Comprehensive communication skills; capable of effective output at own direction or, working withing a group are a given; these business skills and behaviours are expected even a prerequisite of getting to meet face-to-face. Less common is the ability to demonstrate to the selection team how you have developed and deployed the skills. Describe what happened, how your/the groups actions affected the bottom line or changed the course of the project for the better.

And as always, brevity; be succinct. If they are interested, your audience with ask for more information. Less, truly is more. Good night!
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Unless the economic landscape changes rapidly they are likely to be disappointed when it comes to securing a real ‘graduate job’ at the end of their course.

First some context parameters; what constitutes a graduate job?
1) One which by a quirk of supply over demand employs people who happen to hold a degree?
Alternatively is it
2) A position, for which, a degree is a pre-requisit?

Last year 408,000* undergraduate places were available, in 2009 this number is likely to increase. Graduates will probably find an excess of supply over demand in the coming years. As the motor industry has found to its cost, keep producing when the market isn’t buying equals a glut of unsold stock.

There is a glimmer of hope though, its never been easier to start a business. Technological advances mean tasks once considered complex and expensive, can be completed for a fraction of the cost. Think what an average personal computer or smart phone can achieve. The consumer market is increasingly sophisticated, creating demand for personalised products and services. It needn’t be the case of invention, innovating something that already exists is an excellent way to earn a living and take control of the economic future.

*Fifty thousand students expected to loose out on university places, July 10th 2009 The Times, Joanne Sugden

Occasionally, even after the online selection and the assessment centre are completed, it is possible to find little to differentiate between candidates. In these instances it can come down to fundamental human instincts.

When it comes to face-to-face interviews remember basic hygiene. You may de-select yourself if you overlook Clean:

• Hair;
• Face,
• Clothes;
• Shoes; and even clean fingernails.

I can say this online without offending, remember deodorant, and if appropriate, a scent (go easy here) overpowering the selection team is not a good idea. As I’m on contentious ground anyway, give careful consideration to jewellery, tattoos and piercings, if in doubt leave it out might be the better course of action.

Remember, you want to give the selectors reasons to say yes!