In this 68th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast I continue in my quest to bring you the best and most interesting graduate schemes out there. Last week, it was Charityworks, and this week it is one of the most well known companies in the country, you will use their services everyday, but probably might not have thought about them as a graduate employer, and you probably aren’t aware that they have 13 branches to their graduate scheme. Yes today I speak with John Hynard and Louisa Joseph from the excellent Royal Mail graduate scheme.

In this episode we explore the Royal Mail graduate scheme in detail, looking at what exactly it and their 13 different graduate opportunities that they have.  We delve into how you apply, the different stages of the application process, from initial application, through to the online tests they use, interviews and assessment centres. We cover what you need to do to impress at each stage and make sure you stand out from the crowd. We go into exactly what they are looking for from their grads, the roles and development opportunities they have on offer and how you will be pushing and challenging yourself from day 1. No matter what type of graduate job you are looking for, I’m sure you will be interested in one of the 13 graduate scheme opportunities which the Royal Mail has on offer. As always, all links to everything we discuss including a full transcript and John and Louisa’s top tips and book recommendations can be found over in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/RoyalMail. 

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• What the Royal Mail graduate scheme is and why you should apply
• Top tips in how to stand out in your application for a graduate job with Royal Mail
• What Royal Mail look for in their applicants
• The secrets to impressing in a Royal Mail assessment centre
• What to do to make your online application stand out from the crowd
• Details of the 13 different graduate programmes that Royal Mail has
• Why you will be challenging yourself from day one on the Royal Mail graduate scheme

In episode 67 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by Craig Pemblington from the brilliant Charityworks graduate scheme. This episode came about from a listener request, TJ got in touch via email and asked about the best way to get a graduate job with a charity, well, as you will hear the answer to that question is the excellent Charityworks. In this episode we explore the Charityworks graduate scheme in detail, looking at what exactly it is and the types of charities that you could be working with. We delve into how you apply, the different stages of the application process, from initial application, through to the online tests they use, interviews and assessment centres. We cover what you need to do to impress at each stage and make sure you stand out from the crowd. We go into the charity matching process and how they match you with the charity that you will be working with, and we also cover the amazing alumni opportunities open to you as you progress with your career in the third sector. If you have ever thought about working with a charity, voluntary or community group, non-governmental, or non-profit organizational then this is the episode for you. As always, all links to everything we discuss including a full transcript and Craig’s book recommendations and top tips can be found over in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/charityworks.  

Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• What Charityworks is and why you should apply
• Top tips in how to stand out in your application for a graduate job with Charityworks
• What Charityworks look for in their applicants
• The secrets to impressing in a Charityworks assessment centre
• What to do to make your online application stand out from the crowd

In episode 66 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by David Wain from the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition, as we explore more about the exhibitions and how to make the most of graduate job fairs. We delve into the upcoming exhibitions in London and Birmingham, looking what they are, who will be attending, and how you can go about bagging a free ticket. We also examine graduate recruitment fairs more widely, touching upon how to stand out, the questions to ask, what to say, what not to say, what to wear, and how you can impress the graduate recruiters that you will speak to. No matter where you are in the world, if you have ever thought about attending a graduate recruitment job fair, then this is the show for you. As always there will be a full transcript of the episode and links to everything we discuss in the shownotes over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/exhibitions so make sure you head on over there and check them out. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• The upcoming National Graduate Recruitment Exhibitions in London on the 13th and 14th of October, and in Birmingham on the 3rd and 4th of November
• How to stand out at a graduate recruitment job fair
• What to say, and what NOT to say
• How to make a good impression in the first 30 seconds
• Why attending the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition could boost you jobsearch

In episode 65 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Jane Fordham, from the award-winning communications agency Golin. Now you might not have heard about Golin, but just you wait till you hear about their amazing internships, the and innovative schemes that they have on offer.  In this half-hour we explore about their brilliant Unternship, yes you heard that right the Unternship, which involves 3 months of paid travel around the world, yep, you heard that right, 3 months not working, but traveling. We cover the firm more widely and what it is that they look for as a PR, creative and communications agency, and how to get yourself a graduate job there after university. We delve into their internships more generally, how you can apply, stand out, and impress throughout the process. If you’ve ever thought about working or applying for a comms or communications agency, then this is the episode for you. And if that thought has never crossed your mind, keep listening, as you’re going to want to apply when you hear more about Golin and what they offer. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes right this very moment at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/Golin.  

