The recruiters' best tips when you are looking for a job

Mattias Fribert,Johanna Müller-Wolf, Olivia Melin, Julia Toremark and Johan Hede

The students of the School of Business, Economics and Law are successful entering the labor market. More than half of the students get a job already before graduation*. But how do you do to catch the dream job? The School's Career Service has long experience of guiding students on their way to the labor market, and a good insight into what companies and organizations are demanding.

At Career Service’s annual event "Inside a recruiter's mind", recruiters share their best tips and answer the students' questions. Here are some of the tips that came up at this year's event. Remember that companies reason in different ways, and that the type of position can affect both the process and what a recruiter values highly.

• Make sure you have a clear and simple CV where it is easy to follow what you have done. Highlight relevant experiences and responsibilities you have had. Have you done something that makes you stand out in the crowd?
   
• Grades can be important, but experiences you have gained beside your studies are also valuable. The recruiters are looking at the big picture of you.
   
• All competence and experience related to IT is relevant - put in in your CV!
   
• Depending on position and organization, the requirements for a master's degree may vary.
   
• Have an updated LinkedIn profile. Recruiters use LinkedIn all the time, and they may also check other social media.
   
• It is always good to apply as soon as possible. Recruiters start evaluating applications received before the deadline.
   
• You can definitely make a call after you submit the application, if you have a relevant question. Watch out so that you are not perceived as too pushy!
   
• Many companies use assessments. Practice! Ask the recruiter what tests they use in the recruitment process, then you can often find exercises on the test company's web.
   
• On the interview: The first impression is very important, and it starts when you enter the door and talk to the receptionist. Arrive on time (not too early, max 10 minutes). Tell the recruiter if you're nervous! You are called on an interview because you are qualified for the job, and the job of the recruiter is to make you feel comfortable. Prepare yourself for the interview by scanning the company's web site and figuring out what to answer to difficult questions. Show your social ability. Think about your body language. And don't forget to say that you would like the job!

This year's recruitment panel consisted of Johan Hede, Partner Fortos Management Consulting, Johanna Müller-Wolf, HR Manager ProGrits, Julia Toremark, Talent Acquisition Manager Nestlé, Mattias Fribert, Recruitment Manager, Volvo Cars Corporation and Olivia Melin, Human Resources & Talent Deloitte.

See a filmed interview with Mattias Fribert.

Personal and professional development with Career Service

Career Service caters to all students at the School of Business, Economics and Law. Through activities such as company presentations, skills training, CV reviewing and career coaching, Career Service helps you to be prepared for entering the job market. When you register on the website you can sign up for various events and individual career coaching.

* From the School' study "What happened next?" Where graduate and master's students are followed up one year after the degree. The study has been conducted for ten years.