{"id":9358,"date":"2015-10-21T11:38:29","date_gmt":"2015-10-21T11:38:29","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/?page_id=9358"},"modified":"2025-10-16T15:57:52","modified_gmt":"2025-10-16T14:57:52","slug":"careers-advice","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/students-graduates\/careers-advice\/","title":{"rendered":"Careers Advice"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\">[mk_page_section bg_image=&#8221;http:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/typer.jpg&#8221; bg_position=&#8221;center top&#8221; bg_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; bg_stretch=&#8221;true&#8221; bg_video=&#8221;yes&#8221; video_color_mask=&#8221;#353535&#8243; min_height=&#8221;290&#8243; full_width=&#8221;true&#8221; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=&#8221;h1&#8243; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; size=&#8221;38&#8243; line_height=&#8221;90&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; letter_spacing=&#8221;1&#8243; margin_top=&#8221;144&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; el_class=&#8221;career_advice_header&#8221;]CAREERS ADVICE[\/mk_fancy_title][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;41&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1760453350241{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; color: #464646;\">Found a role you like but don\u2019t know where to start? <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 16px; font-weight: bold; color: #464646;\">Our guide can help. It shows you how to write a CV, craft a cover letter, and prepare for interviews &#8211; all to help you land the <a href=\"\/students-graduates\/student-placements\">placement<\/a>, <a href=\"\/students-graduates\/internships\">internship<\/a>, or graduate role you\u2019re aiming to secure.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-circle-o-down&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; background_color=&#8221;custom&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1506509150831{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#cccccc&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1760453309143{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Remember: First and foremost before you hit the \u2018Apply\u2019 Button when you are interested in a role:<\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 20px;\"><strong>\u2018Tailor Your CV &amp; Cover Letter\u2019<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Avoid sending the same application to every job. Recruiters can tell when you\u2019ve taken the time to personalise your application and that effort makes all the difference. Remember, you only have about 30 seconds to make a strong first impression!<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation=&#8221;fade-in&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1445433473510{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][mk_icon_box icon=&#8221;mk-moon-profile&#8221; title=&#8221;CV Tips&#8221; text_size=&#8221;26&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; style=&#8221;simple_ultimate&#8221; icon_size=&#8221;large&#8221; icon_location=&#8221;top&#8221; title_color=&#8221;#758089&#8243; margin=&#8221;10&#8243;][\/mk_icon_box][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;last&#8221;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Try to keep it to two (2) pages.<\/li>\n<li>Should be simple and easy to read.<\/li>\n<li>Must have a \u2018Personal Profile\u2019 \u2013 use emotive language and words to get the employer to notice your CV. Keep it targeted to the job you are interested in applying for.<\/li>\n<li>\u2018Key Skills\u2019 should be on your 1st page \u2013 paint a pic on the employers eye on what you could be and how you could add value to them, should have a clear concise list.<\/li>\n<li>You don\u2019t need to add a full list of your grades, could add key ones that could be seen relevant to what you are applying for.<\/li>\n<li>Tell the truth \u2013the employer can spot these lies when checking your background and references.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Check your CV before giving it to employers \u2013 for example if you are unsure use spell check or ask someone else to proof read it for you.<\/li>\n<li>Use bullet points.<\/li>\n<li>No unnecessary details \u2013 i.e. date of birth, marital status, national insurance number.<\/li>\n<li>Be concise and use short snappy statements that catch the reader\u2019s attention.<\/li>\n<li>Have a clear style \u2013 use a clear and easy to read font \u2013 no smaller than 11 points.<\/li>\n<li>Have your Hobbies &amp; Interest\u2019 section varied. Talk about what you do outside your extra-curricular.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-circle-o-down&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; background_color=&#8221;custom&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1506509150831{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#cccccc&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation=&#8221;fade-in&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1445433516088{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][mk_icon_box icon=&#8221;mk-moon-file-3&#8243; title=&#8221;Cover Letter Tips&#8221; text_size=&#8221;26&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; style=&#8221;simple_ultimate&#8221; icon_size=&#8221;large&#8221; icon_location=&#8221;top&#8221; title_color=&#8221;#758089&#8243; margin=&#8221;10&#8243;][\/mk_icon_box][vc_column_text]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Sometimes when candidates CVs are hard to differentiate between one another, the employer\/recruiter will look at the quality of their cover letter to decide. Or it is maybe the letter stands out more than your CV and they would like to meet you. Which ever way you look at it, having a well-thought tailored letter is important. So make it count!