The Bear Necessities
It’s something drilled into us usually around the time we get our pen license, if not by our teachers then probably by our dads- “failing to plan is planning to fail”. The biggest problem with this annoying advice is that it’s true.
But planning isn’t always a terrible killjoy. Bear Grylls, perhaps the most prepared person in the world, always gets what he sets out for so perhaps it might be worth it despite the extra effort?
Gen Y’s are notorious non-planners. As a graduate you send your CV out into cyber space and you have roughly planned that this will reel in a few interviews but the planning must go further. If a company does call then you need to be prepared to answer. If you are by chance prepared and able to ace a phone interview or impress them enough to get you a ‘face to face’, this is the time to shine.
But to clear up a common misconception- getting to the interview stage does not mean you are guaranteed the job. Yes your chances have increased significantly but again, preparation might be the difference between “welcome to our company” and “thanks but no thanks”.
So how should you prepare for an interview? The basic minimum or bare necessities include:
• Researching the company- know them before you meet them
• Preparing your own questions to ask- at least 20, even if you don’t use them all
• Tailoring your resume- to the role you are going for
• Preparing yourself physically- your outfit, getting there, all that mum stuff..
• Preparing yourself mentally- being confident and enthusiastic
Failing to prepare for an interview, no matter how impressive you are “off the cuff” will almost always result in failure. If you like the job, even if you’re not sure, if you think it sounds terrible, prepare for the interview because you never know what you might discover.
For graduate job opportunities or tips on how to impress at an interview, contact ProGrad’s Graduate Management Team on 02 8235 8300 or alternatively email info@prograd.com.au
I LOVE Bear Grylls! Disappointing to learn he’s show is not as genuine as it seems
but he’s still amazing! Back to the topic… I think those tips are spot on… especially the generalisation about gen y… there are so many stereotypes out there so if you can prove them wrong its definately a big bonus for you! When i came through the ProGrad assessment day… one of the best things i learnt was to get a professional voicemail and let any unknown numbers go through to that when you’re in the process of applying for jobs, then when you’re ready to call them back you’re calm, prepared and aware of who your going to be talking to and the position you’ve applied for!
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Hey this is really nice information. =)
As a Newbie, I am permanently browsing online for articles that can benefit me. Thank you
I previously worked in recruitment and would have to say the most frustrating this was seeing resumes not tailored to the role people have applied for. Theres no point in applying for lets say.. a business development role and then having your career objective as wanting to work in forensic science, it doesn’t mesh whatsoever!
Insightful article!! Going to want a decent amount of time to think about your blog!