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Online testing: overview

Online tests. Aptitude tests. Psychometric tests. All different names for essential the same test – a scary one. The next stage in most Vacation Scheme or Training Contract applications is a test of some sorts. Different firms use different tests such as the GMA test or a Watson Glaser test. However, they’re all timed! ThisContinue reading “Online testing: overview”

Commercial awareness

Those dreaded words. I get asked a lot about “what is commercial awareness?” and “how do I become commercially aware?”. Commercial awareness is a skill you must have going in to certain applications and definitely by the time you get to an assessment centre or interview. What is ‘commercial awareness’? Commercial awareness is (probably) bestContinue reading “Commercial awareness”

What are firms looking for?

A popular question when it comes to online applications and how to write a good one centres around the question of “what are firms looking for?”. This depends on the firm’s values, culture and dynamic but this blog is going to walk you through some of the general ones and how to write the bestContinue reading “What are firms looking for?”

Effective firm research

So, we all know that when you’re applying to firms, you must be able to carry out research about the firm, its clients and the work that they carry out. You also need to be able to research which firms you want to apply to and why. There is such an amass of information onContinue reading “Effective firm research”

Avoiding clichés in your application

Thank you to the LinkedIn user who asked me “how do you avoid cliches in your application”? I hadn’t thought about this before but what a great question! Here’s my answer: ‘Passion’ The word ‘passion’ can be quite controversial. I’ve heard recruiters say they cringe when the read it whilst others don’t mind it atContinue reading “Avoiding clichés in your application”

Video Interviews: Overview

Hi everyone! Welcome to this blog on a quick overview of video interviews. If this is a bit basic for you, skip ahead to the blogs below for tips on video professionalism and questions. If you’re still here, here’s a quick overview of what to expect in a firm’s video interview before you start preparing:Continue reading “Video Interviews: Overview”

Video Professionalism

Welcome Welcome to this blog on all of my top tips for making the best impression in your video interview for a Vacation Scheme/Training Contract! Once you click on the link assigned to you by the firm, you only get one shot at the video interview! Firstly… Before you start, it’s worth keeping in mindContinue reading “Video Professionalism”

Interviews: Question Overview

Welcome to this blog on interview questions! The questions in an interview (video interview or at an assessment centre) will vary from firm to firm but I’ve compiled the most common questions here for you to give you a head start in your preparations! Video interviews: During the video interview, you will have the opportunityContinue reading “Interviews: Question Overview”

How many Vacation Schemes/Training Contracts should I apply for?

There is a balance between applying to 1 Vacation Scheme or Training Contract and applying to 100. The right answer lies in there somewhere. I believe that it’s somewhere around 7. 1 – Attendance I always emphasise how important it is to visit the firms you’re applying to. This could be Open Days, Insight EveningsContinue reading “How many Vacation Schemes/Training Contracts should I apply for?”

The key to obtaining a Vacation Scheme

Probably THE most common question I get is “what is the key to obtaining a Vacation Scheme”? I’m a believer that there isn’t one single ‘key’ that will make you successful in all of your Vacation Scheme applications but, there is one underlying theme: FINDING THE RIGHT FIRM FOR YOU For me, once you’re applyingContinue reading “The key to obtaining a Vacation Scheme”