So, for this blog post, I thought I'd share what I've learnt so far in my professional life, together with a few top tips on how to finally bag that job you've been daydreaming about. For more career inspiration, be sure to check out my post 'How To Be A Girl Boss', too!
I hope you enjoy!
The 3 Biggest Things I've Leaned About Work Since Leaving Uni
1. It's Unlikely Your Dream Job Will Be The First Job You Land - And That's Okay
I think one of the most difficult things to accept when you're a graduate is the inevitable sense of rejection. Well, I say 'inevitable' - of course, some graduates do walk into their dream job straight away, and that's great! But, for the majority of grads, it can take quite a while to finally make that big career move.
Take my career path, for example. I studied Journalism at uni, graduated in 2013, applied to about 200 jobs and then ended up working in a retail shop for 6 months. After that, I decided to take a break from the UK completely and jet off to Ibiza to work as a holiday rep.
Was this part of the plan? Heck no! I'd always envisaged myself in a swanky office sipping good coffee and I'll admit it, making a decent wedge of money - but the reality was much different. And you know what? That's okay.
The thing is, getting the degree is only one small part of bagging the job and making the big money. Lots of experience and the willingness to work your way up over a period of time on the other hand, is a huge part. You have to be prepared to put in the graft.
2. Office Politics Are Bad
If we're honest, at one point or another, we've all found ourselves embroiled in some office politics. It's normal - and if anything, that unnecessary involvement almost always proves to be a huge learning curve.
However, being involved in the drama once is enough. Learn from it, and in future, stay well clear.
If you're unhappy at work especially, the temptation to gossip can sometimes feel incredibly difficult to resist. After all, gossiping is a distraction, right? Honestly, though, there's a lot to be said for remaining civil and bypassing the drama.
Go to work to do what you were employed to do & always maintain a professional approach. It won't go unnoticed.
3. Work Hard And Be Nice To People
Like I said before, going to work and actually doing what you're employed to do is so important.
There are so many people become distracted by people and other things at work - their phones, what other people are doing, and, like I said before, office politics - that they actually lose track of what they're supposed to be doing.
I think if you're truly happy at work and you genuinely enjoy what you do, it's so much easier to stay focused. I know that at this point in my career, I've never been happier and when I go into work, I'm always so determined to prove my worth - but equally, I know that for others, this isn't the case.
My advice? Work hard anyway!
You never know who you're going to meet, where a certain project or task might take you or who is watching you. So, always say 'yes' to new challenges and always give your all.
How To Stand Out When Applying For Jobs
Your CV is so important, as it's usually the first thing an employer will look at before deciding whether or not to give you an interview.
Your CV should really sell you and showcase what you're all about. You don't need to make it too long, but equally, anything less than 2 pages long is unlikely to stand out.
Talk about your relevant experience, list your achievements, talk about where you see yourself and what makes you the perfect candidate for the job. Take time when writing your CV - if you rush it, you'll regret it.
2. Be Professional But Likeable
If you're invited to an interview, then it's time to give yourself a huge pat on the back. At this point, you can be fairly certain that there aren't many candidates left in the process and ultimately, the power is now in your hands. If you ace this interview, that dream job may just be yours.
In interviews, one of my top tips would be to remain as professional as possible, but to show that you're likeable, too. The employer is going to want to know that you've got good social skills as well as any technical abilities you may possess and if another candidate is just as experienced as you, their end decision is likely to be made on who will fit in the team better.
So, smile as much as possible, maintain a good level of eye contact and show them what an asset you'll be to the team.
3. Go The Extra Mile And Exemplify Relevant Past Projects & Work
As I was saying before, as there is so much fantastic competition now out there and as so many people have degrees, it can be really difficult to stand out. So, if you really want to prove that you're the perfect person for the job, you're going to have to think outside the box.
My advice would be to do as much research as possible on the company you're applying to work with and to spend a decent amount of time preparing for your interview. Think about any questions your likely to be asked and equally, make a short list of questions you'd like to ask, too. Questions such as 'how would you like the successful applicant to help improve the business?' are always great as they show that you're thinking ahead and you're already planning ways that you can enhance the way in which the company works.
As part of this, I'd also advise taking any relevant projects or examples of work with you to the interview - even if the employer doesn't ask you to do so. Why? Because sometimes, being able to evidence your work does the talking for you and if the interviewer can see what you've done before, they know that you aren't just 'all talk' - because some applicants will be!
Taking work with you also shows huge initiative and will give the employer a clear idea as to what your relevant experience actually is. Also, if you're feeling a little nervous and anxious you might forget to mention something important, having that physical evidence in front of you on the day will also help prompt you during the interview.
4. Look The Part & Make An Effort With Your Appearance
Apparently, interviewers make their decision on whether or not they're likely to employ you within the first 30 seconds of meeting you, which is one of the reasons why first impressions are so important. So, make sure that the interviewer remembers the moment they first met you for all the right reasons.
Things like wearing well-fitting clothes that fit in with the working environment and wearing makeup but not too much makeup are two of the many great tips you'll often hear when it comes to your appearance in job interviews. But also, I'd advise wearing comfortable shoes, too. Those fabulous new red heels might look gorgeous, but if you arrive to your interview with cuts and blisters all over your feet, it's likely that the discomfort will distract you from the interview, and you probably won't perform as well as you'd like to.
All these little things make such a huge difference!
For inspiration on how to do your makeup for an interview, check out my post 'How To Create The No Makeup Look'.
5. Follow Up Your Interview With An Email
This tip is one that my fiance, Marc, gave to me, and I honestly think it's one of the best pieces of advice I've ever been given. So, I thought I'd share it with you guys so you can make use of it, too.
So, after your interview, make the effort to send an email to your potential employer thanking them for their time and explaining how much you enjoyed meeting them. I can guarantee that not all of the candidates will make this effort or even think to do this, and so by doing it, you are making yourself stand out even more.
Every little helps!
For more career inspiration, make sure you check out Forbes' article '7 Unconventional Ways To Land Your Dream Job.'
I really hope you found this blog post useful and I can't wait to share more with you soon.
Until next time, lovelies!
Lots of love,
Grace x
PS: Happy October!
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