In episode 43 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Rob Blythe founder of graduate recruitment agency Instant Impact, as we explore how to successfully use a graduate recruitment agency. We delve into why you should think about using a graduate recruitment agency, what they look for in their candidates, and how they can fast track you through to the later stages of the recruitment process. Rob takes us through what you need to do to stand out as a candidate, the importance of spending the time to really think about your career,  to why an SME or start up company could be the ideal place for you to start working. No matter where you are on your job search this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/instantimpact.  Before we start many thanks to those of you who have completed the survey over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear I look forward to hearing your thoughts.  Right, let’s get on to the good stuff.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• How a graduate recruitment agency can accelerate your job search
• What graduate recruitment agencies look for in candidates
• Why a SME or start up could be the ideal place to start your graduate career
• Why you should be thinking about an internship
• Common mistakes candidates make
• How to ensure your application stands out from the crowd
• Why you should think about your career IQ

In episode 42 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Andras Baneth, a former EU official, founder of EUTraining.eu, and the author of The Ultimate EU Test Book, as we explore how to pass the EPSO test, and work for the institutions and agencies of the European Union. We delve into the intricacies of the EPSO or European Personnel Selection Office test to give it its full title. This testing process stands between you and a job in the institutions of the EU, such as The European Parliament, The European Council, The European Commission to name but a few. We explore all aspects of the EPSO test, from how to apply, to how to ensure that you are fully prepared for the rigorous application process. We take you through the psychometric testing, the EPSO assessment centre, what you can expect in the case study, through to the new intermediate test phase. No matter where you live in the world, this episode is for you, as we explore the EUs internship scheme which is open to applicants from around the world.  As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/EPSO. Before we start many thanks to those of you who have completed the survey over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear. I’ve times it and it takes less than 90 seconds to do, so please do get on over to www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey and help me out. I look forward to hearing your thoughts.  

As you’ll hear in the show, passing the ESPO tests requires a lot of practice and hard work, so I’m pleased to say Andras has offered you my amazing listeners a very special 15% discount on his excellent website at www.eutraining.eu, where you can practice super realistic EPSO style tests, track your progress and make sure you’re ready for the real exams. Simply enter the code EUJOB2016 on the checkout page, that’s EUJOB2016, to get 15% off. See the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/epso for more information. Right, let’s crack on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• All aspects of the European Personnel Selection Office (EPSO) test
• How to successfully pass the pre-selection EPSO tests
• Why you need to be at the top of your game when it comes to psychometric testing
• The secrets of the EPSO assessment centre
• What you can expect from the ESPO case study
• How to pass the EPSO intermediate test
• How you can apply for an internship with the EU, no matter where you live