Amanda Rose: Tips on how to land a graduate role

Competition for graduate positions is fierce, and employers want to hear about more than just your technical skills. Here’s how to nail your application.

When employers are hiring graduates, they are checking for more than technical skills.

They know you have got the qualification so now they are looking at attitude.

Can you take correction?

Are you comfortable learning new things?

Do you come up with great ideas?

Are you ambitious?

Do you enjoy working with people?

Is hard work something you are not afraid of?

Are you comfortable speaking up and being strategic?

Do you have life skills?

University graduates need to show their life skills such as an ability to network. Picture: iStock

It is so important to know how to network and deal with people before you go for your first job because it’s probably the most important skill to have in the workplace.

Practice talking to people at networking events – or even at parties and functions.

Get to know people.

Be engaging.

Listen.

You can learn a lot by listening.

Other ways to gain those skills are by going on YouTube and watching other people’s talks, or going for interviews even if you don’t want the job, just so you can practice your interview skills.

Amanda Rose says grads who lack work experience can highlight volunteer work, travel and extra-curricular projects. Picture: Monique Harmer

When employers are hiring graduates, they are looking for enthusiasm.

You have got to want it.

If you turn up for a job and they know you don’t want it, well you shouldn’t have turned up. Show you are looking forward to what you are going to learn and looking forward to the journey.

The qualification is there but they want to know more than that.

If you have not been employed before, point to voluntary work and projects you have undertaken.

Did you build something?

For example, someone might be into electronics and have built a robot.

Have you mentored people?

Have you learnt a new skill or travelled or worked out what kinds of things you like?

Be niche and targeted.

They want to see when your career is not moving, do you stay still or make things move?

Amanda Rose is a business consultant, workplace trainer, LinkedIn influencer and founder of six organisations – and now she is tackling your career questions for SMART Daily every week.

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