added march 1st 2008

Top Tips for graduates applying for their first roles

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Preparation is the key to success when searching for a job after graduating. Prepare a good quality cv that clearly outlines your qualifications with degree classification and A level results. List your skills, attributes and work experience. Arrange for it to be proof read and spell checked as poorly presented cv's will mean candidates are rejected. For hints and tips on cv preparation see career tools on reed.co.uk. Employers increasingly look at what extra curricular activities a candidate undertakes, particularly in a graduate cv. Be truthful,  but being an active member of a club or society or undertaking voluntary work demonstrates achievement and indicates the applicant is 'well rounded' Research the sector/career you wish to pursue before applying to large number of companies in a variety of sectors. Ask yourself why you want to work in a sector, what appeals to you and what skills and attributes can you offer to the employer. When applying to a vacancy ensure you read the advert carefully and include a well structured covering letter on why you are an outstanding candidate for the position. Research on the company and sector will help identify the key criteria that the employer requires and therefore provides the opportunity to match this criteria. When registering with an agency be pro-active with your applications and follow up if you are being unsuccessful to get a better idea of why you have been unsuccessful. 

 When applying to positions on-line that you may receive an initial screening call from the agency or company who have advertised the vacancy. Again be prepared is crucial, the company will want to know why you have applied for the vacancy and a good response at this initial stage will mean you application is taken forward.

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