Five top tips for any graduate applying for their first role:
1) Having goals and career aspirations is great, but your interviewer wants to hear that you have an open mind about the type of work you do. No work should be beneath you, especially initially.
2) If you're a graduate applying for your first role out of university, remember that by the time you make it to the interview, your interviewers are far more concerned with 'fit' over grades. Your marks matter far less than you think.
3) Three things all interviewers are looking for: a good work ethic, a willingness to learn, and likability (in other words, are you someone that's easy to work with?)
4) Your first impression begins with your CV. Recruiters sometimes spend as little as 10-20 seconds per CV, so ensure you format your CV in an easy-to-read manner. A cover letter is a nice touch, but make it brief.
5) Get the basics right. They all add up. E.g. turn up on time, dress well, initiate a firm handshake, have some questions prepared, know about the company, the role you're applying for, and your interviewers.
It was awesome to appear alongside of Adina Thorn, Joshua Jones, and Val Alexander-Vui during an UoA Law School Employability Webinar last week.
Although the tips above were spoken about in the context of graduate law positions, they apply to other industries too.
What's the best tip you've received for job interviews?
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