CV Solutions for Graduates & Young Professionals

Graduate recruitment programs in large organisations often attract hundreds if not thousands of applications. Young professionals are often competing with graduates when applying for jobs in their first 3 years of work experience. How are you going to make sure that your application stands out from the crowd?

The team at CV Solution have been involved in graduate recruitment programs for many different organisations. We know how the programs are typically run and in addition to preparing your CV, we can give you hints and tips on the sorts of things prospective employers are looking for.

The CV Solution Edge

You’ve decided to apply for a job
Need a CV/resume
You hire CV Solution to create an impressive CV/resume. You also ask CV Solution to provide information on all of the Graduate Recruitment Programs you’re interested in applying for		You create your own CV/resume using a template
You approach one or more strategically selected potential employer(s) and submit your application		You approach a potential employer and hand in your resume. It looks like every other resume they’ve received and contains errors you’re not even aware of
The quality of your application is noticed and because you’ve undertaken CV Solution’s Job Search Training, you’ve been able to target organisations that are a good fit for your skills, experience and future direction		The employer is likely to compare your resume with all the other resume’s they’ve received. If they all look the same, why would they choose yours over the others?
The employer contacts you and invites you to an interview. CV Solution have coached you on how to handle the interview invitation and have taught you the questions to ask so you can prepare		If you’re lucky, the employer may still invite you to an interview. You take down the details they give you but you don’t know what questions to ask so you can confidently and adequately prepare
You contact CV Solution for a 1:1 Interview Coaching Session or enrol for a CV Solution Group Interview Coaching Session		You are not sure how to prepare for the interview so you do some basic internet research about interviews
You arrive at the interview well prepared and confident. You perform strongly, having already practiced answering interview questions. You ask some well thought out questions and leave the interviewers impressed		You arrive at the interview, stumble through the questions, not quite sure how what to expect or how to respond. You suffer from nervous energy and may end up rambling or having mental blanks. The interviewers are not impressed
The employer is likely to call back and invite you to the next stage in the selection process		You have no idea how you performed in the interview. The employer is likely to give you the ‘thanks but no thanks’ phone call. Maybe now you could try the CV Solution approach?
You contact CV Solution with the good news and arrange for some 1:1 coaching to get you through the entire selection process
CV Solution taught you how to use the selection process to your advantage and you have decided whether this organisation is for you or not. When the employer calls to make an offer you’re prepared with your response and you’re able to negotiate a great deal. Congratulations, you’ve got the job!
Contact CV Solution now for a FREE phone consultation and to order your CV Solution.

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Hot Tips

#1 – Planning & Goal Setting:
Your first few jobs out of University or TAFE will often determine the direction of your career. Rather than just stumble into a job that is ok – perhaps the only job you were offered - why not carve out a career path that will provide personal and professional fulfilment and satisfaction. Finding such a career will take dedication and commitment to the exploration of your life goals and direction. Of course these will change over time but how much easier would it be to explore your current goals and direction and be working in a job that is aligned with these, and then reviewing your goals and direction over time, than to wander around in a meaningless career waiting for retirement? CV Solution offer several options to help you explore your life goals and direction. We can then help you translate this into potential jobs and/or careers that are likely to provide fulfilment and satisfaction both now and in the future. Using the tools we provide, you can review your goals and direction each year and take a proactive approach to managing your career.

#2 – Research:
The most important part of applying for graduate positions is being prepared; not only at the time of applying but also in the lead up. Employers hiring graduates often look for particular skills and experiences. Some look for well rounded graduates who have worked part time, travelled, played sport and been leaders in their community. Others look for graduates who have only HD’s or H1’s at University regardless of their wider experiences. It’s essential for you to know what your desired future employers are looking for so you can prepare yourself. Attributes most employers look for as a minimum are team work, effective communication skills, time management, emotional and intellectual intelligence. CV Solution offers a range of training courses to help you improve these and other aspects of yourself. Contact us today for our current Training Calendar and to give yourself the CV Solution Edge.

We also recommend that you research the opening and closing dates and the application process for the organisations you’re hoping to work for. Graduate Recruitment Programs for roles commencing in January often commence in the March/April of the year prior. So early in your penultimate year you should already be preparing yourself for Graduate Recruitment Programs. CV Solution can provide you with a list of the opening and closing dates for the organisations you’re hoping to apply with.

#3 – Preparation:
Having identified the different organisations you’re hoping to apply with you’ll need to start preparing your applications. Most applications are completed online and many employers give you the option to save your application and come back at a later date to complete it. CV Solution recommends that you keep a spreadsheet of the organisations you’re planning to apply with; their opening and closing dates; the date you started your online application with them; and the date you completed and submitted your application with them. You should also record all the key dates for each organisation e.g. first round interviews, second round interviews etc.

You’ll also want to obtain soft copies of your CV and cover letters as well as any relevant certificates, transcripts and written referees. It’s better to have too much information that not enough during the preparation phase. The last thing you want is to be half way through your application to find that you’re missing an essential piece of information or document.

#4 – Apply:
Applications can take anywhere from 30 minutes to 3 hours to complete, depending on the complexity and how many documents you need to upload. Some applications will require you to complete online verbal, numerical and/or abstract reasoning assessments; emotional and/or intellectual intelligence assessments; and/or any other relevant assessments. Make sure you allow plenty of time for each application and ensure you won’t be interrupted. You need to dedicate 100% of your concentration during this time so make sure you have access to food and drink and switch your phone, email and social networking pages off.

You should provide a current phone number and email address on your application and make sure you check both regularly. Use an appropriate email address and ensure your answering service message is professional and well articulated. Be aware of any inappropriate background noise in the message. An employer can be turned off by an immature or inappropriate email address or phone message.

#5 – Patience:
The most popular organisations receive thousands of applications and have a team of dedicated staff working tirelessly on the program. The programs are often run over a period of 3-6 months and often involve numerous selection rounds so be patient and ensure every contact you have with the organisation is professional and polite. If you are rude to an administration assistant on the phone you can be sure this will be taken into consideration and will result in a black mark against your name!

#6 – Selection Process:
In time, the organisation will get back to you with either an invitation to the next round or a rejection. In the initial stages don’t be surprised if all communication is via email. Some organisations will offer feedback to rejected applicants and if they do CV Solution highly recommend that you take up their offer.

If you are invited to the next round you should find out as many details as possible. Be sure to arrange the day off work or uni and look up any venue details well ahead of time. Allow yourself plenty of travel time to get there; aim to arrive 30-45 minutes early. It’s much better to arrive early, with time for a coffee and a toilet stop, than late.

You should also think about how you wish to present your CV on the day. CV’s and portfolios look professional if presented in a display folder. There will be many to choose from at your local newsagent or office supply store, alternatively CV Solution can provide a professional display folder as part of your tailored solution. Your folio should include your tailored cover letter, CV, transcripts and certificates as well as any written referees.

Take care with your outfit and pay special attention to details such as jewellery, nail varnish and make up (including lipstick on teeth). Males should be cleanly shaven, with tidy hair and have polished shoes with socks that match the suit and shoe colour. Don’t wear cartoon ties or outlandish shirts. Dress according to the dress code of the organisation you’re applying for. For university graduates this often means a suit and tie for males and a suit, pantyhose and heels for females.

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