Winning your job

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1. Deciding the kind of job you want
2. Job search
3. Application process
4. Interview process

If you are not sure what type of job you want - or what type of organisation you would like to work for - please look at the next section "Organisations".

Onlibe searching through the many job sites - here are just a few...

• LinkedIn
• Student Job
• Debut
• Placed
• Indeed Flex
• e4s
• Graduate Recruitment Bureau
• Student Employment Services
• Caterer.com
• Retail Choice
• Milk round
• Adzuna Graduate Jobs
• TARGET jobs
• Jobs.ac.uk
• Grad cracker
• Student Circus
• CV-Library
• Job lift
• Save the Student - has a good summary of the best student job websites.

IN A NUTSHELL...

Despite what we read - NOT ALL JOB app ARE ABOUT AI

A Recruitment Specialist explains that applying for a job is a "project". It has a start time, an end time, and critical stages you must get right. It takes time. It requires planning. It requires courage. Courage to be confident in who you are and what you can do. Few things give recruiters more pleasure than a well-constructed application form!

Most of us feel insecure about our capabilities and nervous about being asked personal questions designed to find out about us. 

However – the application procedure need not be a complete nightmare if you know what to expect and how to cope with it! 

We will give you a step-by-step guide through the application process. One that you can use again and again!!

Your application form is like a shop window, allowing you to display all your relevant skills, experiences and capabilities. It is your opportunity to sell yourself.  

Preparation

• Focus on the benefits of doing this application.
• Get excited about what this form could give you… it could change your life!
• Get into a positive frame of mind.

Setting goals

• Reserve yourself a period of undisturbed time for completing the form.
• Schedule a certain time to complete the forms.
• Set yourself a goal to complete the form.
• Give yourself a reward once you have achieved your goals.

Questions you may be asked in the form

You will definitely be asked to give examples in your application form about many of the following areas of your experience.

Where have you...

• Worked in a team.
• Lead a group of people.
• Solved a difficult problem.
• Had to work against tight deadlines.
• Had to persuade someone to do something they did not want to but had to be done.
• Had to plan and co-ordinate an event/project/activity.
• Overcame a difficulty or failure.
• Dealt with a conflict.
• Achieved something significant (if only to you!).

Covering letter / email

It is always wise to include a covering email / letter with any application.

If written thoughtfully, it can help you sell yourself and show why the employer should chose you instead of the other applicants. So, make sure your covering letter includes the following:

Dear....

Reference: Job/position applied for...

I enclose my application for the above position.

I believe I am particularly suited to this position because... (include here 2 or 3 specific strengths about you which are relevant to this position).

I am extremely interested in this role because... (be enthusiastic - it's infectious!)

Thank you for taking the time to consider my application.

I hope and look forward to presenting myself to you in person soon.  

Yours etc.

Be different - stand out from the crowd!

Check everything!

• Make sure there are no blank spaces in the form that should be filled in.
• Check spelling and grammar.
• Make sure you don’t miss the closing date for the application form.
• Send it to the right person / department.Our salary negotiation services help you maximize your earning potential and get the compensation you deserve. We provide guidance on researching salaries, negotiating job offers, and advocating for yourself in the workplace.

IN A NUTSHELL...

A Senior Executive Recruitment Interviewer gives an inside view. "There are two sides of the interview table. Your side and mine. I really want to have a good interview with you. If you can show me, you understand a lot of what is explained below - I will enjoy my time with you - and try my hardest to help you get the job - and if you are not the right person for this job, I will put you on my special list of people and will try to find another job for you - because your success is my success!" 

PRE-INTERVIEW PREPARATION ESSENTIALS: 

1.  Check your digital profile is appropriate and up to date.

2.  Prepare evidence to back up your application i.e. if you say you have a skill or experience - be able to prove it!   

So, take your time - read it in chunks - more than once - print it out - read it in the toilet (a great place for concentration) and just get it all firmly clear in your head and in your heart.

IF YOU DO NOTHING ELSE - RESEARCH "EMOTIONAL INTELLIGENCE INTERVIEW QUESTIONS"

AND REMEMBER THE "6 P's"

Preparation and planning prevent pee poor performance! (sorry about that).

