Going to the right University can really help you improve your chances of getting a job at the end of your course.  However, don't be swapyed by glossy brochures and false promises, here are some hints and tips for things to look out for when picking where to study your degree:

1.  Make the most of open days events at Universities that interest you.  It is vital to have a look around anywhere where you will be living and studying for a minimum of 3 years.  Do ask probing questions, try and talk to real students and don't get bought by freebies or jargon.

2.  Look at a University's ranking in the context of the subject that you are intending to study.  "Overall" rankings rarely tell the whole story as most institutions specialise in certain academic areas.  Don't risk ending up at a University great for something other than what you're doing!

3.  Search for student forums online to discover the true daily life of those that study at the University that interests you.  Facebook is ideal for this research and Google is of course a goldmine.

4.  Ask the admissions department how many graduates of the course you wish to undertake get jobs within the first 12 months of finishing their studies.  Watch out for truth bending on this one!

5.  Investigate whether "sandwich" courses are available which allow you to take a year out (often year 3) to work for a company.  This is a good route to a job in the industry that interests you and is widely becoming the preferred method of study for businesses looking for people to slot nicely into their workplace upon graduation.

6.  Already have a job?  Discuss whether the insititution offers a part time, evening or weekend alternative of the course so that you can further your career prospects.  Your current employer may even sponsor you if you ask.

7.  Ask the faculty if they have ties to local industry leaders in your subject.  Many Universities boast strong ties, if they do really exist other than on paper, you should take advantage of the networking this could afford you.  Just being a familiar face can have massive benefits long term.

8.  Discover if the course provides any interesting work placement opportunities outside of term time.  As a student you will have plenty of holidays that could be best spent doing interesting and exciting intern-ships abroad.  Not only can you have fun life experiences, but give your CV / Resume extra weight!

9.  Ask the University if they have any ties to local charitable and volunteer organisations, preferably in your subject area.  Aspiring lawyers can work pro bono for Citizens Advice services for example.  Giving something back is personally very rewarding, a great chance for you to develop the skills you're learning and is highly regarded by future employers.

10.  Call or email the careers department at the University you're interested in and see if they can arrange work experience for you, check your CV / Resume and assist you in organising a structured career path.  It's a great chance to get a head start and for setting long term objectives, which many students lack.

Struggling to decide what career you should embark on?  If you are recently graduated or looking for a career change, you should consider the following advice:

1.  What is the level of job satisfaction in the role that you seek?  Is this really the "dream" job you imagine it to be?  Talk to people in the industry, attend recruitment fairs and read career specific publications in order to get a feel for how the job really is.

2.  Are your qualifications and skills adequate for the job that you want?  Will it require further training?  If so, you should consider whether extra study can fit into your life.  Another consideration is cost, would a potential employer pay for this?  Sometimes this can be the case, but not always.

3.  Look to get a foot in the door and some exposure to the realities of day to day work in your chosen career.  Do this by applying for intern-ships, work placements etc, it can give you a valuable insight into whether you should pursue your dream.

4.   Choose the path you want to take based upon what you are interested in and the skills you possess.  Do not rely upon the advice of career counsellors.  Make your own decisions, you know yourself best.

5.  Set yourself realistic goals. Whilst you should aim high, don't set your sights on something completely unattainable based on your circumstances.

6.  Use the connections you have already made in life to explore different roles, even if just in conversation.  Many of your friends will know, be married to or be the children of interesting people. Tap into this knowledge, something interesting might come of it.

7.  Resist using recruitment/career agencies to "find" you a new career.  Take the time to write a well researched letter/email to a person at a company that interests you.

8.  Don't overlook opportunities immediately open to you for the sake of all out change.  If you are currently bogged down in your current job, look for promotions or different roles that might be more rewarding within the same business.

9.  Education is important, but an interest and appreciation for what you want to do can take you places.  Furthermore, additional non-classroom knowledge shows a dedication to potential employers.

10.  Be honest when it comes to pay/salary.  You will need a job that will pay your bills as well as keeping you happy!

A covering letter is now considered a must for any job application.  It is your first impression, first chance to sell yourself and can make or break your chances of progressing to interview.  Here are a list of important things that you should look to include in your covering letter:

10 Covering Letter Hints and Tips - What to include:

1.  The hint is in the title - LETTER.  It should take on the form, style and visual effect of a letter.  Include standard features such as addresses, names, contact numbers etc.  Keep the letter formal and concise.

2.  Get to the point.  Say why you are applying, the reason you are interested in the role and company and why your skills make you the most desireable candidate.

3.  Tailor each covering letter to each individual job.  Recruiters can spot copy and paste attempts, and have a keen eye for recycled "standard template" applications.  A good covering letter can embody standard features, but personalise them to you and the job you want.

4.  Know the name of the person you are writing to.  Not only does it show a level of research, but it also makes the covering letter more person.  To 'Whom It May Concern' and 'Dear Sir/Madam' are to be avoided.  Most company websites or corporate brochures/leaflets list a direct person to contact.

5.  Print the letter off and mail it together with the rest of your application rather than email (if possible or unless otherwise specified).

