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Transitioning into the World of Work
Transitioning into the World of Work
The change from studying to working is massive. It can feel like a culture shock going from the classroom to the office. Whether you have just finished university or college or have left school ready to find a job, the world of work can seem scary.
As someone who has only studied for the majority of her life, I can tell you that starting my placement was a huge change to my lifestyle. Apart from part time jobs in cafés and restaurants, I have never worked in a full-time role. When I started, I was anxious about joining a team that had already worked together and had strong relationships, especially seeing as I was joining remotely. I didn’t know how I was going to have to dress or even how to formally accept a job offer. All these things are new, and you aren’t taught at school how to read a contract.
In this blog, I outline the three stages of transitioning into the world of work: managing job offers, making a good first impression and workplace etiquette. For each stage, I give my top tips to approaching it. I also look at working remotely, which is now common for a lot of people entering the world of work.
This is my final blog of the series based on SRS’s Employability Webinars. I wanted to base the blog on the transition into the world of work as it reflects my placement journey and everything I have learnt over the past 6 months. The SRS webinar, ‘The Transition into The World of Work’, goes into more detail about the topic and has some really useful advice and guidance on entering the workplace, so make sure to give it a watch.
Stage 1: Job Offers
After the long and competitive job search, you finally have some offers…
Getting job offers is super exciting, so you make sure you give yourself that well-deserved pat on the back. However, it is easy to get carried away and even overwhelmed when you have those offers in front of you. When it comes to managing offers, ensure you take your time reading through them, expressing your interest and thanks to the employer, and giving them a professional and timely response to the offer. Understanding your offer is important to know what will be expected of you if you accept. Getting back to the employer in a suitable time frame will demonstrate your eagerness for the role. Taking the time to really think about the offer is essential, as you may have multiple other offers you will have to turn down, or even life changes you must consider.
To help you remember what to think about when considering your offers, I have written some key things to remember below.
Accepting offers
Make certain you understand the job role you are being offered
Note where and when you will be working, and how much for
Find out where and when your performance will be reviewed and get an understanding of the company culture
Multiple offers
Outline the differences of each job/organisation to ensure you understand each one
Try to put them into an order of preference to help you figure out your priorities
Compare each of the offers, from pay, to benefits, to job role, etc.
Declining offers
Ensure you contact the organisation straight away so they can fill the position with someone else
Leave a positive impression – it’s a small world and you may run into the organisation again
Be polite and professional
Stage 2: Good Impressions
So, you’ve accepted a job offer and your start date is quickly approaching…
Making a good first impression is vital to not only pass your probation period, but also ensure you’ll have a positive working environment. Below I have outlined some things to take on board before starting your new job, to build strong relationships with your new boss and colleagues.
Research!
Make sure you do any required reading before your start date to show your keenness for the role. Ensure you understand your new job role and industry by seeking out any industry publications to develop your knowledge. It is also important to note who the main competitors of your organisation are, then you can be aware of what they are doing in order to help your company to stand out and differ.
As the old saying goes: if you’re early, you’re on time
It is better to be a little early on your first day to show your eagerness and time management skills. To make sure you arrive on time, sort out your travel arrangements and ensure you leave enough time to get to work. If you are working remotely, ensure you trial your tech equipment and platforms used for the role prior to the first day (just to avoid any teething issues).
Dress appropriately
Each company has their own dress code, so make sure you know what yours is and stick to it. Typically, organisations stick to either business professional, which is attire such as suits and ties; smart casual, which involves smart shirts and trousers; or comfy casual, which is t-shirt and jeans.
Positivity is key.
When starting a new job, it’s important to show enthusiasm by asking questions and displaying interest in the business. Show your employer that they made the right choice in hiring you. By being positive, you can ensure a glowing future reference and give yourself the opportunity to meet new people and network.
Stay organised
Showing your employer that you’re organised will prove you are productive and efficient. Take notes in any meetings or induction programmes you attend. This will ensure you remember all the important information and demonstrate to your employer that you are engaged.
Stage 3: Workplace Etiquette
Now you are about to start your new dream job…
Knowing how to behave in the workplace is vital when entering the world of work. Every organisation is different; each have their own policies, procedures, and rules. Therefore, understanding the company’s culture is important. To do this, read the company handbook or view their social media profiles to get insight into what they are like. If you can, try to observe the relationships and interactions between others within the organisation to see what behaviour is acceptable and what isn’t. When you start working, whether that is online or in-person, you should always be curious. Asking lots of questions when you first start is a green flag to employers, as this demonstrates your eagerness to learn.