"TELL US A LITTLE ABOUT YOURSELF"

This is the classic opening interview question. So, you need to get it right...

(There is also the last interview question "Do you have any questions for us?"  - you need to get that right too. See below)

It is not usually a good idea to start at your childhood, where you went to school, your hobbies etc... 

You need a competitive edge - so try something like... 

"I'm great with people...

I love working in teams.... 

I'm really good at doing research for a project...

I'm an ideas person... 

I love the detail is all correct... 

I like to organise people... 

I'm always trying to make sure we have our priorities right..."

Interviewers really want to know what you will bring to their party!

Understanding even approximately where you fit will help you to make you "interesting" to the interviewer.

Believe it or not, interviewers WANT you to be successful! - they are desperate to find the right person - and you might be it! Don't hide your light under a bushel - let it shine brightly!

So, give them interesting aspects about yourself that they can follow up with questions like:

"That's great to hear, because we need XYZ in this role - can you tell us more? Some examples?"   

BANG - you're IN!  - they like you!

Be enthusiastic and tell them how wonderful you are. 

Because if you can't sell yourself, then what can you sell for them? Always remember, "People buy people" - we buy from people we like!

There are no right or wrong personality types (if we were all the same, life would be extremely boring!)

"DO YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS FOR US?"

This is always the last interview question - but it's still really important!

Of course, it is an opportunity for you to clarify anything you want BUT it's also a fantastic opportunity to stand out from the crowd. 

If you are seriously interested in working for these people, you will have done your research - right?

You will have looked at their website, their annual report and accounts - right?

You will have identified something you are genuinely interested in knowing more about that has not been covered in the interview - right?

Because you are smart and have that competitive edge over your fellow interviewees - now is the time to show it.... for example...

"When I was looking at your strategic aims for the next three years, I saw XYZ which really interested me. 

"This is an area of work I would like to develop into myself". 

"Could you let me know a little bit more about this please - particularly how you intend to...?"

Get the idea? Be smart - but not too clever!

LET'S TAKE A SHORT BREAK...

Here is an intriguing little exercise - with a very important message…

To get ahead in life - what is the most important between these three?

Hard work

Knowledge

Attitude

Let's find out...

If each letter of the alphabet has a number from A = 1% through to Z = 26%

Add up the total for each word...

H A R D W O R K = 8+1+… =

K N O W L E D G E = 11+14+… =

A T T I T U D E = 1+20+… =

Now we know this might just be a coincidence but...

As Mr Henry Ford (Founder of Ford Motors) said:

“Give me a person of average intelligence, but with a burning desire (attitude), 

and I will give you a winner, every time!”

THE INTERVIEW PROCESS

• Your application is designed to get an interview!
• The interview process is your opportunity to show that you are the right person for the job. 
• When you are invited to the interview you should congratulate yourself as you have passed the first level of screening, and the employer has acknowledged that they are interested in you. 

Understanding what employers look for...

• Employers will use a wide variety of techniques to screen, filter and assess potential candidates to ensure they find the right person.
• It is no longer just about qualifications. Your transferable skills, attitude, and work experience are very important.
• Employers are looking for is people with the potential to become the future managers of their organisation. They will invest a lot of money in training you and will want to be sure of a good return on their investment.

Interpersonal / social skills

• Ability to holding a conversation! 
• Intelligence to ask insightful questions.
• Good listening skills.
• Good body Language – how you sit, stand, make people eye contact, smile and relate to other people.
• Written skills – being able to lay out your thinking clearly, write reports etc.
• Presentation skills – be able, confidently, to present information, arguments, cases.

