Steeling yourself to start applying for a graduate programme? It is a time consuming process but if you approach it properly, you should give yourself the best chance of getting the result you want. Here are some tips on how to stand out from AUT Employability Specialist Shaun Pulman.
What is distinctive about you?
So what is distinctive about what you have to offer? That is the first question to sort out when you’re sitting down to tackle an application, whether for a graduate programme or other role. Large organisations receive hundreds, if not thousands of applications, so recruiters are looking for something distinctive.
“What sets you apart, what can you talk or write about that nobody else will,” asks Shaun.
“Subject areas of specialty or interest? Volunteering, travel, languages? Part-time work? Sport and cultural activities? Why you’ve moved to NZ, why you’re interested in this industry?”
What skills can you offer?
Think about your part time work or volunteering and how the skills and experiences you’ve had can transfer over into the internship or graduate programmes you’re aiming for, says Shaun.
“What skills have you developed, such as organisational skills, communication skills, collaboration, team work? What about co-operative education, work experience, industry projects, or something you’ve set up and done in your own time?
“Don’t just list your papers, projects or part time job. Write about them in a way that shows that you know the experience has helped you develop a skill that the organisation is asking for in the graduate programme application or the job advertisement.”
Make the most of LinkedIn
Follow organisations on LinkedIn so you get updates from them into your LinkedIn feed – not just for job advertisements but also to learn more about the company, what they’re doing, and the projects they’re working on.
“Also send recruiters a brief message introducing yourself, say you’re going to apply and to look out for you. Let them know you understand something distinctive about the organisation. It doesn’t have to be long but it needs to show that you’ve thought about them and yourself. Showing prep and engagement it is super appreciated,” says Shaun.
Don’t muck around – get your application in
It is not okay to leave it to the last minute to apply, says Shaun. Think about it from the recruiter’s perspective, not a student’s point of view, he suggests.
“Some organisations may stop accepting applications after a certain number because they’ve already got enough. If they’ve got really good applications, they’d rather spend time looking more carefully at the ones where people have bothered to get organised and apply before the deadline. Early applications demonstrate enthusiasm, dedication and desire to work with them. It's not like an assignment that can go in one minute to midnight.”
Want help to prepare?
Sign up for a CV, cover letter, interview practice or online assessment workshop with AUT Employability and Careers.
How? It’s easy. Go to Elab Online, use your AUT user-name and password to sign in, then look for ‘Events’ and search for Employability and Careers Workshops in ‘Types of Events’.
Written by Employability and Careers writer Angela McCarthy with Employability specialist Shaun Pulman.
Originally posted in the AUT Employability Blog where you will find heaps of other useful information on employability and career issues
