Starting your career journey.
As summer is approaching, it can only mean one thing – deadline season.
All the years spent at university are gradually coming to a close. So, what comes next?
Most upcoming graduates will be looking for their first positions in the world of work to start their career journey.
But with many graduates being in a similar position, what can you do to stand out?
We spoke with Claire, our Talent Acquisition Specialist, who shared what key things she looks for when interviewing, and how you can give yourself the best chance when applying for roles.
How can a CV stand out from the rest?
CVs which have a clear process and include relevant experience always stand out. Make sure you check your dates of employment and explain any gaps.
Many people will send a generic CV with the same covering letter to all roles they apply for, but these both need to be structured and tailored to each role and include examples of where you can bring your skills to life.
Have a professional structure, but don’t forget to include your personality. A short statement at the beginning explaining who you are and your interests is always a bonus!
Ensure your CV includes the same font and size throughout and has all your most recent roles with dates.
Always double check the content and make sure the layout is correct on both a laptop and phone; if someone can proof-read that’s even better!
Finally, once you’ve applied for a role, but haven’t been acknowledged, call the company and ask if they have received your CV – this shows that you’re very keen on applying and gives you the opportunity to showcase your personality.
How do I know what role is right for me?
A lot of it depends on your personality, what motivates you, and the skills your degree or any previous roles have provided you with.
Think about your time in university and what modules you enjoyed doing the most. Definitely speak to tutors, friends and family, or someone you look up to in a career you admire to help broaden your understanding on their typical day at work.
For me, I even did a quiz about what role my personality worked best in – and it actually said recruitment, because I’m a people person, I enjoy building long-lasting relationships, and love conversation!
If I get an interview, what things are important to remember?
Always plan your route and journey time allowing yourself to arrive 10-15 minutes early – no one likes the stress of being late!
Although you’re the one being interviewed, it’s important that you get a feel of the company and ask yourself: Can I see myself working here? What is the environment like?
Sometimes notes can help you stay on track during an interview, including points about yourself and your suitability to the role. That way, if you find yourself going off track you can always refer to your notes to bring your point back to something relevant to the role.
Also, remember to always ask questions – this will show how interested you are!
Recently, I’ve noticed that people aren’t showcasing how they bring their skills to life. Look at the role and the skills that are needed, and provide examples of when you’ve used those skills.
Understand that nerves are a normal thing we all experience and companies understand that. Remember that practice makes perfect, so rehearse an interview with friends and family.
What does a typical graduate role look like at Baxter Freight?
Although graduate roles here vary, they all have one thing in common, the support you’re provided with.
For instance, a typical day as an Account Manager will be different from when you first join, to a few months down the line, but the support structure and training plan is set in place from day one. This includes sales training, 121 training with your Team Manager, call coaching, freight specific training, and spending time with all departments to gain a better understanding of the products we offer.
We support all graduates through the entire learning journey, to help them build their portfolio of customers through adding value to their supply chain, creating strong relationships and solving problems creatively.
Is talking about things outside of work relevant?
Here at Baxter Freight we want to know what makes you, you.
That’s why in the interview process we’re interested in what makes you different, and how your values align with ours!
The culture we’ve built here makes it such a diverse and dynamic place to work, so we want to make sure we’re hiring people that match it. We want to know who you are as a person and your motivations; it’s just as important as your ability to do that job.
How do I stay motivated when I get rejected from job applications?
Be resilient – you’re not going to be suited to all roles. Don’t take the rejection personally, try to learn from it.
Think about what you’ve learned along the process and what you could change for next time.
Sometimes it can be because you haven’t tailored your CV, other times it can be from not having the correct experience.
If you are getting a few rejections from similar types of roles, I’d recommend reaching out to one of the companies and ask about what you can improve on.
How can I apply for a role at Baxter Freight – where should I be looking?
All our graduate roles are on the graduate section on our website, so keep your eyes peeled for new updates!
You’ll also find our graduate roles on university career hubs, so check your university page today for more information.
Or you can email me directly with your CV – Claire.McNulty@Baxterfreight.com
For more information about starting your career at Baxter Freight, speak to our Careers Team careers@baxterfreight.com today!
