Graduate Job Podcast

In episode 50 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Hannah Salton, Graduate Recruitment Manager at international law firm Allen and Overy. In this half hour we explore the different options available to graduates at Allen & Overy, from their sought after training contracts, to their vacation schemes and open days. We delve into the application process for the training contracts, the different methods of entry, what they look for from candidates and how to ensure you stand out throughout the application process. We also explore the vacation schemes in detail and look at whether this is really the easy way in for a career in law. You might be surprised at some of the answers.  If you’ve ever thought about a legal career, then this is definitely the episode for you. Even if working for a law firm has never crossed your mind, keep listening to understand why over half of the graduates that Allen and Overy take on didn’t study law at university. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full tr

In episode 49 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Dave Spencer, C.E.O. and co-founder of Police Now, the innovative new graduate scheme aimed at attracting top graduate talent into the police force. 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 delve into the application process in detail, from the initial online application through to Skype interview, role plays and assessment centre, looking at how you apply, and more importantly how to make sure that your application stands head and shoulders above everybody else. If you’ve ever thought about a career in the police, then this is the episode for you, and even if joining the police has never crossed your mind, you need to keep listening to understand why over the half the people who joined them last year originally said that they wouldn’t have thought about joining the police but for Police No

In episode 48 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Ashley Hever, Director of Talent Acquisition at Enterprise Rent-A-Car, as we discuss their award winning graduate scheme. In this half hour we explore their graduate management trainee scheme, examining what exactly it is, how you apply, and how you can stand out from the crowd when you apply. We discuss the application process in detail, their brilliant internship schemes and also cover why Enterprise Rent-A-Car could be the ideal place to start your career. No matter what graduate scheme you are applying to, Ashley’s insight and advice means that this is an episode that 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/enterprise.  Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 quest

In episode 47 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by salary negotiation coach and bestselling author of the excellent Fearless Salary Negotiation, Josh Doody, as we discuss how to successfully negotiate your salary. In this half hour Josh shares some brilliant insights into how to increase your pay, whether you’re going for your first graduate job, or simply looking for a raise at your existing work place. We delve into why people can be scared to try to negotiate their salary, and why you need to understand your current market rate of pay before you do so. We examine how to answer the dreaded salary questions of ‘how much do you currently earn?’, and ‘how much are you looking for?’, and also explore why should always make a counteroffer to every salary that is proposed. No matter where you are on your job search, this is an episode which will put money in your pocket. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/salary.

In episode 46 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by award winning fashion blogger and social media manager Tamara McCleary, who shares her inspirational story of how she landed her dream job with the help of her fashion blog. In this half hour Tamara details the background to her fashion blog Bonafide Supernova, how it has grown, top tips for starting your own blog, and how it led to her current job as a social media manager. It’s an inspiring story, and no matter where you are on your job search, this is an episode you will not 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/supernova.  Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you just a minute, so if the podcast is helping you, please show your appreciation and ch

In episode 45 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by innovative blogger Raghav Haran, as we discuss how to land any job you want, even if you’re not qualified. In this half hour Raghav shatters some of the conventional myths about what you need to do to get a job as we explore what companies really want from their candidates, the more effective option for getting than a job than sending hundreds of speculative CVs, and how creating a pre-interview project can be the secret to getting you your dream job.  No matter where you are on your job search, this is an episode you will not 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/landanyjob.  Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out a

In episode 44 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined again by one of my most popular guests, career coach and best-selling author John Lees, as we delve into his new book, The Success Code. John shares his expert advice on the tips, tricks and strategies you need to employ to ensure that your job search is a success. We explore why you need to think about self-projection and not self-promotion as you look for a job, why you definitely shouldn’t be trying to sell yourself, and the power of asking questions. No matter where you are on your job search, this is an episode you will not want to miss. As always, all links we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/success.  Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.gradu

In episode 43 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Rob Blythe founder of graduate recruitment agency Instant Impact, as we explore how to successfully use a graduate recruitment agency. We delve into why you should think about using a graduate recruitment agency, what they look for in their candidates, and how they can fast track you through to the later stages of the recruitment process. Rob takes us through what you need to do to stand out as a candidate, the importance of spending the time to really think about your career,  to why an SME or start up company could be the ideal place for you to start working. No matter where you are on your job search 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/instantimpact.  Before we start many thanks to those of you who have completed the survey over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you