Below are my top four tips on how to behave in the workplace. Make a note of these before starting your new job.
Remote Working
In these crazy and unpredictable times, for many people working from home is the new normal.
On my placement with SRS, I work remotely. Starting this placement role was my first experience of a proper job as a student. The transition from being a student, where I would wake up at 12pm (sometimes!) and eat pot noodle every day, to becoming a working woman on my placement where I have routine and structure, was hard at first. One of the things I was most nervous about when starting this placement journey was the difference in lifestyle. Especially when that difference would be working from home while living with seven other students. Yet, I find myself two thirds of the way through and I am happier, healthier, and more successful than ever. Working from home can have its positives and negatives, so I wanted to share some of my top tips for getting ready to start a job role where you will be working remotely.
Set a dedicated working area
Don’t think that remote working means you can work from the comfort of your bed. Making sure you separate your chill area from your working area is key in keeping up productivity at home. Especially if you are living in shared accommodation, it is important to find a space that is quiet and appropriate. Separating your spaces will also help with your headspace when you are working and living in the same environment. As our minds associate areas with certain activities, it’s important to keep business and pleasure separate.
Top Tip 1: Make sure the space you work in has a neutral background- with no dirty laundry in sight- so you still come across as professional if you take any video calls.
Get into a routine
Similar to organising your space, routine will help you to stay productive when you are working remotely. Making sure you get outside for a walk, go to the shops, or have a run is important in breaking up your day and allowing yourself to have a rest. Set up dedicated breaks to keep yourself motivated and to make the most of the working day.
Top Tip 2: Maybe speak to your colleagues about their break times and align them, so you can have a chat on the phone while you go for a walk at lunch or have a video chat about what you’re having for lunch. This will help simulate the office environment and will sync the whole teams’ routines to make them more effective.
Be honest and manage expectations
Remember to always be honest with your employer. If you’re starting to feel like the workload is becoming too much and you’re working in your room from 7am to 7pm, you need to have a conversation with your line manager. Always remain polite and professional, making sure you get your point across in a confident and clear way. By building relationships with your colleagues and managers, you can understand their expectations, and help set your own.
Top Tip 3: Try to have some form of communication with your team. For example, having a work group chat or scheduled Zoom meetings. If something like this isn’t already in place, then try to suggest it. Communication is key for people working from home as it keeps up the morale and helps build those effective working relationships, where you can help each other with workloads.
A Day in the Life Video created by me to show you my average working day
I hope you've enjoyed reading my final blog and are ready to transition into the world of work. I’ve loved writing this blog series and I hope you’ve enjoyed reading them as much as I have enjoyed writing them.
You haven’t seen the last of me, don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter to see what else I get up to on my placement with SRS.
Click the buttons below for more helpful resources on transitioning into the world of work
How to Stand Out in Telephone and Video Interviews
How to Stand Out in Telephone and Video Interviews
We have all gone through many interviews in our lives and will go through many more. From applying for my first ever job in a restaurant at 16 years old, to applying for this placement role at 21, I have taken part in loads interviews. Despite doing them many times, I still get nervous and worry about not making a positive and lasting impression. Particularly when trying to impress at a virtual interview, as showcasing your personality through a screen can be hard.
I have written this blog using my knowledge from experiences and feedback from interviews I have taken part in, as well as using SRS’s employability webinar - Tackling Telephone and Video Interviews.
This blog is going to show you how being memorable in a telephone or video interview can be a piece of cake. I’m going to outline what you can expect in a virtual interview, common mistakes to avoid, how to answer challenging questions, and my top tips to stand. I have also spoken to some of our wonderful assessors who are interview experts. Their valuable advice is included at the end of the page, along with links to other handy resources. A lot of the examples and tips stated can also be applied to in-person interviews.
What to expect from a telephone or video interview
Conducting telephone or video interviews is increasingly popular with employers. These virtual interview methods allow employers to meet potential candidates more quickly and economically. They can probe you on your CV and application form, measure your communication skills, and see your personality without either the candidate or employer having to leave their house - which is also very beneficial with any current travel restrictions due to COVID-19.
I have outlined the main things to expect in both a telephone and video interview in the images below.
