We talked to CIMA students from different countries about their experiences of how to get the best job they could. How do they approach looking for a job? What preparation and interview tips can they offer? By Camilla Berens, freelance journalist.
UK student Alex Longson says it's useful to keep an open mind when assessing which jobs to go for at the start of your career.
'If you have really high expectations, you risk setting yourself up for disappointment,' he says. 'The first job you get may not be your dream job. But you'll gain valuable experience ' and this will give you the edge later on when you're up for a more interesting role.'
It's vital to stay positive and not take any rejections to heart, Alex adds. 'Every interview gives you useful experience and it's important to learn from that,' he says. 'Increasingly, companies are prepared to give you feedback if you've been an unsuccessful candidate, so don't let that useful source of information go to waste.'
Getting the right fit
Malaysian student Benjamin Chin Fook Chuan believes honesty is the best policy at every stage of job hunting.
'Evaluate yourself honestly in terms of your level of knowledge, your experience and how much you can contribute to a company,' he says. There's no sense in ending up with a job where you feel out of place or out of your depth.
You also need to know that you'll be happy in your new role. Job hunting is a two-way process, so ask what the job can give you and evaluate what prospective employers can offer. 'Research the company, find out about its culture and values, and its policy on staff development,' Benjamin continues.
'Then you will have a clear picture of whether there is a good cultural fit between you and the company and you can discuss the company's activities with confidence.'
The job interview is also a chance for you to see if you will fit in and feel comfortable with the company. 'If you are confident and honest about your abilities and your aspirations, this will come through and the interviewer will see you have a real passion for your work,' Benjamin adds.
Rehearse 'killer questions'
Rehearse some of the more frequent 'killer questions' so that you're not caught off guard in the interview situation. Barati Mogani, a Unilever trainee in South Africa, says: 'A question that always helped me in preparation for an interview was, 'What can you offer the company that it doesn't already have?'
'Prepare a list of your attributes, qualities, skills and knowledge. That way, you will be able to confidently tell them what puts you head and shoulders above the rest.'
Offer as much flexibility as you can
'Show that you can adapt to change easily, even if it's unpredictable change, as company structures alter all the time,' says Iranian student Ladan Nasiri. 'A business may also be more willing to take you on if you're prepared to travel or relocate to an office in a different part of the country.
'Offer as much as you can in terms of fitting in with the company's dynamics. Use examples of where you have showed your strength as a team player and your willingness to engage in company activities socially,' she advises.
Note on CIMA Training partners:
Unilever is an accredited CIMA Training Partner and Quality Partner. For top training opportunities around the world, search for CIMA Training Partner and Quality Partners. These accreditation schemes ensure the training of Chartered Management Accountants is delivered everywhere to the same high standards.
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