Grads, listen up

Graduates as well as those still at uni or TAFE need to keep up with current events about the industry or profession they wish to join.

I realise study demands are intense but if you want to get ahead at least keep an eye on industry news.

Job interview questions will include what you know about a particular industry or sector so it's important to pick up a newspaper, surf for specialist websites and use the library or contacts to read trade magazines occasionally.

I bring this up because of emails I've received from grads. In one, an HR grad said she had never heard of the skills shortage or the Federal Government's industrial relations changes - two crucial issues to her profession.

Closer to my heart, a media studies grad told me that TV reporters were not "journalists" and that newspaper journos "were just writers". It would have been bad enough had she couched this information into a question but to make it a statement of fact when speaking to someone from the industry she wanted to join left me really unimpressed.

For the record, radio, tv and newspaper reporters are all journalists who interview, research and write their own stories. Imagine if she had spouted these "facts" at the job interview she was just days away from attending?

It is a good idea to research what is involved in the work that you would be required to do in any given job so the interviewer knows you have an understanding of the highs and lows and still want the job.

Most importantly, being well informed about the industry/profession you are joining shows you have a passion for and commitment to your career choice and that's a great way to stand out at a job interview.

By Kate Southam, Editor of careerone.com.au

Visit CareerOne and read the Blog with posts from "Ask Kate" and other job seekers -  www.careerone.com.au and click on Kate's Blog on the home page.