* Do all you can before you graduate – 37 per cent of the jobs being offered by the top companies are expected to be filled by graduates who have held paid internships or done voluntary work, holiday work or work experience.

* Create a good CV – sounds obvious, but busy HR departments will be ruthless and making mistakes is an invitation for them to throw your CV in the bin.
Your CV should be neat, accurate and easy to read – and get somebody else to proof it! Look at the personal specification for the job and match your skills and attributes to what is asked for.
You need to include a strong personal statement where your personality shines through.

* Create the right impression with your cover letter – match your experience to the job specifications. Use concrete examples from school, university, temporary jobs, voluntary work, travel.
Make direct links to your university course wherever possible.

* Prepare thoroughly for your interview – most interviews invite you to say something about yourself – if you’ve prepared your answer, you can deliver it in a relaxed manner.

* Be well presented and on time – do a run through the night before if you’re not sure where you’re going, and turn up in plenty of time.

* Eye contact is very important – be comfortable, confident, sit up straight and smile.
Show the interviewer you are enthusiastic about the job.
Listen to the question – if you don’t understand, ask them to repeat it.
Remember to use the questions as a platform to sell yourself, every answer is an opportunity.
Give concrete examples where necessary to evidence your skills and knowledge.
Don’t get too downhearted – thousands of people send off hundreds of applications without hearing back, know that you’re not alone and they are not judging you.
But they may be judging the information you present. If you got an
interview, then make sure you ask for feedback.

*Don’t expect to be paid mega-bucks – starting salaries for graduate jobs have fallen overall over the past five years