Analytical skills

• Organised thinking - reasoning and logical thinking
• Ability to handle information – i.e. to digest, conclude, deduce, extrapolate from data
• Ability to evaluate info and put together rational arguments

Creative thinking skills

• Team working and problem-solving skills that lead to innovation
• Your ability to “think beyond the obvious” will be tested in many interview settings.
• Minds are like parachutes – they work best when open

Project management skills

• Critical path analysis
• Scenario Planning
• Multi-tasking on various projects

Teamworking skills

• Working with different people with different skills
• Short term teams set up to do a specific task or project
• Longer term teams working in different functions: finance, manufacturing, sales, marketing… 
• Teams based at head office and in the field

Commitment and attitude

• Show your enthusiasm for the employee by “doing your homework” and researching them deeply.
• Have intelligent questions about them to ask at interview.
• Remember the “6 P’s” – Preparation and planning prevent pretty poor performance!
• If an employer is giving you their time, then have the respect for them to turn up in an informed and intelligent state.
• Stand out from the crowd – show your enthusiasm! 
• Try to develop an awareness of what the culture of the organisation is. 
• You need to fit with the organisational culture!

First interview (there are often two)

• The first stage interview is often a simple face to face interview based around your application form. 
• It is a selection process to filter people to go forward to the second stage interview.

Prep and research

• Everyone likes to feel they are "important" - so does the interviewer!
• Demonstrate this job and this employer really "matters" to you.
• Do your homework - Learn as much as you can about the organisation, its products, services, history, financial position – a good source if information will be their web site and annual reports.
• Find out as much as you can about the position you are applying for.

First impressions

Whether you like it or not, whether you think it is right or wrong - people are making subconscious judgements about you from the moment you walk through the door. So, first impressions do count! 

• Handshake – try to have a good firm, confident handshake! Practice with your friends.
• Smiling – shows confidence and tells something about your personality – try smiling despite the nerves!
• Your posture – the way you stand and sit – be positive – look the part!
• Clear speech – don’t mumble, don’t talk too fast, talk at the appropriate volume level.
• Eye contact – don’t look at the floor when you speak – look at the interviewer – be natural – don’t stare either!

Personal presentation

The key is to be appropriately dressed and comfortable! 

• Be aware of the organisation’s “dress code” – i.e. don’t turn up in the wrong gear – jeans for a suit occasion or vice-versa (horrible thought)
• Don’t feel you have to go and buy new clothes if what you have already are smart and you feel comfortable in. 
• Clothes should be clean and tidy, shoes shiny etc
• Better to be too smartly dressed than too casually
• Be aware that if you have just washed your hair and smell nice – people notice that too! (but don’t go overboard on after shave or perfume).

Questions

Interviews are an information finding exercise for both parties. You may be asked to expand on answers you have given in your application form, and you will be asked different additional questions. You should be prepared to answer the following commonly asked questions

“Could you describe a time or give an example of when you have…”

 … worked in a team

   … lead a group of people

   …solved a difficult problem

   …had to work against tight deadlines

   …had to persuade someone to do something they did not want to but had to be done

   … had to plan and co-ordinate an event/project/activity

   … had to overcome a difficulty or failure

   … had to deal with a conflict

   … had to step outside of the rules to achieve something

   … have found teamwork has not worked – why, how did you deal with it, how was blame handles…

Two favourite questions are:

“Could you describe the strengths that you could bring to this position…”

“What are your weaknesses…”

This all links back to your knowledge of the organisation, the job, your well-prepared application

• Ensure that you can confidently talk about everything on your application form
• Be able to expand and provide more information on all the topics covered
• Having a well-prepared set of questions to ask:
• Don’t just ask questions for the sake of it!
• Prepare some questions before you go for the interview 
• Don’t ask questions that you should know the answer to (e.g., about information you should already have read in the graduate brochure or other information they have already provided you with)

Difficult questions are always asked! You should expect them. So here are some tips:

• When asked a difficult question, it is perfectly OK to take a few seconds to think about the question
• If you do not understand or hear the question properly, ask the interviewer to repeat it (this not only clarifies it but also gives you some extra thinking time)
• When you give your answer – speak clearly and confidently and if there are parts of the question you cannot answer – be honest and say you do not know – or cannot say any more - rather than try to make up an answer.
• Sell yourself and turn negatives to positives in your answers where possible – something may not have turned out how you wanted – but what did you learn from it? (Honestly often very interesting for the interviewer – makes you more human too – we all make mistakes)
• Most importantly, if you have no answers – simply say, “I’m sorry but I don’t have an answer for that question” – you will get respect for your honesty and probably and easier next question to help you along.