6.  Keep in mind when writing your covering letter that it should be a demonstration of why you want the job.  Your CV tells the recruiter your skills and qualifications, this is your opportunity to demonstrate your desire to fulfill the role.

7.  Keep it limited to one page.  Avoid waffly pointless content, repeating yourself or information contained in your CV.  Be concise, direct and convincing.  Resist begging.

8.   Spelling and grammar checks are vitally important.  Get someone else to read through it before sending, and at the least allow a word processing program to check it for obvious errors.

9.  Encourage the recruiter to interview you with loaded content.  This can be done by referring in your letter to your willingness to expand upon your suitability, applicable skills, experience and qualifications at the interview stage.

10.  Have professional contacts?  Inform the recruiter that you could bring these contacts and their knowledge with you for the benefit of the firm.

Looking for a job is difficult, but it is important not to lose sight of the basics during this difficult time.  With that in mind here are some hints and tips to make yourself a more desirable candidate for the role:

1.  Go into every interview with a positive attitude.  Think about the effect of getting the job as opposed to not.

2.  Take time and effort with your appearance.  Whilst in modern jobs there is an element of casual dress, you should never let standards of personal grooming slip.

3.  In the interview focus on getting your strengths across to the panel.  Demonstrate how you have overcome prior weaknesses or failures by putting a positive spin on things.  Never volunteer more information than is necessary, allow the interviewer to lead.

4.  Try and study where possible.  Whilst degrees and awards are not everything they can offer a handy foot on the ladder.

5.  Combine study with relevant work placements out of term time or which are carried out in addition to your day job.

6.  Consider giving up some of your free time to a voluntary organisation, show that you have given back to the community and you can look beyond helping yourself.

7.  Work on developing yourself as a well rounded figure - this could be through travel experiences, wider reading, an interest of arts and culture etc.

8.  Look at the jobs you are applying for or would dream of doing well in advance.  Plan your experience, study etc in accordance to what an employer would expect to see.

9.  Be able to demonstrate a work ethic through other jobs you've held, perhaps whilst studying or in search of longer term employment more relevant to your present skills.

10.  Take opportunities that will provide potential employers with evidence of where you have held positions of responsibility, worked as part of a team and also on your own initiative.

The interview stage is perhaps the most daunting part of the whole application process.  After all of the hard work of writing a good CV / Resume, applying and being successful, you now have to sell yourself face to face.  Here are 10 tips and pieces of advice that can assist you prepare for your interview:

1.  Re-read your own CV / Resume, know yourself inside out and try to anticipate questions that will be asked of you in relation to your skils, education and interests.

2.  Research the firm you have applied for by reading their website, annual report and press releases.  Browse the internet for news stories that the firm might have been involved in so that you can show a wider knowledge of their business.

3.  Have prepared a couple of questions with which to ask the interviewer yourself.  These should not be questions that could be answered easily by looking at the company's website or promotional literature (for example).  Resist asking about money!

4.  Practice a strong, assured handshake.

5.  Have your travel to and from the interview venue clearly planned and pre-arranged.  Lateness will not impress a potential employer and a rushed journey will do nothing to calm any nerves.

6.  Generally speaking you attend wearing a smart suit, with a plain matching shirt and tie combination.  Make sure you have these.  Smart, clean formal shoes are also a must.

7.  Work on a positive, relaxed body language to adopt during the interview.  Plan where to put your hands so you do not fidget during the interview.

8.  Have prepared additional copies of your CV / Resume to hand out as there may be more than 1 interviewer on the panel. 

9.  Be up to date on the latest industry / sector developments.  Ensure you are to date on the big happenings and the latest news.

10.  Turn your mobile phone off or better yet, leave it in your car or at home!

Your CV/Resume is the key to getting an interview. You could well be the best candidate for the job, but if what's written down in black and white isn't up to scratch, you might as well not bother. Here are 10 things you should have on your resume / cv - so check yours, and don't let basic errors stop you from getting your dream job!

1.  Resist titling with the words 'Curriculum Vitae' or 'Resume'.  This is obvious to any recruiter - use this space to insert your name clearly.

2.  Include contact details where you can actually be contacted.  Use appropriate and active email addresses and phone numbers you don't mind being called on.

3.  Gaps in employment?  Fill them with information about voluntary work undertaken, or having taken the opportunity to travel etc.  Don't leave it blank and open to awkward questions.

4.  If you have included a covering letter, consider whether a personal profile section is necessary should you have one as an opening to your CV or resume.

5.  Include only the most relevant education and achievements for the job you are applying for.  Don't waste the recruiters time with pointless information that will be overlooked in any event.

6.  Emphasise skills such as I.T., languages or niche interests that you believe make you stand out.

7.  If your CV looks crowded to you, then it will to a potential employer as well.  Keep it concise, relevant to the job you are applying for an under 2 pages long.

8.  Never include a photo (unless a model of course!), you will risk being judged on looks rather than your skills.

9.  Talk yourself up if you have achieved something of note.  Resist making a meal of something that isn't all that impressive, as if tested in interview, you will be exposed.

10.  Resist including information that isn't relevant such as date of birth, marital status - you should aim to get judged on the merits of your experience and skills.

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