In both telephone and video interviews, candidates may be asked competency-based questions. These interview questions require candidates to provide real-life examples and scenarios when answering the question. These questions ensure that the candidate is capable for the role.
Here are some examples of video interview providers that could be used when you undertake a video interview. Familirise yourself with the platform before completing the interview.
Common questions you may be asked in an interview and how to answer them
Why are you applying for this job?
What do you know about the company you are applying for?
What are your greatest achievements?
What are your career ambitions?
Big questions like these can be hard to answer, especially if you are put on the spot. Think about your values and experience and prepare some answers to the commonly asked questions in advance. To ensure your answers are detailed and precise, use the STARR Method. This technique can help you to structure your interview answers and make sure you don’t miss a chance to stand out to the employer. I have included a button link to SRS’s handy STARR Worksheet at the bottom of this blog. This worksheet can help you prepare for all your interviews.
The most common mistakes made in telephone and video interviews
The use of slang/jargon and swearing
Using formal language is important in an interview as it demonstrates your professionalism and shows the employer that you are serious about the job.
Taking part in an unsuitable location
Your environment is very important when taking part in a video interview. If you have an unmade bed with dirty dishes in the background, the employer may not get the best impression of you. Try to look for a professional and neutral background for the interview and make sure you organise your surroundings.
Being late
I get it, things happen. Your cat knocks water onto your laptop, the Wi-Fi cuts out or you forgot about a doctor’s appointment. However, it is vital that you turn up to your interview at the scheduled time. If you don’t think you can make the proposed time, make sure to contact the employer as soon as you can to re-arrange.. Being late or not showing up to an interview is one of the worst things a candidate can do. It not only wastes the employer’s time, but it comes across as though you are disorganised and disinterested in the role.
Interruptions and distractions
Taking part in an interview in a public or loud space isn’t the best idea as it can interrupt the interview. This not only distracts you, but it also distracts the employer. You don’t want to lose your train of thought mid-way through answering a question.
Chewing gum
Wanting fresh breath is understandable when attending an interview, virtual or in-person. It can help to calm your nerves and make you feel fresh. However, chewing gum during your interview can come across as unprofessional to the employer. So, make sure to take out the gum before your interview starts.
Device running out of charge
This is another indicator to the employer that you weren’t organised or prepared prior to the interview. You should make sure to fully charge the device you are using for the interview and try to keep close to a power source in case you run low on charge.
My top tips
When preparing for a virtual interview, you should treat it the same as an in-person interview. Below are my top tips to standing out in a telephone and video interview.
Do your research - Make sure you know enough about the company and role you are applying for, as you will most likely be asked questions about why you applied for the role or why you want to work for the organisation.
Have your CV and application form to hand - This can help make sure you reference your skills and experience as stated in your CV and application and ensure your answers are consistent.
Make notes - Having a notepad and pen handy is helpful for making important notes about the company or role and for asking questions at the end of the interview. This gives a positive impression to the employer as it shows you are organised, prepared and engaged in the role and company.
Prepare your answers - Think about what questions you might get asked in the interview and try to research and think thoroughly about your answers. This will ensure you are prepared on the day and less nervous.
Take your time - Don’t rush when you are answering questions. Take a deep breath and think about the question. If you are too quick answering questions, you can end up speaking too fast, making it hard for the employer to understand your answers. By taking your time, you will also come across as more relaxed and confident.
Test your equipment - Make sure you test any devices you will be using when completing the telephone or video interview. This includes testing the microphone, speaker and camera settings. Having technical issues during an interview can come across as disorganised and problematic, so it’s important you don’t let technology issues overshadow your great personality and skills.
Dress appropriately - It is important to dress in interview attire. This is usually smart casual and is what you would usually wear at work. Looking presentable is vital to show the employer that you are serious about the job and are respectful of workplace culture.
Be confident and professional - It can be hard not to get nervous and flustered in an interview. However, remaining calm and collected so you can present yourself as confident is important for employers. Being confident shows trust and faith in yourself. In turn, this shows employers that they can put trust and faith in you, particularly if they need you to do nerve-racking things like presenting to 100 people in a room. Being polite and smiling during your interview are great ways to show your confidence and professionalism.
Here’s some helpful advice from one of our assessors
“Research and preparation are key to virtual interview success. You should always research the role, organisation and sector so you are able to demonstrate your knowledge. Try practicing listing your key skills in advance so you are confident discussing them - also choose key skills from the Job Description and link your skills to the position. One of my biggest tips is when you highlight a development area (something that you would like to improve about yourself) also say what you are doing to improve it - don’t say the job will do this.”
