Graduate Job Podcast

A big hello and welcome to the 70th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast. This week I speak with Tristram Hooley and Korin Grant, authors of the excellent new book "You're Hired! Graduate Career Handbook: Maximise Your Employability and Get a Graduate Job".  In this episode we delve into the book, exploring some of my favourite chapters which I know will help you as you search for a graduate job. Amongst other things we cover why personality tests are so important as you look for a graduate job, the power of utilising your university careers service, and how it could be your secret weapon in finding a job. We touch upon what to do when you don’t know what to do in your jobsearch, why you probably aren’t researching companies properly when you apply for work, and how you need to be doing it. Korin and Tristam also share why personality tests are so important as you look for a graduate job and why you need to be utilising your ‘weak ties’ when you are networking for your graduate job. No matter where you are on

In this 69th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast I continue in my quest to bring you the best and most interesting people to speak to about getting a graduate job, as once again I’ve gone transatlantic and am this week speaking to Dr Colby Jubenville over in the USA. In this episode we delve into finding fulfillment at work, examining questions such as why you should look for gainful employment and not just employment, and why you need to find your ‘voice’ in what you do. We also cover why your 20’s in the most important decade of your life, and how conducting a personal assessment is so important to your long-term career success. Amongst other topics we also touch on why you should be thinking about personal change and not personal development, and how natural curiosity can turbo-charge your job search. No matter what type of graduate job you are looking for, and no matter where you are on your job search, you will find nuggets of wisdom in my interview with Colby. Don’t forget, as always, all links to every

In this 68th episode of the Graduate Job Podcast I continue in my quest to bring you the best and most interesting graduate schemes out there. Last week, it was Charityworks, and this week it is one of the most well known companies in the country, you will use their services everyday, but probably might not have thought about them as a graduate employer, and you probably aren’t aware that they have 13 branches to their graduate scheme. Yes today I speak with John Hynard and Louisa Joseph from the excellent Royal Mail graduate scheme. In this episode we explore the Royal Mail graduate scheme in detail, looking at what exactly it and their 13 different graduate opportunities that they have.  We delve into how you apply, the different stages of the application process, from initial application, through to the online tests they use, interviews and assessment centres. We cover what you need to do to impress at each stage and make sure you stand out from the crowd. We go into exactly what they are looking for from

In episode 67 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by Craig Pemblington from the brilliant Charityworks graduate scheme. This episode came about from a listener request, TJ got in touch via email and asked about the best way to get a graduate job with a charity, well, as you will hear the answer to that question is the excellent Charityworks. In this episode we explore the Charityworks graduate scheme in detail, looking at what exactly it is and the types of charities that you could be working with. We delve into how you apply, the different stages of the application process, from initial application, through to the online tests they use, interviews and assessment centres. We cover what you need to do to impress at each stage and make sure you stand out from the crowd. We go into the charity matching process and how they match you with the charity that you will be working with, and we also cover the amazing alumni opportunities open to you as you progress with your career in the third sector. If you have e

In episode 66 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by David Wain from the National Graduate Recruitment Exhibition, as we explore more about the exhibitions and how to make the most of graduate job fairs. We delve into the upcoming exhibitions in London and Birmingham, looking what they are, who will be attending, and how you can go about bagging a free ticket. We also examine graduate recruitment fairs more widely, touching upon how to stand out, the questions to ask, what to say, what not to say, what to wear, and how you can impress the graduate recruiters that you will speak to. No matter where you are in the world, if you have ever thought about attending a graduate recruitment job fair, then this is the show for you. As always there will be a full transcript of the episode and links to everything we discuss in the shownotes over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/exhibitions so make sure you head on over there and check them out. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create th

In episode 65 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Jane Fordham, from the award-winning communications agency Golin. Now you might not have heard about Golin, but just you wait till you hear about their amazing internships, the and innovative schemes that they have on offer.  In this half-hour we explore about their brilliant Unternship, yes you heard that right the Unternship, which involves 3 months of paid travel around the world, yep, you heard that right, 3 months not working, but traveling. We cover the firm more widely and what it is that they look for as a PR, creative and communications agency, and how to get yourself a graduate job there after university. We delve into their internships more generally, how you can apply, stand out, and impress throughout the process. If you’ve ever thought about working or applying for a comms or communications agency, then this is the episode for you. And if that thought has never crossed your mind, keep listening, as you’re going to want to apply when you h

In episode 64 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by MJ DeMarco, self-made millionaire and best-selling author of the Millionaire Fastlane and his latest book Unscripted. It’s a cracking episode where we explore amongst other things why you shouldn’t do what you love, why getting a job and working for someone else is inherently risky, and why trading time for money is a bad trade off. We also explore the secrets to starting your own business, how simple mathematics holds the key to being able to get rich quickly, and what might be holding you back from being an entrepreneur. Now if you have ever thought about starting your own business or not, this episode and MJ’s message is one you aren’t going to want to miss. As always there will be a full transcript of the episode and links to everything we discuss in the shownotes over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/fastlane so make sure you head on over there and check them out. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes y

