1. Knowledge and experience
While many employers seek candidates with experience, students can still stand out by highlighting transferable skills gained from extracurricular activities, volunteering, or part-time jobs. Encourage students to:
- showcase teamwork, leadership, and problem-solving skills
- use clear examples that match the job description
- align their CV and interview answers with the language used in the job posting
- reflect on experiences that demonstrate relevant strengths, even from non-professional settings
2. Cultural fit
Employers want to ensure candidates align with their company culture. Help students identify their values and motivations by asking questions such as:
- What work environment helps you thrive?
- What kind of values resonate with you? Encourage research into company culture through websites, social media, or platforms like Glassdoor. Supporting students in understanding the company’s mission and values can make them stand out during interviews.
3. Motivation and passion
A genuine interest in the role and the company makes a strong impression. Advisers can help students:
- research the company’s history, goals, and projects
- think about why they’re excited about the opportunity
- develop clear, enthusiastic answers to questions about their motivations
- be ready to explain what attracts them to the specific organisation
4. Growth and learning
Employers value candidates who are eager to learn and grow. Support students by encouraging them to:
- view failures as learning opportunities
- demonstrate resilience and problem-solving
- showcase examples of how they've adapted and improved
- be proactive in mentioning areas they’re keen to develop, without framing it as ‘How will you develop me?’
5. Creating a strong CV
A polished, effective CV is a student’s gateway to securing an interview. Provide students with these tips to enhance their applications:
- Keep it clear and concise: Avoid elaborate designs and opt for a logical layout. UCAS’ CV Builder tool shows the student exactly how to layout their information in their Hub account.
- Eliminate mistakes: Proofread thoroughly for grammar and spelling errors.
- Be truthful: HR teams verify qualifications, so honesty is key.
- Include a cover letter: Even if not requested, it’s a chance to show enthusiasm and explain why they’re a good fit.
- Avoid unnecessary information: Photos and personal details can lead to bias, so they’re best left out.
- Follow up: Encourage students to follow up on applications to express continued interest and ask for feedback.
By supporting students with these actionable tips, you can help them confidently navigate the recruitment process and stand out to employers.
Check out the CV Builder – a new tool in the UCAS Hub which takes a student through the process of building a CV step-by-step.