More specifically in this episode you’ll learn about:

• The amazing Unternship scheme which Golin run
• How to get a graduate job with Golin in London
• What work is like at an award-winning PR, creative and communications agency
• How to stand out in an application to Golin
• What it takes to succeed as an intern at Golin
• Why you should think about working at a communications agency

In episode 64 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by MJ DeMarco, self-made millionaire and best-selling author of the Millionaire Fastlane and his latest book Unscripted. It’s a cracking episode where we explore amongst other things why you shouldn’t do what you love, why getting a job and working for someone else is inherently risky, and why trading time for money is a bad trade off. We also explore the secrets to starting your own business, how simple mathematics holds the key to being able to get rich quickly, and what might be holding you back from being an entrepreneur. Now if you have ever thought about starting your own business or not, this episode and MJ’s message is one you aren’t going to want to miss. As always there will be a full transcript of the episode and links to everything we discuss in the shownotes over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/fastlane so make sure you head on over there and check them out. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

More specifically in this episode you’ll learn about:

• Why you shouldn’t follow your passion and do what you love
• What might be holding you back from being an entrepreneur
• Why a job and trading time for money isn’t the best trade
• Why getting a job is inherently risky
• The difference between the sidewalk, the slowlane and Fastlane when it comes to wealth
• How and why it is possible to get rich quickly
• The secret to successfully starting your own business

In episode 63 of the Graduate Job Podcast I explore why you, yes you dear listener should get a mentor to help you as you look for a graduate job. We explore what exactly a mentor is and what they do. We discuss why they are so useful in helping you look for a graduate job, top tips for how you can find a mentor, and what exactly to say to them when you ask so that they say yes. We also delve into brilliant advice on how to set the relationship up at the beginning so that you both get something out of it. Now, if you’re listening to this thinking a mentor sounds a bit pretentious or too much like hard work, I can understand where you’re coming from, and after university I would have agreed, but…..stick with it, have a listen, because if you follow the advice in this episode and get a mentor, I guarantee it will improve your employability….guarantee it, or your money back…on this free podcast. As always, all links to everything we discuss today with links and full transcripts are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/mentoring. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

More specifically in this episode, you’ll learn about:

• What exactly a mentor is and what they do
• Why they are so useful in helping you look for a graduate job
• Top tips for how you can find a mentor
• The secret of what exactly to say to a mentor when you ask so that they say yes
• Brilliant advice on how to set the relationship up at the beginning so that you both get something out of it
• The inside track of how to be a good mentee
• Why having a career mentor could set you up for graduate job success

In episode 62 of the Graduate Job Podcast I explore how to apply for a graduate job in a different country. In response to a reader question asking how to apply for a graduate job in the UK from Canada, I take you step by step through everything you need to know. We delve into different job search strategies, and whether it is better to start applying before you leave, or if you should just turn up and hit the job hunt when you get there. I take you through top tips with respect to UK visas, how to network successfully from abroad and why recruitment agencies could be your new best friend. We cover great tricks to make sure that you can build your network from your home country using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. If you have ever thought about getting a graduate job in a foreign country, this is an episode which you won’t want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss today with links and full transcripts are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/workingabroad. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

More specifically in this episode you’ll learn about:

-       Winning job search strategies for applying for a graduate job from a different country

-       How a stint working abroad can add glamour to your CV

-       The importance of planning before you book your ticket

-       Top tips for networking remotely from a different country

-       Why you need to be using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook to build your network

-       How to tailor your skills for your desired country

-       Why planning your arrival date carefully could be the most important thing you do.

In episode 61 of the Graduate Job Podcast I take you through my top 10 tips to help you get a graduate job if you have a 2.2 or 3rd class degree. Now you might be worrying that you won’t be able to get a graduate job, if you got a 2.2 or a third, but I’ll explain why you shouldn’t worry. I’ll take you through all my top tips and explain why you need to focus down on what you really want, why the job market isn’t as bleak as you might and why starting your career at a start-up or smaller company could be just what you need. I also delve into whether further study could be the answer, and how volunteering could set you apart from candidates who have a 2.1. I also cover the power of networking and why you shouldn’t discount starting your own business instead of getting a graduate job. No matter what degree classification you got, 2.2, 3rd, or 2.1 or a first, this is an episode that you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss today with links and a full transcript are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/22. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• My top 10 tips to getting a graduate job with a 2.2 or 3rd class degree
• Why companies are crying out for candidates with a 2.2
• How companies have been relaxing their degree requirements for getting a graduate job
• Why your degree might not matter as much you think
• The importance of work experience in getting a graduate job with a 2.2 or 3rd
• Why smaller companies and start-ups could hold the key to beginning your career
• The power of networking in helping you to get your first job after university
• How charity work could set you apart as you look for work
• Why you might not need a graduate job at all if you start your own business