In episode 63 of the Graduate Job Podcast I explore why you, yes you dear listener should get a mentor to help you as you look for a graduate job. We explore what exactly a mentor is and what they do. We discuss why they are so useful in helping you look for a graduate job, top tips for how you can find a mentor, and what exactly to say to them when you ask so that they say yes. We also delve into brilliant advice on how to set the relationship up at the beginning so that you both get something out of it. Now, if you’re listening to this thinking a mentor sounds a bit pretentious or too much like hard work, I can understand where you’re coming from, and after university I would have agreed, but…..stick with it, have a listen, because if you follow the advice in this episode and get a mentor, I guarantee it will improve your employability….guarantee it, or your money back…on this free podcast. As always, all links to everything we discuss today with links and full transcripts are available right this very mome

In episode 62 of the Graduate Job Podcast I explore how to apply for a graduate job in a different country. In response to a reader question asking how to apply for a graduate job in the UK from Canada, I take you step by step through everything you need to know. We delve into different job search strategies, and whether it is better to start applying before you leave, or if you should just turn up and hit the job hunt when you get there. I take you through top tips with respect to UK visas, how to network successfully from abroad and why recruitment agencies could be your new best friend. We cover great tricks to make sure that you can build your network from your home country using LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. If you have ever thought about getting a graduate job in a foreign country, this is an episode which you won’t want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss today with links and full transcripts are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/worki

In episode 61 of the Graduate Job Podcast I take you through my top 10 tips to help you get a graduate job if you have a 2.2 or 3rd class degree. Now you might be worrying that you won’t be able to get a graduate job, if you got a 2.2 or a third, but I’ll explain why you shouldn’t worry. I’ll take you through all my top tips and explain why you need to focus down on what you really want, why the job market isn’t as bleak as you might and why starting your career at a start-up or smaller company could be just what you need. I also delve into whether further study could be the answer, and how volunteering could set you apart from candidates who have a 2.1. I also cover the power of networking and why you shouldn’t discount starting your own business instead of getting a graduate job. No matter what degree classification you got, 2.2, 3rd, or 2.1 or a first, this is an episode that you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss today with links and a full transcript are available

In episode 60 of the Graduate Job Podcast I bring you someone who knows the graduate recruitment business inside out, Sophie Milliken from Smart Resourcing Solutions. Sophie is a former graduate recruiter for John Lewis, the upmarket department store here in the UK, who left their to set up Smart Resourcing Solutions where she now designs and runs graduate recruitment schemes for many of the big high street companies that many of you will be applying to. This insight means that Sophie is ideally placed to spill the beans on exactly what you need to do to get that graduate job. We cover the ins and outs of the graduate recruitment process, looking at why only 3%, yes 3% of people made it through the online application stage at John Lewis, and what you need to do make sure that you are one of them. We cover psychometric testing, assessment centres, job interviews, group exercises, presentations, if it’s involved in the process we cover it, and look at top tips, insider secrets, and what you need to do stand out

In episode 59 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am re-joined on the show by John Lees, bestselling author, career coach and all-round career expert as we delve into his new book Knockout Interviews, and explore how you can succeed in your graduate job interview.  In this half hour we explore everything you need to know to succeed in a graduate job interview. We cover why you need to think about your goals of a job interview, and why focussing on the 4 key pieces of information that you want to get across could set you apart from everyone else. We delve into how to answer the classic job interview questions you will face, top tips for answering graduate competency questions, and the different frameworks you can use to answer them. If you have a telephone, face to face or panel interview coming up, then this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available right this very moment in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/kn

In episode 58 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Maria Donovan, the recruitment director for Unlocked Grads, the innovative and brand new graduate scheme aimed at attracting top graduate talent into the Prison Service. In this half hour we explore their new graduate leadership development programme discussing what exactly the scheme entails, its intensive training, and what you will be doing over your initial 2 years. We smash some of the stereotypes associated with the Prison Service, what life as a prison officer is really like, and just how fit you need to be to pass the fitness requirements. We delve into the application process in detail, from the initial online application through to the assessment centre and how to impress in the role play. We look at what exactly they are looking for when you apply so that your application stands head and shoulders above everybody else. If you’ve ever thought about a career in the Prison Service, then this is the episode for you, and even if working as a pris

