Five top tips to get on a graduate training scheme

There has been a lot in the press recently about the drop in graduate opportunities. The term “lost generation” is being paraded across headlines up and down the country. But it’s not all doom and gloom.

While it is true that some graduate training schemes have been suspended and even cut over the past four years, things are improving, according to Chris Rea, employer business manager at Prospects.

“There was a significant drop in graduate offerings when the recession hit but there has been healthy recovery,” says Rea.

“More types of firms have entered the arena so you will probably find a greater range available to students than before the crash.”

The benefits of bagging a place on a fast-track graduate scheme are numerous, not least if you’re looking for job vacancies in London. Organisations tend to treat their graduates to exclusive treatment, giving them access to resources, training and mentoring that will give them a significant boost towards a successful career.

Schemes can last up to two years and, although there is no guarantee of a permanent place at the end, leavers are in a great position to secure a position elsewhere.

So how do you get increase your chances of getting onto a scheme?

Here are our top five tips:

1. Start thinking about training schemes early

“The graduates with the best chances get stuck into career planning the moment they get to university,” says Rea.

You might not know exactly which scheme you want but you can always start preparing. Graduate employers love to see extracurricular activity on CVs. Being an active member of a club or society really sets you up.

Cut-off date for many (not all!) applications is Christmas, so being prepared and well researched by then is a good idea.

2. Get some relevant work experience

Even if it’s only for a couple of weeks, showing that you have spent time in a working environment will make you look appealing to employers.

Gap years do not hold the kind of sway they once did. Simply travelling might not impress employers, so you need to consider what you have done in your gap year. Volunteering and teaching English are great ways to make your time away count.

3. Use social media

Social media is no longer just a way to keep in touch with friends – it’s also a great way to put yourself on the radar of potential employers. Most companies have a Facebook page and Twitter account, so connect and start impressing.

Join conversations, ask questions and generally make yourself heard – when you come to apply they should already know you.

LinkedIn is a very valuable tool for networking. You can use it communicate with companies and also to do research. If you have an interview, find out who will be on the panel and do some digging. Showing you have done your homework will ensure you stand out.

4. Practise being an interviewee

Employers like to meet with articulate, well-rounded individuals who can fit into an organisation. If you communicate yourself well in an interview it is a huge advantage.

No matter how chatty and confident you are normally, nothing will prepare you for the experience of your first interview, other than practice. Formal and informal interview practice is essential. Career services as well as friends and family can be useful in this situation.

5. Be flexible

If you have decided that you want to work in one place but get offered a position in another city, don’t back out. These are opportunities not to be missed and flexibility is an important career-building tool.

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