<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;last&#8221;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Why you want to work for the company<\/li>\n<li>What interests you in the role<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Why they should pick you<\/li>\n<li>Include the key characteristics they are looking for with some examples<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-circle-o-down&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; background_color=&#8221;custom&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1506509150831{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#cccccc&#8221;][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;30&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation=&#8221;fade-in&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1445433551416{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][mk_icon_box icon=&#8221;mk-moon-phone-2&#8243; title=&#8221;Telephone Interview Tips&#8221; text_size=&#8221;26&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; style=&#8221;simple_ultimate&#8221; icon_size=&#8221;large&#8221; icon_location=&#8221;top&#8221; title_color=&#8221;#758089&#8243; margin=&#8221;10&#8243;][\/mk_icon_box][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;last&#8221;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Be in a quiet place as you don\u2019t need distractions.<\/li>\n<li>Be ready at least 10mins before so you don\u2019t miss the call.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure you come across a confident speaker and show your enthusiasm for the role you are being interviewed for.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure you don&#8217;t talk too fast, sometimes nerves can get the better of us. So slow it down.<\/li>\n<li>Have a glass of water next to you, to help you, if you get tongue-tied.<\/li>\n<li>Standing up throughtout your phone interview can encourage natural assertiveness and confidence.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Pre-prepare with cue cards\/notes, if necessary, to help you prepare for answers that could be asked, i.e that tricky \u2018tell me about yourself\u2019 question could be asked.<\/li>\n<li>Keep focused on what question the interviewer has asked you.<\/li>\n<li>Re-read your CV &amp; cover letter or application form and prepare loose answers to some of the questions that you think may arise.<\/li>\n<li>Try to do a research on the company website, ask relevant questions.<\/li>\n<li>Try to speak about the appeal of the role &amp; company values.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-circle-o-down&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; background_color=&#8221;custom&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1506509150831{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#cccccc&#8221;][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation=&#8221;fade-in&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1445433596808{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562772015541{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][mk_icon_box icon=&#8221;mk-moon-bubbles&#8221; title=&#8221;Face-to-face Interview Tips&#8221; text_size=&#8221;26&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; style=&#8221;simple_ultimate&#8221; icon_size=&#8221;large&#8221; icon_location=&#8221;top&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#00aeef&#8221; title_color=&#8221;#758089&#8243; margin=&#8221;10&#8243;][\/mk_icon_box][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;last&#8221;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#00aeef&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Get to the interview at least 10\/15min before it starts so you are not late.<\/li>\n<li>Firm handshake with the interviewer.<\/li>\n<li>Dress to complement the industry you are trying to get into when going to the interview.<\/li>\n<li>Go over the job spec to refresh your memory.<\/li>\n<li>Practice saying things you might be asked in an interview rather than just writing it down on a piece of paper, especially when you are nervous.<\/li>\n<li>Research the company&#8217;s industry and their competitors.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243;][mk_custom_list style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#48c0db&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Ask them questions about the industry\/company.<\/li>\n<li>See it like it is a chat.<\/li>\n<li>Stay focused on your end goal, stay motivated &amp; positive.<\/li>\n<li>Stay focused on what you are saying.<\/li>\n<li>Body language is important, send good vibes in the interview.<\/li>\n<li>Keep smiling and be warm, make that person (interviewer) feel you want to be there and you feel it too.<\/li>\n<li>At the end of the interview, thank the employer for their time for seeing you.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_icon icon_fontawesome=&#8221;fa fa-arrow-circle-o-down&#8221; color=&#8221;custom&#8221; background_style=&#8221;rounded&#8221; background_color=&#8221;custom&#8221; size=&#8221;lg&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1506509150831{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221; custom_color=&#8221;#cccccc&#8221;][mk_padding_divider][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row animation=&#8221;fade-in&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1445433596808{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1562772177901{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;][mk_icon_box icon=&#8221;mk-moon-tshirt&#8221; title=&#8221;What to Wear Tips&#8221; text_size=&#8221;26&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; style=&#8221;simple_ultimate&#8221; icon_size=&#8221;large&#8221; icon_location=&#8221;top&#8221; icon_color=&#8221;#00aeef&#8221; title_color=&#8221;#707589&#8243; margin=&#8221;10&#8243;][\/mk_icon_box][vc_column_text]\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">The way you dress for a job interview is very important, you want to make a good impression but not be over the top.