In episode 42 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Andras Baneth, a former EU official, founder of EUTraining.eu, and the author of The Ultimate EU Test Book, as we explore how to pass the EPSO test, and work for the institutions and agencies of the European Union. We delve into the intricacies of the EPSO or European Personnel Selection Office test to give it its full title. This testing process stands between you and a job in the institutions of the EU, such as The European Parliament, The European Council, The European Commission to name but a few. We explore all aspects of the EPSO test, from how to apply, to how to ensure that you are fully prepared for the rigorous application process. We take you through the psychometric testing, the EPSO assessment centre, what you can expect in the case study, through to the new intermediate test phase. No matter where you live in the world, this episode is for you, as we explore the EUs internship scheme which is open to applicants from around the world.  As

In episode 41 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by Annabel Smoker, author of the excellent new book, ‘Launching Your Career in Nursing and Midwifery’. As lecturer in nursing and faculty lead for employability at the University of Southampton, Annabel is ideally placed to share exactly what you need to do to get your first job as a graduate nurse. We explore the current job market for graduate nurses, how you can explore your career options, how to create a brilliant application which will you get you results, through to the impressing at the interview stage. If you’re studying nursing, or thinking of it as a career, this is an episode for you. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/nursing. Before we start many thanks to those of you who have completed the survey over at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear. I’ve times it and it takes less than 90 secon

In episode 40 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by content marketing guru Chris Marr, as we explore all aspects of getting a job in content marketing. As the founder of the Content Marketing Academy and Host of the Content Marketing Academy podcast, Chris is ideally placed to share exactly what you need to do to get started in this booming field. We explore the basics, from what exactly content marketing is, how and why you need to start building your brand online, to the key hints, tips and skills that will get you ahead as you start your career. It doesn’t matter if you’re a newbie to content marketing, or already have your own online platform, there is something in this episode to inspire you. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/content. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the

In episode 39 of the Graduate Job Podcast, I am joined by author and Career Coach Matt Hearnden, as we discuss his latest book ‘18 ignored and unusual ways to get a graduate job’. As a former graduate recruiter Matt has a wealth of insight into how you can get a graduate job, whether with one of the big graduate schemes or a small start-up. We delve into some of the 18 unusual tips from his book which range from ideas to help you think about what you really want to do, and what’s important to you in a job, to tactical tips which will ensure that you stand head and shoulders above all of the other applicants. It doesn’t matter where you are on your job search, or the type of company you are applying to, there is something in this episode that will help you bag that job. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/Matt. As an added incentive to head over there, you can download a free copy of the book itself. Yes that’s free,

In episode 38 of the Graduate Job Podcast, we cover how to effectively use social media in your graduate job search, as I speak with careers advisor, author and social media expert Marielle Kelly. We examine everything you need to know to utilise social media tools to help you get a graduate job, covering Twitter, LinkedIn, blogging, Facebook, Pinterest, Instagram, and everything in-between. From how to create the profiles, through to using them to research companies, reach out to people, and to make a mark online. It doesn’t matter if you’re a social media demon, or complete newbie, we have something in this episode to blow your socks off. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/marielle. Before we start a quick request from me, your feedback helps me to create the episodes you want to hear, so I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will ta

For episode 37 of the Graduate Job Podcast, by popular request we cover assessments centres, as I speak with career coach and assessment centre expert Kath Houston. We delve into what assessment centres are, what companies are looking for from them, through to how you can stand out in the group exercises, presentations, and job interviews. If you’ve applied or are thinking of applying for a graduate job then this is going to be an episode you will not 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/ac. Before we start a quick request from me, I’ve set up a super simple and very quick survey, as I want the show to best serve your needs. It’s got 5 questions and will take you a minute, so please check it out at http://www.graduatejobpodcast.com/survey/ . I look forward to hearing your thoughts. MORE SPECIFICALLY IN THIS EPISODE YOU’LL LEARN ABOUT: What exactly an assessment is, and what you will be doing What compan