In episode 57 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by Leanne Jacobs, holistic wealth expert and author of the excellent new book Beautiful Money. Leanne and I delve into her new book and explore exactly what the Beautiful Money concept is and why it is important in helping you find a graduate job. We discuss the epidemic of settling for a job that is ‘fine’, how you can avoid this trap, and tools to help you do so. We explore the secrets to using affirmations, and a vision board, and why these two tactics could revolutionise your approach to finding the job of your dreams. If you have ever been tempted by a job just because it has a nice salary, then this episode is for you. No matter where you are on your jobsearch, and no matter what type of job you are applying to, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/beautiful. Right, let’s head straight over to my chat with Leanne. MO

In episode 56 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by former Royal Marine Craig Williams, as we discuss what you need to do get into the Royal Marines. Craig shares nuggets of wisdom gained on the ground from his 15 years with one of the UKs elite fighting units as we discuss how you too can earn a green beret and get into the Royal Marines. We cover top tips including the number 1 characteristic that will help you succeed as a Royal Marine, the different entry routes and why even if you have a degree you shouldn’t automatically join as an officer. We cover the mindset needed to see you through the legendary 32 weeks basic training, and the physical challenges and tests you will face along the way to getting there.  Now don’t worry if the armed forces isn’t you thing, as Craig also reveals insights into the key secret that might be holding you back from the job of your dreams, no matter what area you are applying to. No matter where you are on your jobsearch, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As a

In episode 55 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am re-joined by one of my most popular guests, Steve Rook, as we discuss his new book Work Experience, Placements and Internships. In this episode Steve shares his brilliant  insights and tips into how to go about getting that ever so important work experience. We discuss the difference between work experience, internships and placements, why you really need to try and get them, and the real reason why they will set you apart in your jobsearch. We cover the thorny topic of unpaid, versus paid work experience, we explore just why sandwich placements make such a difference to your career prospects and why you should think about going abroad to get work experience, and how it might be cheaper than you think. Once you got some work experience we then look into how to hit the ground running and make it success. In short, if you’ve ever thought about trying to get work experience or an internship, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, all links to everythi

In episode 54 of the Graduate Job Podcast I am joined by Jeff Kavanaugh, VP and Managing Partner at global consulting giant, Infosys, as he shares his insights and tips into how to start your career as a management consultant. As head of campus recruitment for Infosys, Jeff is able to share brilliant advice on all aspects of the management consulting recruitment process. We cover the skills needed to excel in consulting, how to make the most of a management consultancy recruitment event, and how to make that all important good first impression. We also delve deep into the dreaded consulting case study, examining what they are, the different types of structured and unstructured case study questions that you might face, through to Jeff’s brilliant advice on how to answer them with ease every time. No matter where you are in your jobsearch, and no matter what companies you are applying to, this is an episode which you are not going to want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcr

Episode 53 of the Graduate Job Podcast is part 2 of a 2 part retrospective where I include some of my favourite short clips from my previous 50 episodes. Every episode is of course brilliant and chock-a-block full of great insights to help you get your dream graduate job, but in these 2 specials I wanted to pick out some short clips which I enjoy that you might not have come across before. We explore how fear could be holding you back from getting your dream job, we cover superb advice on how to make sure you stand out in a job application, and top tips for acing a graduate job interview. We also delve into why getting a job is like dating, and share some secrets behind impressing at a graduate assessment centre. No matter where you are in your jobsearch, this is an episode which you are not going to want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/greatesthits2. Right, let get straight to the good stuff, and part 2

Episode 52 of the Graduate Job Podcast, is part of 1 of a 2 part retrospective where I include some of my favourite short clips from my previous 50 episodes. Every episode is of course a winner and packed full of great insights to help you get your dream job, but in these 2 specials, I wanted to pick out some short clips which I enjoy that you might not have come across before. We explore the importance of values with Jane Sunley and David Shindler, the criticality of having a ‘Why’ with motivational speaker Brad Burton, while Jennifer Holloway touches upon why it is crucial to be true to yourself in your job search. Career coaches John Lees and Richard Maun meanwhile share brilliant insights into how to network and have great conversations, which are going to turbo charge your job hunt. Karen Kelsky shares her thoughts on why getting a job can be like dating, before Simon Reichwald explores how you can differentiate yourself to ensure that you stand out in your job applications. No matter where you are in yo

In episode 51 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Amba Brown, author of the excellent ‘Finding Your Path, A Guide to Life and Happiness After School’.  In this interview we explore her book and the different pathways you can explore after university. We touch upon exploring the world, starting your career, continuing your career to finding your own way. We delve into why you should set your goals once you finish university, the importance of setting off to travel, and why you should always be working on your own personal project. If you’re feeling stuck at a career crossroads and not sure which way to go, or have recently graduated and feeling lost, then this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/findingyourpath.   Right, let’s not mess about, and jump straight to my chat Amba Brown. MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: The different options and pathways t