Letter to students & recent graduates.
Dear Student/Recent Graduate,
This one’s for you.
I’ve heard all your stories about how you need to know somebody who knows somebody who knows the right person before you can even get an interview. Like you, many job seekers do not apply to their dream companies because they have no “connections”, or blame their unsuccessful applications on their lack of connections.
Another lie we’re often sold is that grades don’t matter. That is a trap, I can affirm to you that your grades are important. While they may not be a testament to your capabilities, they will get you through the door. Sometimes if your grades aren’t up to par, you don’t even get the opportunity to show how good you are.
This isn’t to say that a good grade is the only thing that can land you a good job. Regardless of what your grades are, now is a good time to start gaining practical experience and building your non-academic portfolio. Identify your areas of interest and start finding ways to develop yourself and sharpen your skills.
Contrary to popular opinion, many firms favour merit when filling vacancies. I have seen how several job seekers have advanced through interview stages before landing the job. After reflecting on my own unsuccessful applications, I realised that it was my shortcomings that prevented me from getting the jobs I applied for and not my lack of connections.
Being conscious of this has helped me prepare better for other opportunities. I started to ask myself the hard questions, “Am I qualified for the position?”, “Am I capable of scaling through their tests and interviews?”, “If I was the hiring manager, would I hire me?”.
Sometimes, the answers to these questions can make us feel inadequate, but it is important to answer them honestly so that we can improve. There is always room for learning and development.
From my experience, here are a few keys to arm yourself with when you’re applying for a job:
- Organizations have a list of requirements applicants need to tick off before they’re offered the job. If you want the job, you have to measure up. Prepare yourself, know the criteria you will be judged on, conduct mock interviews for yourself, read resources related to the job role, prepare like you often do when preparing for exams in your school. If you’re going for a role that requires one, make sure your portfolio is up to date and displays your best work.
- Companies are known to conduct aptitude and psychometric tests. They often include numerical reasoning, abstract reasoning, verbal reasoning, etc. To pass through a stage like this, two things are important:
Practice as many tests you can lay your hands on. Many of them usually take the format of GMAT exams. You will find helpful resources on the internet
Be pragmatic in your approach, when taking such tests. Don’t spend a lot of your time on a time-consuming section like the numerical reasoning. If the testing system allows, skip to simpler sections, and accurately answer the questions. This helps you save time, and improve efficiency.
- Many organizations will want to see your grades before they let you in. Your grades will determine whether or not you will participate in the interview stages. Sometimes they use this as a way to cut down the number of applicants, or as a way to measure your dedication. Whatever the reason, it is in your best interest to have good grades.
- If you don’t have good grades, it is not the end of the world. This just means that you will need to find creative ways to display your value. This could be through volunteering, personal projects or building up your online portfolio.
- Ask Questions. Sometimes, the difference between a job offer and a rejection mail is the questions you ask during your interview. Ask about the organisation, your questions should show that you did your homework and that you’re excited to join them.
Here are some other things to take note of when submitting your application in order to increase your chances.
Getting into your dream company is dependent on what you know, not who you know. It is essential that you divest yourself of these harmful views and focus your energy into presenting your best self to the organisation.
I wish you all the best,
Editors: Emma Nwosisi & Teju Adeyinka