The Interview Blueprint For Disaster:



Bella left university with a graduate degree and an elaborate resume she created using a CV template. Before starting her job search, she stumbled upon the chance for her dream job through an alumna who edited a top design magazine. With all the assurance of a newly-minted graduate, she felt that if she showed up for the interview with a CV in hand and a name to drop she would be offered the job.

Unfortunately her over-confidence at the interview came across as arrogance made worse by poor preparation. She blew it and a few months later settled for a less exciting job at a lower salary.

How Bella Got Her Groove Back

A little older but much wiser, our graduate learned what she should have done in the first place. Bella polished her interview skills, and prepared to launch a more successful graduate job search.

Luckily, her university career advisers were able to help revamp her job search by providing CV writing tips and conducting a mock interview to improve her performance.

Graduate Job Search Resources

You've created your new CV and brushed up on interview skills; now it's time to look at potential channels for job leads.

Begin early. Most universities offer career services to help their graduates job search for one or two years after graduation. Often universities maintain profiles of alumni willing to give graduates career advice, which can turn into valuable job leads.

Be Internet savvy. Online graduate career sites like Milkround or Uknetguide list jobs and employers.

Keep reading. The major newspapers - The Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian - plus local and regional papers report on the job market and salary levels. Each industry has trade journals covering industry trends and opportunities for graduates.

Reach out. Jobs can be found even before they're advertised through networking with business and/or personal contacts. However, remember that a networking interview or an informational interview is just that - an exploration for information, not an overt job application or interview.

A networking interview can allow more open discussion than a regular job interview - use this to gain expert industry knowledge. Remember to ask for further contacts, and always send a thank-you after the interview.

Tips For A Great Interview:

Do your research, be organized, well-dressed and on time for your interview.

Good first impressions at an interview are established with a pleasant smile, direct eye contact and a firm handshake.

Be clear and confident, not superior or overbearing.

Be positive and avoid negative remarks, especially about previous employers.

Ask a few questions of your own during the interview, and make sure you mention any aspects of your experience that are relevant to the job.

Be likable, but remember: You're an applicant, not a supplicant!

Ask when you might expect to hear from them. And thank them at the end of the interview.