For episode 36 of the Graduate Job Podcast we niche down, as we delve into what you need to do to get a job in the field of property, with special guest and property guru Rob Bence. If property is your thing we have all the bases covered, but if not, you’ll still want to keep listening, as Rob shares some absolute dynamite insights into how to get any job. We cover the difference between A and B players, and why B player’s applications end up in the bin. What to say to an employer when you’re applying for an internship or work experience to ensure you get a yes. Why and how you can reverse engineer the job application process so that you know exactly what the interviewer is looking for, through to why you should never carpet bomb job applications. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/property. Before we start don’t forget, I love to hear your feedback so do get in touch either by email or twitter, on twitter I’m @Grad

In episode 35 of the Graduate Job Podcast we cover a topic which can strike fear into many people applying for graduate jobs, namely psychometric testing. We are joined by Ben Williams, managing director at Sten 10, as he guides us through everything you need to know about numerical tests, verbal reasoning tests, situational judgement tests, personality tests…..you name a test, Ben has probably designed it. We cover what each of these tests are, what they look like in practice, and what graduate employers are actually looking for from them. We delve into tips so you can perform at your best, why you definitely should not try and cheat, through to the importance of accuracy and whether you should guess if you don’t know the answer. No matter where you are in the application process, this is an episode which you aren’t going to want to miss. Make sure you listen to the end, as I’ve negotiated a special discount for you with CareerGym.com which has all of the practice tests you need to ace any psychometric test.

For episode 34 of the Graduate Job Podcast we have for the first time a BAFTA award winner on the show, the absolutely fascinating Geoff Thompson. We go deep this week, as Geoff and I delve into the topic of fear, and how it might be holding you back in your search for a job. What fears are holding you back from getting that graduate job? What stories are you telling yourself in your job search which are stopping you from applying to the job of your dreams? It’s a captivating episode, and it’s one you’re going to want to listen to more than once. As always, all links to everything we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/fear. Before we start don’t forget, I love to hear your feedback so do get in touch either by email or twitter, on twitter I’m @GradjobPodcast, and email is hello@graduatejobpodcast.com. What you love, people or companies you’d like to see on the show, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so send them all my way. But now without further ado, le

In episode 33 of the Graduate Job Podcast I speak with author Inge Woudstra, as we explore issues of gender and recruitment. We cover a wide range of topics, from the role that gender plays in how and why people apply for graduate jobs, whether women in particular should change their approach to succeed in the recruitment process, through to the most effective way to ask for a pay rise. Male or female, this is an episode, you’re 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/gender. Before we start don’t forget, I love to hear your feedback so do get in touch either by email or twitter, on twitter I’m @GradjobPodcast, and email is hello@graduatejobpodcast.com. What you love, people or companies you’d like to see on the show, I’d love to hear your thoughts, so send them all my way. But now without further ado, let’s jump feet first into episode 33.

Welcome to the 32nd episode of the Graduate Job Podcast. We focus down again for episode 32, which is the second of our two part special on graduate jobs in social work, as I speak to Ivan Wise, Recruitment Director at Think Ahead. We delve into Think Ahead and its ground breaking 26 month graduate social work programme, examining what exactly it is, how you apply, and how you can stand out. We discuss the application process in detail and also cover why you should consider Think Ahead as your fast-track into a career in mental health social work. If you’ve ever thought about a career in social work then this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, links to all we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/Thinkahead. This episode came about after a request from a listener, so if you have any particular people or industries you would like me to speak to on future shows, drop me a mail at hello@graduatejobpodcast.com. I read everything and I can’t wait

Welcome to the 31st episode of the Graduate Job Podcast. We focus down again for episode 31, which is the first of a two part special on graduate jobs in social work, as I speak to Katie Purser, Recruitment Director at Frontline. We delve into Frontline and its ground breaking 2 year graduate social work programme, examining what exactly it is, how you apply, and how you can stand out. We discuss the application process in detail and also cover why you should think about Frontline as your fast-track into a career in social work. If you’ve ever thought about working with children and families, then this is an episode you won’t want to miss. As always, links to all we discuss and a full transcript are available in the show notes at www.graduatejobpodcast.com/Frontline. Before we start though, these special episodes came about from an email I received from a listener called Marnie, who emailed saying that she would love to get into social work and asked if I could interview some of the leading graduate schemes.