Career Clinic - Your Questions Answered

What do I say to the question "What are your weaknesses" question in an Interview - I am bound to be asked that?

Answer: Whatever you do, do not say "I do not have any weaknesses" as this is the worst answer you could give. Alternatively, identify a weakness that you have had and show how you have turned this into a strength or something you have addressed. So, for example, if you have had problems with public speaking or talking in front of groups of people, you could say that you have practiced role play scenarios with friends/family to overcome this and become more confident and if you have been on any relevant training courses to deal with this, highlight those.

I didn't perform to the best of my ability in my last job and I'm worried about the reference I will be provided with. What can I do?

Answer: Employers generally do not give bad references as there could be grounds for legal action so normally they avoid character references and just provid the basic facts. If you feel a statement was untrue you do have grounds to sue for negligent misstatement but that would come further down the line. It may be difficult but try not to worry too much about this at the moment. If you want to put your mind at rest, speak to your last employer about what sort of reference they think they may give you or better stilll, change your reference.

I do not want to register my CV onto job boards to then be bombarded by agency after agency. Whats the best thing for me to do if I still want to get myself in front of potential clients?

Answer: Most job boards allow you to register your CV but select "who" you wish it to be viewable by. Select "Only Direct Employers" or similar depending on which job board you are using so that recruitment agencies cannot see your CV. Alternatively, you could by-pass job boards all together and contact employers directly about potential opportunities.

Firstly, look at the skills you have developed and learnt through your degree and pick out the areas that you enjoy and the areas that interest you. E.g. analysing information, writing, reading, researching etc. Many humanities graduates have strong skills in analysis, argument and judgement but you need to look at your strengths.

Then get researching on the Internet and look at various job roles, read up on different industries and see what interests you. Check out the search engines, look at the job profile pages on job boards and read some job descriptions online. Look into the skills and abilities that are required for the jobs and look into exactly what the job entails. See whether these match the skills you have developed and by reading the job descriptions, you will be able to work out whether it would be something you will enjoy and something you will be good at.

Humanities graduates enjoy careers in such diverse fields as advertising, banking, foreign service, journalism, law, public administration, publishing, and teaching. So have you considered any of these typical industries?

It is very rare that graduates know what they specifically want to do, unless it is a job that has been a dream for someone for years e.g. doctor, physician. So do not worry, you are not on your own - you just need a little time to look into the opportunities available out there! Speak to others, visit your University Career Centre, have a look around the job fairs and get on the Internet - there are many informative sites where you can find information!

I got relatively poor A-levels - mostly Cs - but I got into university and really pulled my socks up and now I'm predicted to get a 2.1. Will my A-levels let me down when it comes to getting a job? Do employers care what A-levels I got?

Answer: It does depend on the company and the type of job you are going for. However, if you are have achieved mostly C's, what I would suggest is to just put down the number of A levels you have got in your CV. C is a pass and is a good result and classed as a pass so do not worry. Make sure you also mention your predicted results for your degree because a 2:1 is excellent.

Throughout university I avoided all the clubs and societies as they all seemed a bit dull, but I'm regretting that now as it seems employers want to see evidence of 'outside interests'. Would have joining the potholing club or debating society really have helped my chances? What can I do now?

Answer: It is true; employers do love extra-curricular activities, as they like to see where your interests lie and how you can use your skills in tasks outside university work. However, not all is lost if you have not joined any clubs. Pick out skills you may have developed and learned when working prior to university. Have you organised any group trips away or been involved in any co-ordination/organisation of parties or events? These can be used to highlight a number of useful skills employers look for. Use group coursework to pick out skills such as team working, leadership and organisation and if you have any hobbies such as playing a musical instrument or photography, try to identify skills that can be translated into positive working abilities. Think long and hard about things you have been involved in over the last few years where you have learned new things, developed new skills and used your best competences that you can highlight.

I'm graduating next year with an English degree, but I really don't have a clue what I want to do as a career. What can I do to sort myself out - am I really destined for a series of mindless temp jobs?