Click the buttons below for more helpful resources on how to stand out in telephone and video interviews
Online Tests
Online Tests
Have you ever avoided applying for a job because the application process involves an online test? Everyone finds the prospect of online tests challenging, including me.
When applying for placement roles, I was debating whether to apply for some of the roles I found. You guessed it; it was because they involved game-based assessments. Part of getting over the fear of something is learning more about it, so in this blog I will explain what online tests are and explain some of the different types of online tests. I’ll give you my top tips for approaching them, so you don’t fear them as I once did. Don’t forget to also check out SRS’s Online Tests webinar and the practise sites at the end of this blog.
I couldn’t have written this blog without the help and expertise of Victoria Simou, our Assessment and Selection Manager. Victoria has a wealth of experience working in the graduate recruitment industry and provided me with her insights on online tests. Check out Victoria’s advice at the end of this blog and connect with her on Twitter and LinkedIn.
What are online tests?
Online tests are virtual assessment systems that allow employers to assess potential candidates for a particular role within their organisation. They allow recruiters to evaluate whether the candidate is the right fit for the position and the organisation.
What should you do to master online tests?
Now you know a little more about online tests and the different types, here’s some of my top tips for approaching them.
With personality and situational judgement tests, it is important that you remain honest with your answers. There is no point lying or trying to adapt answers for what you think the employer may want to hear. If you aren’t being truthful, you may get the role, but end up hating it or feeling as though it isn’t the right fit for you. Staying true to your personality and values means that your answers will remain consistent and will ensure you don’t get a job that isn’t aligned with your values.
It is vital to answer questions with an ethical and professional mindset, so make sure you take the questions seriously. The employer won’t view you as a serious potential candidate if you don’t take the process seriously.
Develop an understanding of the organisation’s culture and behaviours when considering the role and taking part in any online tests. Make sure you don’t play up to these expectations too much though and remain true to yourself (as stated in my first top tip).
For ability tests, such as aptitude or game-based assessments, you have a chance to actually practise. By familiarising yourself with the format and nature of these tests, you will feel more confident when completing the tests in the live environment.
When completing a test, particularly if it is timed, ensure your environment is free from distractions. If you can, choose the most convenient time to complete the test according to your most productive hours, for example you’ll be aware if you are an early riser or if you are more of a night owl.
Come up with a strategy. Work through questions quickly and accurately. Think about managing your time effectively by breaking up the time available and giving a time limit for each question.
Ensure you read the rules at the beginning of each test. Read the questions carefully and move on if you get stuck. Some tests allow you to go back to skipped questions if you have time and others don’t, so make sure you check this.
Words of wisdom from our Assessment and Selection Manager, Victoria Simou
“Practise practise practise! Get familiar with each of the different types of psychometric tests. For aptitude/ability tests. Identify your weaker areas and work harder on those e.g., if numerical reasoning is not your strong point. When it comes to completing them in a real setting for an employer, pay particular attention to the provider of the test. Each provider will have a slightly different adaptation to the test in terms of style and format. Always use the practise questions at the beginning of the test to get to grips with the types of questions you will face before beginning the timed element. For personality tests, don't think too much about the statements and go with your gut instinct. This ensures that you are providing answers that are honest and true to you”.
Click the buttons below for more helpful resources on online tests
Get Noticed! Building Your Online Presence
Building your online presence
Trying to come across as professional on social media can seem like a minefield. Learning to separate personal and professional posts is tricky. But, fear not! I’m writing this blog to help you to develop your online presence, so you can connect with and get noticed by employers.
Establishing a professional online presence is vital as it makes you more visible to potential employers. It also demonstrates that you have a professional mindset and are a pro-active member within your industry. Being active online can help to grow your network with professionals and employers, but can also help with job hunting as it makes you more aware of opportunities and puts you forward as an engaged candidate.
Building your online presence is an ongoing mission if you want to be noticed. I am constantly trying to develop and maintain my online presence. This very blog you’re reading is content I’m creating to help you and show my skills! By managing SRS’s social media I have learnt a lot about being an active user and knowing what to post.