In episode 60 of the Graduate Job Podcast I bring you someone who knows the graduate recruitment business inside out, Sophie Milliken from Smart Resourcing Solutions. Sophie is a former graduate recruiter for John Lewis, the upmarket department store here in the UK, who left their to set up Smart Resourcing Solutions where she now designs and runs graduate recruitment schemes for many of the big high street companies that many of you will be applying to. This insight means that Sophie is ideally placed to spill the beans on exactly what you need to do to get that graduate job. We cover the ins and outs of the graduate recruitment process, looking at why only 3%, yes 3% of people made it through the online application stage at John Lewis, and what you need to do make sure that you are one of them. We cover psychometric testing, assessment centres, job interviews, group exercises, presentations, if it’s involved in the process we cover it, and look at top tips, insider secrets, and what you need to do stand out from the crowd and get the job. If you are going to be applying for a graduate job anytime soon then this is an episode that you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss today with links and a full transcript are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/graduaterecruitment. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

You can listen to it here, or additionally, you can subscribe via Spotify, iTunes, or Stitcher radio.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• Why only 3% of the applicants to the John Lewis graduate scheme made it passed the online application
• The key characteristics you need to succeed at a graduate job assessment centre
• The secrets to standing out as you apply for a graduate job
• Common mistakes that let people down in their online applications
• Why straight A candidates often fall at the first hurdle when applying for a graduate job
• How and why graduate recruitment schemes are developed
• What assessors are really looking for at graduate job assessment centres

In episode 59 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am re-joined on the show by John Lees, bestselling author, career coach and all-round career expert as we delve into his new book Knockout Interviews, and explore how you can succeed in your graduate job interview.  In this half hour we explore everything you need to know to succeed in a graduate job interview. We cover why you need to think about your goals of a job interview, and why focussing on the 4 key pieces of information that you want to get across could set you apart from everyone else. We delve into how to answer the classic job interview questions you will face, top tips for answering graduate competency questions, and the different frameworks you can use to answer them. If you have a telephone, face to face or panel interview coming up, then this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/knockoutinterview. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

You can download the podcast to your computer or listen to it on the blog. Additionally, you can subscribe via Spotify, iTunes, or Stitcher radio.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• How to answer the key questions you will face in a graduate job interview
• Top tips for answering graduate competency questions
• Why you need to focus on the 4 key pieces of information you want to get across in the interview
• The psychological contract you are making in a job interview
• Why you need to think about the goals of a graduate job interviews
• How to answer the classic question about your biggest weakness
• The preparation needed to succeed in your job interview

In episode 58 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Maria Donovan, the recruitment director for Unlocked Grads, the innovative and brand new graduate scheme aimed at attracting top graduate talent into the Prison Service. In this half hour we explore their new graduate leadership development programme discussing what exactly the scheme entails, its intensive training, and what you will be doing over your initial 2 years. We smash some of the stereotypes associated with the Prison Service, what life as a prison officer is really like, and just how fit you need to be to pass the fitness requirements. We delve into the application process in detail, from the initial online application through to the assessment centre and how to impress in the role play. We look at what exactly they are looking for when you apply so that your application stands head and shoulders above everybody else. If you’ve ever thought about a career in the Prison Service, then this is the episode for you, and even if working as a prison officer has never crossed your mind, you need to keep listening to understand why it could be the perfect place to begin your career. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/unlockedgrads. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. But in the meantime, let’s crack on with the show.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• Unlocked Grads and their graduate leadership development programme
• What life as a prison officer is really like, and how you will be changing lives UK
• What you can expect from their intensive training programme
• The secrets to impressing throughout the application process from the online application to the assessment centre
• How to standout in the role plays at the assessment centre
• The characteristics Unlocked Grads are looking for in their applicants
• Why Unlocked Grads could be the perfect place to start your career