Answer: Of course not. With an English degree there are so many opportunities out there for you and that is a great grounding. Before you start temping, you need to use the time you have to research job roles and industries to try to identify what it is you enjoy and what interests you. Try not to start working before doing this because I have known of so many people getting stuck in that trap and never actually have time to then find a job they really like. Use the Internet to review job roles and read job descriptions on the many job boards on the Internet. This should give you a better understanding of what some jobs involve. Try to identify your main skills and what you enjoy doing now and then match this to the jobs you find. Sometimes, you will not know whether you will be suited to a job before you actually start it but you can certainly prepare by following the above advice.

My friend had an interview before me at the same firm and told me what questions he'd been asked so I could fully prep before going in myself. Is this a form of cheating or would I be stupid not to take advantage of this situation?

Answer: Although your friend went to the same firm for an interview, I am almost 100% sure you will not get asked exactly the same questions. They may be similar but an Interview will generally be guided by your CV and what they want to find out about yourself. The questions will not be general across all candidates. So, using the questions your friend got asked may be good preparation, but you would be silly to rely on just preparing for these questions. Have a look on the Internet for some common Interview questions and make sure you can answer some of these as well.

I'm a history graduate but I've just realised I want a complete change of direction and become an architect. Is it possible to make such a dramatic career change? I've heard of English graduates becoming lawyers and doctors and so on, after completing the relevant training.

Answer: Of course you can make this change and it certainly is not too late at this stage. Yes, it may be too late when you are 40 and decide you want to change. You have a degree, which is a great start and you merely need to research the various ways to convert to become an architect. Definitely, do not be put off though because you are at the best point in your life for a drastic change - do it now!

There seems to be so many different types of interviews - from panels to exam-style written questions and leadership contests to psychometric profiling - it's all very confusing and I feel I can't really properly prepare for all of them. Should I be worried? What can I do?

Answer: Before actually getting an Interview, there is no need to panic and prepare at this stage. Wait until you have been offered an Interview so that you know what it will involve in order for you to prepare properly and avoid wasting time. If they do not tell you what type of interview it will be straight away, call them or email them to find out. You can then start preparing by practicing psychometric tests, practicing roll plays, preparing answers to common interview questions etc or whatever is necessary.

At an interview I was asked if I've ever been in trouble with the law - I do have a conviction but only for something very minor. Do I still have to declare it and if I don't, could I be fired later on?

Answer: If you do not tell your employer and they find out, then it is a sack able offence and it is likely you will get fired. It would be more ethical and less risky to tell your employer about it and explain how minor it was. This will show honesty and you will be credited for that.

I went for an interview for a great job and was verbally told that I'd got it and that the contract would be sent through, but it hasn't arrived. I called up the firm, but they're now saying they haven't made a final decision after all. Is this fair? Can I force them to keep to their word?

Answer: Unfortunately, until a contract is signed nothing is formally agreed. However, that is very unethical of a firm to behave in this way and extremely unprofessional. You probably need to decide whether you really want to work for a company that treats potential employees like this. You cannot force them to keep their word but I would treat this as a learning curve - as this will just prepare you for future eventualities - always make sure you get things in writing so they are formal and definite. If you really want the job, then find out from them how long it will take for a decision because it is not fair to keep you waiting.

Do I have to tell interviewers and prospective employers about any underlying medical conditions, even if they don't affect my day to day work? Could I be sacked at a later date if I don't tell them?

Answer: If it does not affect your day-to-day work then it should be ok. If they ask specifically about certain conditions e.g. epilepsy, then you should answer honestly because if not, this could be seen as lying and potentially you could lose your job.

Should I only apply for jobs that are advertised, or should I actively track down work? What other methods can I use to get jobs that aren't directly advertised?

Answer: Being active is an excellent way to find a job. Approaching a company directly shows you are keen and particularly interested in them. Advertised jobs show what the companies are looking for at that time but if you approach specific companies that you are interested in and tell them about yourself and what you specialise in, you may be lucky if they like you as you may find they miraculously have a job and if not, they may keep you on file to contact in the future. In order to seek out work that is not directly advertised, you need to network, ask friends who know friends, speak to family members and call up companies direct.

