual Placement and Support, and it is an NHS backed graduate scheme which is rapidly expanding and looking for graduates to join as Employment Specialists who will help to place people with mental illness in work. In that episode we explore IPS Grow and its application process in detail, have a listen HERE if you haven’t already done so. In the episode today we build on the first interview and go deeper as I speak with Charlotte Knighton, who has been working as an Employment Specialist in London for the last year. Charlotte spills the beans on what it is really like to work as an Employment Specialist for a trust in London, and what it is that you can expect to be doing on a day to day basis. We explore the types of clients you will be working with and their range of mental healthcare conditions. We touch upon the skills you really need for the role, and how you can prepare yourself ahead of your application. Charlotte shares her experience as a graduate going through the application process, and her top tips so you can stand out from the crowd, including her absolute number one tip that you need to make sure you are following.  No matter where you are in your job search, if you’ve thought of applying to IPS or not even heard of them, this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. Now the only link you need to remember from today is www.graduatejobpodcast.com/IPS2, as that has all of the links to everything which we discuss and a full transcript which you can download, so make sure you head on over there.

And don’t forget to check out today’s sponsor who are our friends over at CareerGym.com. Career Gym is the number one place for you to undertake all of your psychometric tests which you will face when you apply for a graduate job. No matter what graduate job you apply for you’re going to have to face some type of verbal reasoning, situational judgement, and working style tests. You can practice these at CareerGym.com. Use code GJP to get 20% off all of their tests! 

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • What it is really like to work as an Employment Specialist
  • What you can expect to be doing on a day to day basis
  • The types of clients you will be working with in the role.
  • Insider secrets of what you can expect at the IPS Grow assessment centre
  • Top tips for how to impress during the presentation
  • The challenges you will face as an Employment Specialist
  • Charlotte’s experience of going through the application process and her top tips for how you can stand out from the crowd.

Don’t forget, also make sure you check out https://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/subscribe which links to how to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and by email. So, something for everyone there.

Direct download: GJP-90.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:51pm BST

Welcome to the 89th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast, where we explore the impact of the coronavirus on your graduate job search, and the things you need to be doing now! We explore why you shouldn’t worry in the long term about the impact of the virus on your graduate job search, and the good news that companies are still hiring great graduate candidates. We cover why in these uncertain times you need to be having patience with graduate recruitment teams if you’re going through the process at the moment. We delve into why you shouldn’t expect to be doing any face to face interviews anytime soon, and as a result why you need to be practicing your video interviews right now! No matter where you are in your graduate job search, if you’re still thinking of who to apply to, or in the graduate application process for someone at the moment, this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. Now the only link you need to remember from today is www.graduatejobpodcast.com/coronavirus, as that has a full transcript which you can download, so make sure you head on over there.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why you shouldn’t worry in the long term about the impact of the virus on your graduate job search
  • How companies are still hiring great graduate candidates
  • Why you need to be having patience if you’re going through the process at the moment
  • Why you need to be practicing video interviews right now!

Don’t forget, also make sure you check out https://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/subscribe which links to how to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and by email. So, something for everyone there.

Direct download: GJP-89.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:47pm BST

Welcome to the 88th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast, and today I have a very special guest for you on a topic which can strike fear into the hearts of many a listener. Yes, I revisit the topic of how to pass the online psychometric, verbal, numerical, personality, behavioural and situational judgement tests that you will have to face when you apply for a graduate job. I’m joined by testing expert Arbel Yellin from the online testing site JobTestPrep, who have helped hundreds of thousands of graduates from around the world get ready and practice for these vital tests. In today’s episode we explore everything to do with online assessments for graduate jobs and just why it is so important to make sure that you practice, practice and practice. We cover, the one thing you NEED to be doing during graduate job online tests, strategies for passing situational judgement tests, and insider secrets for numerical and verbal reasoning tests. We look into exactly how many questions you need to be answering, and the % you need to be getting correct on each test. We delve into whether you should ever be guessing, and the power of making educated guesses. We also touch upon how JobTestPrep’s ‘Prep Packs’ can set you up for online testing success. Stayed tuned to the end of the episode as well as we also have a special listener offer to get 15% off all of the JobTestPrep site. No matter where you are in your job search, if you’re still thinking of who to apply to or in the graduate application process for someone at the moment, this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. Now the only link you need to remember from today is www.graduatejobpodcast.com/JobTestPrep, as that has all of the links to everything which we discuss and a full transcript which you can download, so make sure you head on over there.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • The one thing you NEED to be doing during graduate job online tests
  • Strategies for passing situational judgement tests
  • The number of questions you need to be answering, and the % you need to be getting correct on each test
  • Insider secrets for passing online assessments
  • Top tips for acing numerical and verbal reasoning tests
  • Why educated guesses can be so crucial to achieving top marks
  • How company specific ‘Prep packs’ from Job Test Prep can set you up for online testing success.