One of the most important things to take away from this blog is to be yourself! Showing your personality is something that attracts employers. Standing out and making your content personal is a great way to display your character. People are naturally drawn to charismatic people and can tell easily who is forcing content or not believing what they are saying/sharing, so making sure you show who you are is important when building an online presence.
My 5 social media top tips
My top tips are inspired by SRS’s ‘Develop your online presence. Get noticed by employers’ employability webinar. To watch the full webinar, click the button at the end of this blog.
Below are some top tips for being professional on social media.
Examine your existing social media profiles
You first need to evaluate your existing online presence. A handy thing to do to see how you come across online (and to feel famous) is to google yourself. This will show you what potential employers may see and associate you with, and is a good place to start when thinking about how you want to position yourself online.
Set up dedicated professional profiles
Whether you already have a social media profile showcasing your work, an account filled with selfies, or just an account for your cat, you need to distinguish between personal and professional profiles. If you feel as though your online profiles aren’t professional, try creating a separate one that is dedicated to connecting you to employers and your career.
Be an active user
Being active on social media shows that you are engaged and have an understanding of your industry. Try creating your own posts to show off your talents and skills and gain more followers. Following other relevant users, commenting and sharing posts is a great way to start conversations and expand your network with professionals and potential employers. You can also use social media actively to search for jobs - for example, LinkedIn has a job search function. If your LinkedIn account is active and up-to-date, you increase your employability chances by showing you have your finger on the pulse.
Generate posts
It can be scary trying to come up with content and ideas to post, you may often feel like what you’re posting won’t be seen or that no one is paying attention. Yet, even if you have only 5 followers or no likes, employers will still see your work. Try to think of your social profiles as your own personal and professional portfolio, where you and others can keep track of what you are doing, creating, learning and sharing.
Be professional, but also show off your personality
It’s important to remain professional when building your online profile. Remember the tone of voice you use when writing your bios, sharing certain posts and generating your own content. Make sure you look professional in the imagery you use, so with your profile pictures and making sure you are consistent and appropriate with your colour palette and choice of images. It’s also important to consider your industry, to think about who may be viewing your profile and who you want to appeal to. If you are in more creative areas of work, then showcasing your artistic flair is important. If your industry is law, then presenting your knowledge and keeping up to date with policy changes is more significant.
With the importance of professionalism, it is also important to still show your personality. Employers aren’t just hiring you for your amazing work and skills, they are also hiring you as a person, so it is important to show them who you are. This may include all the things I previously spoke about, like tone, imagery, colour, etc. Be creative in how you present yourself as there are millions of profiles employers will look at, so you need to ensure yours stands out.
A good example of this is from my vlogs I have been producing. Every fortnight I started to record vlogs on my placement journey with SRS to help me reflect and to build my online presence, so employers can see what I’m learning in a fun and visual way. Click HERE to watch my vlog as a
LinkedIn is an amazing platform for professional networking
I’m going to go into more detail now on LinkedIn as it is the best social media platform for connecting with employers and building your professional online presence. LinkedIn allows you to grow your connections and network, while letting you create a detailed profile that acts as an online CV containing your skills and experience. Keeping your LinkedIn profile up-to-date and being active on the platform is a sure fire way to catch employers’ attention.
Below is a handy LinkedIn checklist which you should make sure to refer to when setting up your profile, or if reviewing your existing profile.
There is a PDF print version of this checklist that is available to download, which is located at the bottom of this blog.
In your headline, you should include your current position to tell the employer about yourself. Your about section is a key summary so make sure it is engaging and to the point.
Make certain to include what, where, date and result in the education section.
It is important to have personalised recommendations so the employer can learn more about you objectively. Recommendations can provide evidence of your skills and character.
Make sure your profile and header photos are clear and professional, and relevant to you and your industry.
You should outline all your duties, responsibilities and achievements in your experience and volunteer sections.
Getting endorsements is important to prove to employers that you actually have the skills you state.
In your accomplishments you should include any awards you have received, this can include organisations and teams you have been part of that have won things.
I asked our Managing Director, Sophie Milliken, my top 4 questions on how to build an online presence
I've given you some social media top tips, a LinkedIn checklist, useful SRS resources and an inspiring video featuring our Managing Director, Sophie Milliken, who is renowned for her online presence; go check her out on Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram.
I hope you’ve enjoyed reading my blog and have learnt a little something about building your online presence and getting noticed by employers. Don't forget to follow me on LinkedIn and Twitter.
Keep an eye out for my next blog; Online Tests.