FastTrain

I was talking to a senior manager in a public organisation who was despairing of some of the candidates who were presenting themselves for interviews.

“Surely in this hugely competitive market”, I asked, “graduates are having to work harder to be noticed at job interviews?”

“Some are”, the manager replied. “But many others are making some really basic mistakes.”

“Such as?”

Not knowing what the organisation is. One candidate enthusiastically announced how keen he was to work for the Commission for Racial Equality – only to be gently informed that this was a totally different organisation!

Assuming that a good degree is enough to get them the job. Unfortunately most candidates have a 2/1 or higher so employers are looking for something extra. So hobbies, charitable work, work experience, achievements are all very significant.

Using inappropriate examples from their private lives. By all means talk about how captaining your school hockey team taught you about leadership and team work – but avoid the story of how you developed strength of character by refusing to buy cocaine on the beach in Thailand (yes – really…)

Making it clear that you view this job as a stop-gap until you can get a much better paid and more exciting job elsewhere. Employers are looking for long-term commitment and for candidates who are wanting a career, not just a job.

In the end, it’s all about preparation. Take the time to really think through how all of your experience to date can be of interest and use to future employers.

Put yourself in their shoes. Would you give you a job? If the answer is not a resounding ‘yes’ then you still have some work to do….