Don’t forget, also make sure you check out https://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/subscribe which links to how to subscribe on iTunes, Spotify, YouTube, and by email. So, something for everyone there.

Direct download: 88_-_GJP.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 11:45pm BST

Hello and welcome to the 87th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast where I am joined back on the show by best-selling author John Lees, who joins us to talk about everything you need to do get ahead when you do get a graduate job. We delve into John’s new book and explore what you should, and more importantly should not do, in your first 100 days of your new graduate job. We explore exactly why the first 100 days of your new graduate job are so crucial, and why how you perform here could impact your career going forward. We cover the induction period, and why you should accept the fact that it’s probably not going to be as comprehensive as you were promised. We examine the key mistakes that new graduates make when they join a firm, and what you need to do to avoid them. We probe the topic of communication, and why listening and effectively communicating with senior people will set you on the path to career success. We also cover the difference between active and passive behaviours, and why embracing active behaviours will allow you to stand out from your peers. Now the only link you need to remember from today is www.graduatejobpodcast.com/getahead, as that has all of the links to everything which we discuss and a full transcript which you can download, so make sure you head on over there.

And don’t forget to check out today’s sponsor who are our friends over at CareerGym.com. Career Gym is the number one place for you to undertake all of your psychometric tests which you will face when you apply for a graduate job. No matter what graduate job you apply for you’re going to have to face some type of verbal reasoning, situational judgment, and working style tests. You can practice these at CareerGym.com. Use code GJP to get 20% off all of their tests!

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • Why the first 100 days of your new graduate job are so crucial
  • How to make an impact in your new job immediately
  • Why you shouldn’t expect the induction period of your new graduate job to be what you were promised
  • The key mistakes that new graduates make when they start their first job
  • The importance of effectively communicating with senior people when you start
  • Why listening effectively could set you apart from the other graduates
  • How to navigate the minefield of office politics in your new graduate job
  • The difference between active and passive behaviours, and why embracing active behaviours can set you up for career success
Direct download: GJP-87.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:07am BST

Hello and welcome to the 86th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast where I am joined on the show by IPS Grow. IPS stands for Individual Placement and Support, and it is a NHS backed graduate scheme which is rapidly expanding and looking for graduates to join as Employment Specialists who will help to place people with mental illness in work. It’s a great graduate scheme encompassing a mix of social work, psychology, recruitment, where you will be making a real difference to people’s lives. In the episode we delve into what exactly IPS Grow is and what you will be doing on a day to day basis as an IPS Employment Specialist. We cover the application process in detail, how and when to apply, and what to expect at each stage of the process. We also explore top tips which will allow you to stand out from the crowd through the recruitment process. No matter where you are in your jobsearch, if you’ve never heard of IPS Grow, or are in the middle of the application process to them, this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. Now the only link you need to remember form today is www.graduatejobpodcast.com/IPS, as that has all of the links to everything which we discuss and a full transcript which you can download, so make sure you head on over there.

And don’t forget to check out today’s sponsor who are our friends over at CareerGym.com. Career Gym is the number one place for you to undertake all of your psychometric tests which you will face when you apply for a graduate job. No matter what graduate job you apply for you’re going to have to face some type of verbal reasoning, situational judgment, and working style tests. You can practice these at CareerGym.com. Use code GJP to get 20% off all of their tests!

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

  • What IPS Grow is
  • What you will be doing as an Employment Specialist
  • How IPS Grow are looking to rapidly expand the number of graduates they are taking on
  • How to apply and what to expect at each stage
  • The insider tips to stand out throughout the recruitment process
Direct download: GJP-86.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:26am BST

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