Take a deep breath everyone, it’s that time again – Graduate/Internships recruitment time! Like it or not, the battle to earn yourself that ONE job is here! It shouldn’t be that difficult, you just need one job after all.

…unfortunately, everyone else is after the one job too!

Looking at the stats gathered from Victoria University’s major graduate recruiters over the years, the success rate of applications has consistently been around 5%. In other words, to be successful, you have to oust the other 95% of your peer. Not easy!

HOWEVER, if you understand the game and learn to play by the rules, you would have a much better chance than the person sitting next to you! So, what do you need to do to stay ahead in the game?

• Keep up to date with recruitment activities (Careers events and applications closing dates)
  * Victoria University’s students: Lucky you, Vic Careers has done the hard work, you can check out the summary of events here and summary of graduate recruitment schedule here
• Work on how to sell yourself well (on paper an in person)
  * Why should we employ you? In your cover letter and interview, sell yourself well and you are on your way to an employment offer!
  * Learn The 30 second elevator pitch
  * Think about Should I lie at a job interview?
• Connect with employer (employer’s workshop/presentation/Careers Expo)
  * Forgone opportunities… Have you made the right choice?
  * Careers Expo – worth attending?
  * Every opportunity to make yourself know
• Check your settings
  * Is your voicemail appropriate? Is it putting potential employers off?
  * Have you checked your online image?

Here’s a great article, with step by step explanation, tricks and tips from a real life job seeker to guide you along the way, have a read:
Diary of a job seeker

I think it really helped that I went to the interview prepared; having explored the employer’s website the day before, sourcing relevant documents, and keeping up-to-date with the news was very beneficial. To show that I have a real interest in the role or organisation by bringing this background knowledge to the interview, as well as prepared notes demonstrated that it was not just another job application for me, but rather it was something that I really wanted and was willing to put a solid effort into.  Ellie – Ministry of Justice’s Intern

Image Source: DOGHOUSEDIARIES

You will get there… eventually!