In episode 57 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by Leanne Jacobs, holistic wealth expert and author of the excellent new book Beautiful Money. Leanne and I delve into her new book and explore exactly what the Beautiful Money concept is and why it is important in helping you find a graduate job. We discuss the epidemic of settling for a job that is ‘fine’, how you can avoid this trap, and tools to help you do so. We explore the secrets to using affirmations, and a vision board, and why these two tactics could revolutionise your approach to finding the job of your dreams. If you have ever been tempted by a job just because it has a nice salary, then this episode is for you. No matter where you are on your jobsearch, and no matter what type of job you are applying to, 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/beautiful. Right, let’s head straight over to my chat with Leanne.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• What beautiful money is and why it is important to finding a graduate job
• How to avoid the ‘Grey Zone’ of feeling just ‘fine’ at work
• Why you shouldn’t take a job out of fear
• The secret to using affirmations to revolutionise your jobsearch
• Why you should think like a CEO as you look for work
• Exactly why you should develop a vision board to help you get a job
• How 20 seconds of pure bravery is all you need to apply for your dream job

In episode 56 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by former Royal Marine Craig Williams, as we discuss what you need to do get into the Royal Marines. Craig shares nuggets of wisdom gained on the ground from his 15 years with one of the UKs elite fighting units as we discuss how you too can earn a green beret and get into the Royal Marines. We cover top tips including the number 1 characteristic that will help you succeed as a Royal Marine, the different entry routes and why even if you have a degree you shouldn’t automatically join as an officer. We cover the mindset needed to see you through the legendary 32 weeks basic training, and the physical challenges and tests you will face along the way to getting there.  Now don’t worry if the armed forces isn’t you thing, as Craig also reveals insights into the key secret that might be holding you back from the job of your dreams, no matter what area you are applying to. No matter where you are on your jobsearch, 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/royalmarines. Right, let’s head straight over to my chat with Craig.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• The secrets behind the Potential Officers Course
• How ‘confidence’ is the one muscle you need to build to get you through the training
• Why women shouldn’t be put off from joining the Royal Marines
• The biggest hurdle that holds people back from applying to the Royal Marines
• What to expect at the Naval Service Recruiting Test
• What to expect in your formal interview
• How to increase your chances of being part of the 0.01% of people who actually get into the Royal Marines

In episode 55 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am re-joined by one of my most popular guests, Steve Rook, as we discuss his new book Work Experience, Placements and Internships. In this episode Steve shares his brilliant  insights and tips into how to go about getting that ever so important work experience. We discuss the difference between work experience, internships and placements, why you really need to try and get them, and the real reason why they will set you apart in your jobsearch. We cover the thorny topic of unpaid, versus paid work experience, we explore just why sandwich placements make such a difference to your career prospects and why you should think about going abroad to get work experience, and how it might be cheaper than you think. Once you got some work experience we then look into how to hit the ground running and make it success. In short, if you’ve ever thought about trying to get work experience or an internship, 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/workexperience. Right, let’s head straight over to my chat with Steve.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• The difference between work experience, work placements and internships
• Why you NEED to get work experience
• The REAL reason work experience will set you apart
• How it is NEVER too late to get work experience
• Why sandwich placements are the gold standard of work experience
• Why you should think about doing your work experience, internship or placement abroad
• How to hit the ground running in your work experience, internship or placement

In episode 54 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by Jeff Kavanaugh, VP and Managing Partner at global consulting giant, Infosys, as he shares his insights and tips into how to start your career as a management consultant. As head of campus recruitment for Infosys, Jeff is able to share brilliant advice on all aspects of the management consulting recruitment process. We cover the skills needed to excel in consulting, how to make the most of a management consultancy recruitment event, and how to make that all important good first impression. We also delve deep into the dreaded consulting case study, examining what they are, the different types of structured and unstructured case study questions that you might face, through to Jeff’s brilliant advice on how to answer them with ease every time. No matter where you are in your jobsearch, and no matter what companies you are applying to, this is an episode which you are not going to 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/consulting. Right, lets head straight over to my chat with Jeff.

MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT:

• The skills needed to excel in management consulting
• The importance of goal setting in getting a job as a consultant
• How to make the most of a management consultancy recruitment event
• How to make a good first impression at consulting job interview
• The secrets of acing a consulting case study
• The types of case study questions you will face and how to answer them
• What to expect from a partner interview