Graduate job applications and interviews
Tailor your job applications and prepare for job interviews.
Tailor your job applications and prepare for job interviews.
Every graduate job you apply for is unique, so your applications should be too. Use the following tips and downloadable templates to create graduate applications and elevate your job search.
Create your graduate CV
Update your CV for graduate applications. Use the resources to get tips and examples of what to include in your graduate CV.
Create graduate cover letters
A cover letter is your opportunity to show the employer exactly how the skills you have align with the job you are applying for and most importantly, why you want to work for them.
Use the resources to get tips and examples of what to include in your graduate cover letters:
Interview tips and guidance
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Before an interview
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Interview etiquette
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Types of interview
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Interview questions
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Asking questions at the end
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Resources
Before an interview
- Download the job description and specification
- Key areas to research and remember: interview panel, requested documents such as CV or passport, job title, person specification, company information, such as values, goals, plans, work culture, blogs, or the company website.
- Email etiquette: always remember to use formal email etiquette to give a good first impression. Address the name of the recipient and use a professional email sign-off, such as: Kind regards, John Smith.
Interview etiquette
- What should you wear? If in doubt, ask the recruiter or stick to a smart dress code, even if it’s an online interview, still dress smart.
- Always arrive at least five minutes early and keep positive. Maintain a good posture and be responsive. Make sure that you have any requested documents, such as your CV, passport, or National Insurance documents.
- If you can no longer attend an interview, always notify the recruiter with as much notice as possible.
Types of interview
- Face to face: in-person interviews typically involve yourself and an interview panel of two or three people.
- Group: group interviews are used to observe interpersonal skills between candidates. Contribute ideas and encourage others to get involved too.
- Telephone: typically one interviewer. They may not be able to see you so make sure you use good communication to build rapport. Have a copy of your CV and notes. Find a quiet environment with good reception.
- Video:either pre-recorded or live. Test out the technology beforehand to make sure everything is working. If you’re having technical problems, contact the employer/recruiter and let them know as soon as you can.
Interview questions
- Commercial questions: Why do you want to work for us? Can you tell us what our company values are? Use your research of the company, employer or job to answer these.
- Competency questions: Give an example of when you used Excel? Tell me about a time when you balanced multiple deadlines? Describe a situation where you applied excellent teamwork
- You must use the STAR method to answer these types of questions.
- Strength-based questions: Used to identify your qualities and personality. What has been your greatest achievement? Where do you see yourself in five years’ time?
Asking questions at the end
Try to come up with at least three or four questions, for example:
- What do you enjoy most about working here?
- What might a typical day look like in this job?
- What support is in place for graduates who want to progress within the business?
Resources
- Interview360 :access instant feedback and practice your interview skills online.
- STAR method: discover how to structure your answers to interview questions and impress the interview panel.
- Book a mock interview: practice your interview skills with one of our career coaches.