This document provides information on graduate schemes and the application process. It discusses the most common types of graduate schemes, which typically involve a 2-3 year structured training program within a company leading to a permanent position. The recruitment process for graduate schemes is lengthy and involves CV/application submissions as well as competency-based interviews and assessments. The document offers tips for applying to graduate schemes, including researching the employer's requirements, tailoring one's CV and applications with relevant skills and experiences, and preparing for selection tests and interviews. University career centers can provide resources and advice to support students through the application process.

1. What are Graduate schemes
and how do I apply?

2. In this session, we will cover:
o The most common graduate steps
o The graduate recruitment process
o CV and written applications
o Further support

3. Common steps after graduation
Work – graduate or non graduate
Further study
Other
Looking for work

4. What are Graduate schemes?
- Training programme with employer
- Often 2-3 years (leading to permanent position)
- Structured, salaried development programme
- Sometimes involves further study/ qualifications
- Offered in a huge range of areas- HR, management,
technical, advertising, accountancy
- Usually recruit in final university year
- Lengthy recruitment process

5. Graduate Recruitment Process

6. Other things to consider:
- Some employers use their internship/ placement
years as part of the recruitment process
- Insight days are valuable
- Careers events/ fair/ information books
- Start with a group of other graduates
- Fast track to senior positions within organisations

7. How do I apply?
Graduate schemes
sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/graduateschemes
tinyurl.com/gradfairs
Graduate jobs
sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs
Social media – LinkedIn, Twitter etc.
Recruitment Agencies agencycentral.co.uk , jobagencies.com
Sector specific
sussex.ac.uk/careers/researchingcareers
Employers’ websites sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/researchingemployers/employers
Location specific
Sussex: diigo.com/list/sussexcdec/working-in-sussex
UK: careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/where/regional
International sussex.ac.uk/careers/careerchoicesinternational
Working for yourself
guides.careers.sussex.ac.uk/enterprise sussex.ac.uk/careers/startupsussex

8. Competency Based Recruitment
Set around a group of defined skills, attributes and
expectations
•Job advertisement
•Job description
•Person specification
•Other information

9. 1. CLIENT RESPONSIVENESS
2. DELIVERING QUALITY SERVICE
3. BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS
4. LEADERSHIP
5. BUSINESS FOCUS
6. PROBLEM SOLVING
7. ACCOUNTABILITY
8. CAREER MOTIVATION
9. MAKING AN IMPACT
KPMG Competencies

10. Example Online Application

12. Find out what the employer wants by looking at:
• Job advert
• Job description
• Employer´s website
• Sector information
Think about how you match this
• Skills
• Experience
• Knowledge
Before starting an application…

13. Filling in Application forms
• Work in draft first
• Follow tips for on-line applications
• Check for spelling and grammar
• Complete all the sections
• Check you have answered the question

14. Evidencing your skills in an application form
Competency questions
• Describe a time you've successfully used communication
skills.
• Provide an example of a situation when you dealt with
conflict in your team.
Personal statements
• Please give us any information supporting your application
and provide evidence of any educational, employment and
extracurricular activities which demonstrate that you have
relevant skills for the role

15. STAR
Situation
Task
Action
Result
www.kent.ac.uk/careers/compet/skillquest.htm

16. Personal Details
Name / Address / Contact Information
Personal profile (optional)
Do I have something concrete to offer – qualification/experience?
Education
What, Where, When / Highlighting relevance
Work experience
Any experience or employment
Additional skills
IT, languages etc.
Interests
Make them relevant
Referees
1 academic and 1 work or personal
CVs- What do you include?

17. Use of language
• Use bullet points.
• Verbs at the start of sentences e.g.
“Doubled attendance at club meetings“.
• Use action verbs.
• Short sentences.
• Active not passive.
• Sufficiently formal.
• Check grammar and spelling.

18. Layout / Structure
• Logically ordered.
• Easy to read and not cramped.
• Use of underlining and bold.
• Font.
• Length.
• Try the 30 second test!

19. Selection tests and Assessment centres

20. Interviews
Prepare:
• logistics
• knowledge of the job
• knowledge of the employer
• know how you match
• anticipate questions
• practise

21. Resilience
while job hunting
• Job hunting takes time and potentially some
rejection.
• Ask for feedback.
• Keep a positive attitude and self-belief.
• Fewer targeted applications = more effective than
blanket approach.
• Create a network of support – use CEC!

22. How we can help
• CEC resources:
sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs/applyingforjobs
• CEC events
sussex.ac.uk/careers/events
• 1-to-1 advice and feedback
• Approx. 400 graduate jobs at: sussex.ac.uk/careers/jobs