Graduate schemes are notoriously competitive. I only actually understood how much so when I started applying for them and received a wave of rejections in response. For university finalists, graduate schemes offer structure in a job, alongside colleagues of a similar age for those with limited work experience. They are often offered in global corporations and can have multiple benefits, including rotations across different sectors, the opportunity to work internationally, and a high salary. Thus, it's clear why they are so over-subscribed.
Nonetheless, the application process is both draining and brutal. Most of the applications require tailored CVs and cover letters, followed by a series of online tests, online interviews, assessment centres and multiple in-person interviews. Even if you reach the very penultimate stage, many companies won't give you any individual feedback on your performance, with some not even sending a letter of rejection, instead working on the assumption that if you don't hear back, you haven't got an offer.
Despite the gruelling process, there are many ways to increase your chances of securing a grad scheme and facilitating the process. Having gone through the process myself and having since learnt what many companies look for in their applicants, I have compiled a list of tips and tricks to land a graduate scheme.
1) Use your university's career service
Although the careers service varies massively between universities (which I've spoken about previously in my posts about Imperial and Bristol), they can be very helpful and inform you about what companies look for in a CV and cover letter, as well as skills and experience that are specific to different sectors. Before I used the career service, I was applying for consulting roles with a 2-page CV, simply because that was what we were taught to do in Neuroscience. When I started my Master's at Imperial, I was interested in management consulting and was advised to start practicing case studies as soon as possible as the industry predominantly uses case interviews and so the sooner you become comfortable with that format, the better. Additionally, the careers service at Imperial allowed us to have several 1 on 1 meetings with HR professionals in order to optimise our CVs and cover letters, as well as have practice interviews and assessment centre workshops.
2) Network
My biggest tip for applicants is to network. This was a massive thing throughout my Master's, and although initially it seems a bit futile, it is actually so important and useful. If you haven't got a LinkedIn profile, make one immediately. Being aware of the different industries, opportunities, and careers out there will enable you to figure out exactly what you do and don't want in a job and therefore will help you to find your dream job. The biggest problem that many of my friends had was actually discovering which areas they were interested in and which jobs existed. I had never even heard of Forensic Consulting until I attended various careers fairs and researched many consulting firms. Attend career fairs, stay behind after talks, ask people about their jobs and their career pathways, reach out to people on LinkedIn who work in the fields you're interested in, and just generally network. Being proactive is essential in this day and age, and anything that you can do to stand out will make a big difference in the long run.
3) Tailor your CV and cover letters
I know that this is the last thing that you want do, especially if you are applying for many different positions, however companies really can tell instantly whether you genuinely want to work for them and have researched their company versus a copy-and-paste job. Following on from my last point, if you've reached out to someone in the company you are applying to, mention that in your cover letter - it will make you stand out and show that you have a real interest in the company and are proactive.
Don't put every single thing you have done in your CV - mention any major accomplishments, as well as languages, IT skills, and extra-curriculars, however only mention the work experience that is relevant and elaborate on how the skills that you learnt are transferable and useful for the specific job. The job descriptions on the company's website will often state exactly what they are looking for, so tailor your cover letter and CV to this.
4) Only apply for jobs that you genuinely want
Given that job applications take up a lot of time and energy, it is a much better use of your time to figure out which jobs you'd genuinely like to have through networking and research, and only applying for these jobs. By applying for a select few, you can spend more time on each application and convey your passion for the industry in a way that those applying for an infinite number of jobs can't. If you don't get these positions, ask for feedback so you can improve your other applications. There is no point in applying for jobs that you don't want, as they will see right through it, and even if they don't and you get an offer, you will have a job that you dislike, meaning you'll probably be applying again the following year.
5) Spend your time wisely
University summer holidays are gloriously long. Having four months off in one go is a rare opportunity, and if possible, you should use these summers to gain as many skills as possible. Do an internship, learn a new language, take up volunteering, go on a coding course - do anything that will set you apart from everyone else. Personally, I hated the idea of spending my long summers slaving away on an internship in London as I was desperate to use the time to travel, so instead I did a medical internship in India, an international relations course in South Africa, and worked in a restaurant in Portugal. Where there's a will, there's a way - you just have to be proactive and make it happen.
Since securing a graduate scheme, I've learnt that many companies 'score' CVs, meaning that the more skills that can be shown on your CV, the better. This doesn't just apply to work experience, but includes extracurriculars, such as languages spoken, coding courses, and degrees obtained. One of my friends found out that what stuck out on her CV was the fact that she had volunteered regularly over a couple of months, as that showed commitment, which other CVs didn't show. I, on the other hand, was told that my niche degree and ability to speak Portuguese helped my CV to stick out. Anything that you can do to stick out will go a long way.
6) Prepare thoroughly
Finally, make sure to prepare thoroughly at each stage. Before applying, use your summers to gain new skills and experiences and network as much as possible. During the initial stages of the application, tailor your CV and cover letter to the specific position based on the job description. As you get invited to interviews and assessment centres, research the companies thoroughly: look into the company culture, their values, the career progression, and projects they've worked on. If you're applying for management consulting, practice case studies, if you are applying for journalism, start a blog or write regularly for a local magazine or newspaper. Just make sure that you are using your time wisely.
Although job applications can be slightly soul-destroying, remember that you only need one offer. Keep persevering and good luck!
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