Internship and graduate recruitment has started. If you are new to the game, you may want to familiarise yourself with the process before starting.

Even if you have been through the process before, it’s still worth to have a quick refresher before you start.

Often, candidates get caught out/kicked out at early stages because they are not familiar with the system or process, they loose valuable time and effort trying to figure things out.

The harsh reality is that once you have started the process, you often can’t turn back and hit restart again. As recruitment is a competitive game, you will get hit by the waves, one after another, before you know it. At any stage, you get caught unprepared, it’s GAME OVER for you unfortunately…

So, to be at the top of the game, learn the game!

Straight from the horse’s mouth, in general, the following are the stages involved in an internship/graduate recruitment process and the things that the employers are looking for, so take note!

Key: Clearly convey the message why you are applying for the role, the department and the organisation.

Key: Know how to sell yourself. Imagine yourself as a product – how would you sell this product? It’s all about how you sell yourself (experience such as a retail assistant, wait staff, tour guide or club exec etc all counts)!

Key: Practise, practise and practise! Yes you can’t predict the questions, but you can train your brain to get used to the type of questions asked (numerical, verbal, diagrammatic etc)

Key: Set your voicemail appropriately (more>>). Practise to sound enthusiastic on the phone!

Key: Only turn on the camera when you are ready. And remember to turn off before you start walking away from the screen (in pyjamas pants and slippers)

Key: Get stuck in! It’s about team work, you don’t want to be outside the team, sitting back with your arms folded or running ahead on your own with full steam.

Key: Do you research on the organisation, industry/market, department and the role you are applying to.

Key: Do the rounds and be nice to everyone! Often, organisations are involving their staff members (not just the recruiting team) to rate the candidates at the networking session.

Key: Take your time to consider the offer. You don’t have to accept the offer on the spot!

Hope this helps! Read more at: Outlast the daunting recruitment process of graduate roles and internships…

If you are stuck or unsure about any of the above, you should check in at your University’s Careers & Employment Office. Don’t worry, they don’t bite, they are here to help!