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Are you in a conundrum with your career or confused about CVs?
We’ve assembled some of the most experienced graduate recruitment specialists around to cut through the confusion and make sense of your dilemmas.

I’m a single parent graduating this year and am hoping to get a decent job that will allow me some degree of flexibility or part-time working to help care for my child. Is this realistic? Should I mention what I want at the interview stage or leave it until after I get a job?

I would mention it at the interview stage or even before. Employers are flexible about accommodating prospective employees. Good employers understand the importance of providing flexible working to suit individual circumstances and offer various flexible-working alternatives to suit employees. For example, Tesco’s graduate store programme is based around shift work, which supports training and development while giving employees time to look after their families. Angela Hodson

This depends on the company. The public sector often has family friendly policies. Target these so you are pushing against an open door when you start negotiating. It’s better to wait until they make you an offer before you get into details otherwise they will think that’s the only reason you want the job. Mike Guttridge


I graduated three years ago, and have done a bit of travelling and some temporary work in the meantime. Can I still apply for graduate training schemes with the large firms – or would they think I’ve been out of the game too long?

Most employers are interested in experience and transferable skills and you should think about how you can use your experiences to demonstrate your competencies. Having travelled previously could be a real benefit as you are likely to have a deeper understanding of the cultural implications of an international business, as well as an existing knowledge of some of the challenges of living abroad. Melanie Jones

I would expect employers to take applications from graduates of any age, particularly following the recent Age Discrimination legislation. At Deloitte we are very happy to receive applications from graduates of any age. Turn it into a positive and use your experiences to demonstrate relevant skills you have gained. Sarah Shillingford


Can I make a deferred application to any employer? I want to go travelling and do voluntary work for a year after I leave university, but as I’ll be away then I want to make sure I’ve got my career sorted out beforehand.

Graduate employers are very well informed about the ‘itchy feet’ syndrome after university. My tip would be that if you are good enough, and they want to hire you, most companies are prepared to wait. Simone Aloé

Not every employer accepts deferred applications. You will have to find out from the employer directly if they do or not. Deferred applications will be pretty limited. Also consider doing your travelling early and coming back to then sort out your job. If you do all of your research and know who you want to apply to, you can prepare yourself for your return. Corinne Dauncey


I get really nervous at interviews and I think my body language gives me away – I often sweat a lot, have trouble making eye contact and sit in a hunched position. Is this affecting my job prospects? What can I do to sort this out?

Sadly, yes, this is likely to have an influence over the way you are perceived. It is commonly known that an interviewer makes up their mind about you in the first few seconds. In order for them to feel confident that you can do the job you need to look confident. Ideally you should sit up straight, maintain eye contact and not fidget. Also script what you plan to say. What are your qualities? Why do you want this job? How can you add value? You may also benefit from joining a drama group. This can help you learn how to throw your voice and keep check on your body language. Maria Lucio

Sit up and practice giving eye contact to your family and friends. Ask for some feedback on how you look to them. Make sure before you go into an interview that you feel as comfortable as you can – drink plenty of water – even take a bottle with you if you think it will help. The more you practice giving eye contact and being positive about yourself – the easier it will become. Lindsay Hanson


I graduated last year and got a good job with a large firm, but I’ve had a terrible time with office politics. I hate conflict and bitchiness in an office environment and it’s really getting me down. Should I resign or stick it out?

Sadly conflict and bitchiness can be rife within an office environment – are there any colleagues you can look to as allies? Could you talk to HR about these issues? Resigning is the last resort, by all means explore your sector to see what else is offered – but ensure that you take a long-term view. Where do you want to be in a couple of year’s time? How will you explain your resignation to future employees? You are better off sticking with it until you find a better offer, then your reason for leaving can be more positive. Maria Lucio

Try not to engage in any gossip and never lower yourself to the standards of others. If despite your best efforts, the office politics is really getting you down then, yes, maybe it is time to look for another job. When you do move, try and get a job in a smaller, friendlier team. Make choosing the office culture as much a part of your job selection as seeking the best salary and benefits package. Andrew Gordon


I’m applying for fast-track management programmes with some big firms. But while I should get a first or a 2:1, I’m not at one of the prestigious universities – will this count against me? Are all the best jobs taken by Oxbridge graduates and those at the other top universities?

Prestigious universities do stand out on a CV as they are harder to get into but don’t let them put you off for any job. What counts is the quality of your experience, how you have got involved in university, and your academic results, not where your university happens to be on the latest Top 100 list. Simone Aloé

If you believe this to be the case – then it will be. Most companies are looking for a diverse workforce and for people with drive and enthusiasm for their business. Present yourself in a positive way at the selection events and ensure that you are well prepared for any questions asked. Lindsay Hanson


This issue’s expert panel are:

• Simone Aloé, HR recruitment manager for the UK, Procter & Gamble, www.uk.pg.com
• Maria Lucio, business psychologist, Kaisen Consulting Ltd, www.kaisen.co.uk.
• Angela Hodson, graduate recruitment manager, Tesco, www.tesco-graduates.com
• Sarah Shillingford, HR partner at Deloitte, www.deloitte.co.uk
• Mike Guttridge, business psychologist, G2 Career Coaching, www.g2.org.uk
• Lindsay Hanson, joint founder of recruitment consultancy Resourcing Matters, www.resourcingmatters.com.
• Andrew Gordon, director at specialist jobsite jobs.ac.uk, www.jobs.ac.uk
• Melanie Jones, talent manager for energy firm E.ON UK, www.eon-uk.com
• Corinne Dauncey, TipTopJob.com, www.tiptopjob.com


If you’re in a quandary over your career, ask the experts for free. E-mail your questions to editor@gradjobs.co.uk. We can’t answer questions personally but will publish the best ones in the next issue of GradJobs.

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