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Why? Fair question. There are certain things that are a given if you are to have any chance of even getting to interview. Good grades are obviously a start, although not essential. I recently spoke to the training partner and graduate recruitment manager at a top city firm who had just awarded a training contract to an individual with a third. They stated Mr X’s academic achievements weren’t ideal, but everything else he had achieved was impressive enough to compensate for this. Of course there will be some firms where nothing will be enough to plug the void of a third, but most will listen.

All graduate recruitment managers (your first hurdle in the application process) are required to read your application. It WILL get read, full stop. Of course, it might be skimmed through on occasions, but it’s your responsibility to make your key attributes jump out so they don’t drop your application and head onto the next one. Bearing in mind often one person is expected to read over 1000 applications in just a few weeks, it’s arguably an even more difficult process for the recruiter.

My main points are these.

-          Spend at least 10 hours on an application

-          Research the employer so your are able to be specific to them in your answers

-          Get as much relevant work experience as possible

-          Involve yourself in activities that will impress them

-          Use your university careers centre to scrutinize your application

-          Keep your head down in class!

-          Get you application in early (not at 11:59pm on deadline day!)

If you follow (or have already followed) these few steps and still don’t get any joy, please post in the thread I’ve set up (link below) as I’d like to help out. Of course, the recession has had its part to play but there are still a lot of places available. Until next time!