Graduate Skills Masterclass

So you want to land that dream role after uni, but you don't think you've got the skills?

 

Or maybe you've got the skills, but you don't know how to ace the interview?

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We're Teach For Australia and we've placed close to 1,500 people in jobs that have challenged, rewarded and helped them to make a difference. We know the job market, we know what works, and we want to share that knowledge with you. 

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Everyday our Recruitment Manager, Sana, helps people like you to understand what they want out of work, and what they have to offer their employers. Here are his top tips for putting your best self forward to employers: 

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1. Understand Employer Expectations

Employers, especially those in mission-driven organisations, look for candidates who are not only competent, but who also embody soft skills. What are soft skills, you ask?

 

Soft skills include anything from leadership to resilience, creativity, and adaptability. And there's many more.

 

They are attributes that might be hard to define through numbers or qualifications, but are often prized by employers and overlooked by jobseekers. 

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2. Showcase your strengths

Your resume should be ode to how amazing you are, but talking about your strengths is about more than just listing them. It's about telling stories that show them in action.

 

For example, want to show how innovative you are? Share a time when you tackled a tough project by changing your approach. This shows you're resilient and great at solving problems. Plus, it gives people a peek into how you think and grow.

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3. Aligning with organisational values​

Before engaging with potential employers, it's crucial to reflect on your personal values and career aspirations.

 

Understanding what you seek in an employer—be it work-life balance, commitment to sustainability, or a culture of continuous learning—allows you to identify organisations whose missions align with your own.

 

This alignment fosters a genuine connection and increases your likelihood of securing a position.

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4. Mastering the application and selection process​

Applying for jobs is easier if you use a structured approach. The STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) is a great way to tell your story.

 

Explain the situation, what you needed to do, the steps you took, and what happened in the end. This way, you give a clear picture of why you're perfect for the job. It's that simple and will help frame your skills and experience strategically and clearly. 

 

5. Preparing for interviews​

Be prepared for different types of questions in your interview—behavioral, motivational, and situational.

 

Behavioral questions look at what you've done before to guess how you'll act in the future. Motivational questions dig into what drives you and how you fit with the company's mission. Situational questions test how you'd handle tricky situations.

 

Think about your past experiences and learn about the company's values to answer confidently and genuinely.