Be prepared for different interviewing styles and techniques used by employers

Different interviewers have different styles

• Some interviewers are super-friendly
• Some are “business like” and formal (even “cold”)
• Remember also interviewers are human – they too can have headaches and bad moods – so bear that in mind!

The 7 golden rules

1.    Answer the question asked!

2.    Be concise – don’t waffle

3.    Know when to stop talking

4.    Check if your answer is meeting the questioner’s needs - ask them! "Is this answering your question?"

5.    Make sure you understand the question and check if you don’t

6.    Relate your answers to practical experience

7.    Be honest in your answers – if you don’t know – don’t lie or bluff – say “I don’t know”

Second interview

The second stage is more involved than the first stage interview. In addition to more interviews, you will probably be expected to take part in a combination of individual and group exercises and tests. Due to the more involved nature, a second stage interview could involve at least a whole if not several days’ commitment. 

Written tests and group activities are designed to explore aspects of your behaviour and personality and to give you the opportunity to demonstrate your skills and abilities.

What to expect at the second stage interview- anything from the list below!

•  Psychometric tests
•  Personality profiles
•  Group discussions
•  Presentations
•  Negotiation exercises
• Fact finding exercises
• Business case studies
• Practical exercises
•  Problem solving exercises / activities
• Group activities
•  Creative thinking exercises

What these exercises are trying to achieve?

All of these have very specific objectives behind them. They use a combination of techniques and approaches to check the characteristics and traits needed for the role you are applying for e.g.

• leadership potential
• behaviour under stress
• communication skills
• interpersonal skills
• decision making skills
• general business acumen
• thinking skills
• analytical skills

Group work

There may be very similar people in an assessment centre all competing for the same job – however, group exercises are used to try to discover your true personal traits...

Some golden rules are:

• Be positive
• Play an active role – join in even if it seems a bit strange at first
• Try not to dominate or be too quiet!
• Make sure you know what the aim of the exercise is – sometimes it is deliberately unclear to test and challenge the participants!
• Keep an eye on the time allocated for the exercise
• Be honest and try to be yourself
• Ensure you listen to others in the group and reference people when making points “Taking what Mary just said I think we could…” etc

Job offer

Having successfully passed through a second stage interview, the company will confirm a job offer in writing. 

What is the offer?

• A formal invitation for you to join the company 
• Often conditional on your degree result and references
• Details of remuneration package
• Terms and conditions of employment

What should you do with your offer?

• Carefully read through all the details
• Make sure you understand everything
• Make sure it is as you expected, and you are happy with all the details

Negotiating your “package”

If you do not feel entirely happy about the offer, it is occasionally possible to negotiate certain aspects such as start date and overall financial package.

However, there will usually only be limited flexibility within the offer. If you are going to try to change your package, some points to remember are:

• Try not to have an inflated opinion of yourself – you are new to the world of employment and there is much experience to gain!
• Have a good reason to support your case for changing the offer
• Be reasonable - don’t expect too much
• Be flexible and be prepared for compromises

How to choose between several offers

If you are fortunate enough to receive several job offers – you need to consider your options very carefully. If you have to decide between different jobs, consider the following:

• Location of the work
• Long-term earning potential instead of just the starting salary
• Which organisation do you think you are most suited to and will be happiest in?
• Which job do you think you will be able to do the best?
• Thinking about the actual day-to-day routine job – which do you think you will enjoy the most?
• What are the long-term promotion opportunities?
• What training and skills will you receive and benefit from?

IN A NUTSHELL...

A Personal Coach and Mentor encourages... "No mistakes, no failures, no learning! It is a bummer, but you must get over yourself - get up and get on again - because one thing is sure – someone – sometime – somewhere – is not going to recognise your talent and how wonderful you are!"

This is usually a polite email, letter or phone call telling you that the job is not going to be given to you.