<\/p>\n[\/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first&#8221;][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243; el_position=&#8221;last&#8221;][mk_custom_list title=&#8221;Women&#8221; style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>A mid-sized heel is probably best if you want to wear heels. If you were to wear a pair that you couldn\u2019t walk in it may make you more nervous, which is never a good thing!<\/li>\n<li>A shirt\/blouse is always a good choice when attending an interview. A patterned\/bold print shirt is always good as well showing your personality.<\/li>\n<li>A blazer is essential when going to an interview especially when you are attending more than one. A fitted blazer is a good choice as it makes you look classy without taking away your sense of style.<\/li>\n<li>Trousers are a safe bet for an interview but still can be dressed up appropriately. They can be worn with a fitted shirt and blazer, but also a smart jumper.<\/li>\n<li>Dresses are also a good option, but you have to be careful when selecting the right dress. Shirt dresses are usually the best option as they are nice but also smart.<\/li>\n<li>A bag is another thing that, investing in a good leather one is always a good idea, preferably one that fits everything in.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;5\/12&#8243;][mk_custom_list title=&#8221;Men&#8221; style=&#8221;e26a&#8221; width=&#8221;1\/1&#8243; el_position=&#8221;first last&#8221;]\n<ul>\n<li>Every man needs at least two suits, but in solid plain colours not pinstripes! Grey and navy are often good colours to go with as they go with just about everything.<\/li>\n<li>A simple white shirt is also a good choice for the first interview as it is safe but still smart and goes with both the grey and navy suits.<\/li>\n<li>The tie is also an important thing because you don\u2019t want to go to extreme with the pattern, so keep it simple and choose something that is not too extravagant.<\/li>\n<li>Black lace up shoes are the best option when choosing what to wear on your feet.<\/li>\n<li>Make sure that your shirt is ironed, tucked in and suit is clean, also that the tie is tied in a neat knot with the top button done up.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n[\/mk_custom_list][\/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width=&#8221;1\/12&#8243;][\/vc_column_inner][\/vc_row_inner][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider][vc_column_text css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1733481382293{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]<span style=\"color: #fff; font-size: 8px;\">You have come to the right place for CV for Student Placements, CV for Internships, CV for Graduate Jobs, Cover Letter for Internships, Cover Letter for Student Placements, Cover Letter for Graduate Jobs<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][mk_page_section bg_color=&#8221;#00aeef&#8221; speed_factor=&#8221;4&#8243; min_height=&#8221;50&#8243; padding_top=&#8221;20&#8243; padding_bottom=&#8221;0&#8243; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][mk_fancy_title color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; size=&#8221;25&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; txt_transform=&#8221;uppercase&#8221; letter_spacing=&#8221;2&#8243; margin_top=&#8221;9&#8243; margin_bottom=&#8221;10&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221;]Wishing you all the best in your job search[\/mk_fancy_title][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section]\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[mk_page_section bg_image=&#8221;http:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2015\/10\/typer.jpg&#8221; bg_position=&#8221;center top&#8221; bg_repeat=&#8221;no-repeat&#8221; bg_stretch=&#8221;true&#8221; bg_video=&#8221;yes&#8221; video_color_mask=&#8221;#353535&#8243; min_height=&#8221;290&#8243; full_width=&#8221;true&#8221; sidebar=&#8221;sidebar-1&#8243;][vc_column][mk_fancy_title tag_name=&#8221;h1&#8243; color=&#8221;#ffffff&#8221; size=&#8221;38&#8243; line_height=&#8221;90&#8243; font_weight=&#8221;bold&#8221; letter_spacing=&#8221;1&#8243; margin_top=&#8221;144&#8243; font_family=&#8221;none&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; el_class=&#8221;career_advice_header&#8221;]CAREERS ADVICE[\/mk_fancy_title][\/vc_column][\/mk_page_section][vc_row][vc_column][mk_padding_divider size=&#8221;41&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text align=&#8221;center&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1760453350241{margin-bottom: 0px !important;}&#8221;]Found a role you like but don\u2019t know where to start? Our guide can help. It shows you how to write a CV, craft a cover letter, and prepare [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":6191,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-9358","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9358","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=9358"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9358\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":51982,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/9358\/revisions\/51982"}],"up":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/6191"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.studentemploymentservices.co.uk\/staging\/3440\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=9358"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}