22 advice for graduates
career clinic
Making decisions about your career
can be daunting; however the
GradJobs career clinic is here to
help. If you’re unsure how to create
a cracking CV and covering letter,
or you’d like advice on how to land
that top job, then look no further…
Illustrations by Natalie Boo Mosquera
I keep getting rejection letters after position your request for feedback. Tell the easier to amalgamate many short-term
interviews – how do I go about getting employer that you understand that you jobs of a similar nature into one category
feedback from the interviewers? have not got the job and you are okay with – and present this as a single period
That’s a tricky one. It’s difficult to ask for that, however you would really appreciate of employment, much as you would if
feedback because of course no interviewer some feedback so that you can learn from you had worked for an agency on many
is obliged to give it – after all it is not their your interview experience and do better at different assignments.
responsibility to coach you on where you’re your next. Peter Panayotou
going wrong. In my experience, it is rarely
down to any one thing you did or did not One other suggestion is to say at the end What should I do if I get a third class
do in the interview. In the end, they make a of your interview or assessment day that degree? Do I tell the truth?
judgement based on the overall suitability you would really appreciate feedback and Be honest and be proud of what you have
of all the candidates they interviewed and ask who should you contact to get this. achieved – you have given three years
the one thing you have no control over is Lindsay Hanson of your life to study! When recruiting for
the competition. Still, I would encourage trainee managers here at Majestic we
you to enquire as to their reasons for I’ve had a lot of jobs over the past few look at a combination of factors, not just
rejecting you. It may be a bit cheeky, but years – how can I present these to exam results. We really value relevant
you have nothing to lose (you didn’t get my advantage? work experience, and look closely at
the job anyway right?). Any insight you can You should consider all the jobs you your interests and your personality. It
elicit will be useful. have done and reflect on the skills and is crucial that graduates fit our unique
Peter Panayotou experience that you have gained through culture and therefore of most importance
each of the jobs. If the jobs are of a similar is the amount of research that has been
It is always a good idea to phone in person nature you can link them to show that you carried out in relation to the role and the
to get feedback. You may not feel very have an interest in that particular area. company. Go further than looking at the
comfortable doing this however you may get Lucy Hoyle organisation’s website. Track down recent
more detail than in an email or letter. The key graduate recruits within the company to
to taking feedback is to listen and take note There’s no substitute for experience! If get some tips to help your application and
rather than to challenge or be defensive. the jobs have been fairly similar, there boost your understanding of the position
Once you know the areas that you need to could be a good reason for that: for you are applying for.
develop, you can then start to work on them example a series of short-term contracts, Rob Oxley
in preparation for your next interview. which I don’t think would be a problem.
Lucy Hoyle If the jobs have been quite varied, you Honesty is always the best policy. So,
can present yourself as someone with if it happens, and you get a third class
It’s best practice for employers to provide a great deal of flexibility and adaptability degree, then I recommend that you own
feedback to candidates but not all follow from having worked in such a diverse up to it. Many employers undertake
this largely due to fears of litigation. range of positions. If you are afraid of checks on qualifications, so it is likely that
Consequently, you should think how you looking look like a job-hopper, it may be the truth will come out and no employer
gradjobs.co.uk
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