At this point, human nature kicks in in a big way – you may feel sick in the stomach, angry, depressed, bitter – a whole range of emotions – your self-esteem may nose-dive – you may burst into tears – all your dreams shattered....

This may be very tough for you for a few hours or days – but you have to get up and carry on! 

And when you are tempted to say to yourself "If only I'd done or said this or that" - say instead "Next time I am going to..."

As Bear Grylls always says "Never give up!"

As someone perhaps even more famous also said...

“Success is moving from one failure to the next - without loss of enthusiasm!”

Think how many experiments it took to develop electricity, the light bulb, getting the first person on the moon. 

Thank goodness so many people persevered through all those failures!

Try to learn from it – what could you honestly have done better? E.G...

• researched the organisation better? 
• researched the job role better?
• asked or answered questions better?
• been better prepared emotionally (taken an earlier train, not stayed up so late the night before etc)

So don’t stay down longer than you have to in order to lick the wounds of your bruised ego – get up and get at it again, and again, and again until you get what you need.

Often rejection is a blessing in disguise... as years later you may look back and think “I’m so pleased I never got that job – this one is so much better”. 

Believe us – you will!

If you need encouragement - read the poem “Don’t quit”. The last verse speaks powerful truths:

Success is failure turned inside out -
The silver tint of the clouds of doubt,
And when you never can tell how close you are,
It may be near when it seems afar;
So stick to the fight when you're hardest hit -
It's when things seem worst,
You must not quit.

IF YIOU NEED MORE ENCOURAGEMENT...

(Source Bob Gass, Word for Today September 30 & October 1, 2025)

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania tell us that a key predictor of success isn’t talent, title, wealth, or good looks. It’s the ability to work hard for a prolonged period of time towards a focused goal; to keep moving forwards despite challenges, obstacles, and failures. Paul writes: ‘We are pressed on every side by troubles, but not crushed and broken. We are perplexed because we don’t know why things happen as they do, but we don’t give up and quit. We are hunted down, but God never abandons us. We get knocked down, but we get up again and keep going’ (vv. 8-9 TLB).

Here are some famous people who got knocked down but kept on going. A memo issued after Fred Astaire’s first screen test said, ‘Can’t act…slightly bald…can dance a little.’ Walt Disney was fired by a newspaper editor for lack of ideas. He also went bankrupt several times before he built Disneyland. Albert Einstein didn’t speak until he was four and didn’t write until he was seven. His teacher described him as ‘mentally slow, unsociable and adrift forever in foolish dreams’. F.W. Woolworth’s employers at the dry goods store said he hadn’t enough sense to wait on customers. Winston Churchill failed at junior school. He didn’t become Prime Minister of Great Britain until he was sixty-six, after a lifetime of defeats and setbacks. He made his greatest contribution as a senior citizen.

Abraham Lincoln once said, ‘Bear in mind that your own resolution to succeed is more important than any other.’ So when life knocks you down, get back up and keep going.

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One author writes: ‘Grit is passion and perseverance for long-term goals. It’s a marathon, not a sprint…You’re not just running, but getting hit along the way. Grit keeps you moving forward through the sting of rejection, pain of failure, and struggle with adversity. When life knocks you down, you may want to stay down and give up, but grit won’t let you quit…True grit starts with knowing what you truly want. When you know what you want and you can see it, you’ll work hard and persevere to achieve it.

'True grit is also driven by clarity of mind, purpose, passion, optimism, faith, love, hope and quite honestly – stubbornness. Knowing your why, refusing to give up, ignoring the critics, believing the possible, loving what you do, and showing up day in and day out keeps you on the path towards your vision. There’s something inside each of us that wants to feel worthy and be someone of value…

The truth is not everyone will share your vision and believe in your project. But always remember that the circumstances around you and the opinion of others don’t create or define you. Life is never created from the outside in. You create life from the inside out. The grit and spirit you possess on the inside will create the life you experience on the outside. If you have a vision, keep it alive. Remember your purpose. Show up every day and do the work.’

John Quincy Adams said, ‘Patience and perseverance have a magical effect before which difficulties disappear.’ So, stay on course and keep moving forwards, and you will succeed.