It seems the best companies want almost superhuman graduates - they want people who speak umpteen languages, have firsts and all As at A-level and have masses of work experience as well has having travelled virtually everywhere. Are there really people like this - and where does it leave the rest of us 'normals'?

Answer: That maybe what it seems like but recruiters don't want everything! They want you to be able to show a certain number of skills and abilities that you are able to transfer into working practices and they want to see potential drive, motivation and someone who will be productive in their working environment. The skills that employers are looking for vary from company to company and from role to role, so you just need to ensure you prepare fully for each company you apply to. As long as you have skills and abilities that can be highlighted through various experience and activities in order to show what you are capable of, you will be in for a chance. Just remember you are thinking what most other people are thinking - so you are not alone.

I've just been offered another job and am really worried about handing in my notice at my current company. Is there a correct way to resign?

Answer: You must be careful not to resign in the wrong way, as you do not want to leave with negative feelings between you and your employer, especially if you require a reference. Firstly, to eliminate any misunderstanding, always submit your resignation in writing. Make it brief and to the point. It should contain a statement of resignation, an expression of thanks for the opportunity to work for the company, a final date of employment, and a co-operative statement expressing your willingness to help during the transition period prior to your last days of work. Secondly, tell your boss face-to-face. Think about this before you tell them orally and be polite and courteous. Regardless of their reaction, remain calm, professional and positive. Always tell your co-workers the same reason for leaving as what you told your boss. You don't want anything getting back to them that makes you look like a liar. Finally, do not underestimate the importance of working hard during your last days.

I've just been told I've got a job I applied for, but there's another job I really want that I'm still waiting to hear whether I've got or not. I have to tell the first employer whether I definitely want that job or not. Should I say yes and then jump ship if I get the second job - or refuse and hope I get my favoured firm?

Answer: A lot of people get themselves into this dilemma. I would recommend that firstly you call up the second company and find out whether they have any news for you and if not, when in fact they may get back to you. You can always explain to them that you have been offered another job that you need to reply back to. This will create a sense of urgency and also shows them you are in demand. Be careful though not to make too much of an issue as you do not want to put the company off employing you. If this prompts the company to offer you, then you have what you want. If they tell you a date when they will get back to you, then ask company 1, that you want to wait until that date to sign the contract and hopefully they will understand and be happy to wait. It is certainly not a good idea, nor ethical to sign a contract with employer number 1 and then go back on it because there are likely to be a number of consequences if you do this.

I get really nervous at interviews and I think my body language gives me away - I often sweat a lot, have trouble making eye contact and sit in a hunched position. Is this affecting my job prospects? What can I do to sort this out?

Answer: Although this will highlight your nerves, they will not mean you are discounted for the job. There is little you can do about sweating apart from trying to wear thin clothing so you are less likely to get hot. Making eye contact is about practice and experience so simply work on it! Make a conscious effort to make eye contact with everyone you come across and everyone you talk to. The more you do, the easier it becomes and the less of an issue it will be for you. Finally, sitting in a hunched up position is easily resolved. When you sit down anywhere, start sitting with a straight back and upright. It may feel awkward to begin with but not only will it help you in the interview but it will help with your everyday posture. Just remember that your interview is a two way process. By keeping this factor in the back of your mind, you will get less worked up and feel more comfortable! Finally, practice makes perfect, so the more interviews you do, the more relaxed and at ease you will become.

I've landed an interview with a great firm that I really want to work for, the only thing is that I'm not sure how honest to be with them about my outside interests. I'm a community volunteer helping vulnerable young people and while this commitment wouldn't affect normal working hours, it would affect overtime, trips abroad or weekend work. What should I say?

Answer: In this case - be honest! Volunteer work is fabulous and very highly regarded - it will highlight your additional skills, motivations, interests and drive. You do not know at this stage about your overtime and trips abroad so it is not something to worry about until you get offered the job. On top of this, you may find your volunteer work does not continue to take up the majority of your time outside work. Certainly be straight with them about these sorts of interests as they are an invaluable quality!

I'm in my second year at university - is there anything I can do to impress recruiters or make myself more employable? Any extra curricular courses, hobbies, activities or skills I should look at?

Answer: Get involved in any extra-curricular activities you can - from playing sport and organising parties to being involved in the JCR or joining an organisation or group. Employers want to see you have skills outside education. Try to focus on developing your organisation, leadership, teamwork, and communication skills, as these are what they primarily are looking to discover.

Since graduating I've only been offered temporary contracts at various firms - three or six months - and while I've taken these and had good on-the-job feedback, the contracts come to an end and I'm forced to look for work again. How can I end this and get staff contract?

Answer: Contracts are only for a limited period and whilst you may enjoy what you are doing and impress the firm you are working for, it does not guarantee continued employment because at the end of it, there is no job there to be done. Try to find a permanent job or a job with a rolling contract. Remain positive because the contracts you are working on are providing you with great experience and fantastic references.

I've joined a new firm as a trainee - at the interview they said I'd be fully trained by them but I've been there six months now and still there's no prospect of any official training or courses. Should I complain?

Answer: If they have said to you before you started that you would receive proper training and you have not, then you have the right to complain or at least ask whether you will get what you have been told. Before mentioning anything, be sure that you have not got confused. If they said they will train you, that may mean they will train you on-the-job and not send you out to receive external training. Certainly ask them to clear up any concerns or issues if you have any.

After graduating this year I'm thinking of going to Australia and New Zealand for a while - maybe a year or more - and pick up any temporary or part time work. Will this harm my chances of landing a good job when I come back home?

Answer: Definitely not. A great deal more graduates are doing this today and it is highly regarded. If you are concerned though, you can always apply to a company for a deferred position so you secure a role on your return.

I'm in the lucky position of being offered two jobs at different firms, both in the same field and about the same salary, but I don't know which one to take. Prospects at both would be good - what sort of criteria should I think about?

Answer: If both jobs have the same basic offerings, then you need to go to the next level. Think about the types of companies, environment, culture and people. Would you fit in? Which one would you prefer? Look at the benefits they are offering - is one offering slightly better benefits that are more valuable to you personally. Think about the location and commute you may have to do - if one company is further away think about the additional time it would take and costs you would have to incur.

I'm in my final year at university and should get a good degree, but messed up my second year, with poor exam results, and ended up taking the year again. Will this affect my employment prospects? How can I explain the year's resit?

Answer: Try to play this factor down. If they ask, then simply say you were more involved in you're outside interests at that stage in your life and although you worked hard for the exams, you did not work to your full potential. Tell them you regret this mistake and have learnt from it. Turn the experience into a positive.

Should I apply directly to specific firms or should I concentrate on using agencies and internet graduate recruitment sites? Which will have better results?

Answer: Use both - it will widen your opportunities and prospects. Applying direct to the client is a great way to highlight that you are specifically interested in them as a company but you will find that some will not accept applications directly leaving you the only option to use external parties.

Do I have to say what grades I got in my GCSE and A Level exams - or can I just say how many GCSEs and A Levels I got in total? I only ask because my school grades were quite low, but I should get a reasonable university degree, so I'm worried my school grades could hinder my job prospects.

Answer: If you are really concerned about leaving these in, you could try to apply without specifying the actual grades. If they need to know this information, they will then contact you about them. Unfortunately, if you are applying via an application form, the majority will ask for the specifics at GCSE and A level. As long as you put your expected University grades in and highlight how well you have done at University at the front of your CV and cover letter, you may be able to convince the reader of your ability.

I arrived late for an interview through no fault of my own because the trains were cancelled at the last minute, however the interview panel didn't seem too impressed and gave the impression I should have allowed for travel problems. Are they being fair - and will this affect my chances of getting a job at the firm?

Answer: Unfortunately, although it was not your fault it is one of the biggest mistakes to make when going for an interview. Just hope that they see through this and liked you as an individual and recognized your ability to do the job. If they can see potential in you, they will no doubt invite you back for a second interview to give you another chance - all is not lost!