BU Career Advisor Offers Advice to Guardian Readers

Bournemouth University career advisor David Wakeford has told Guardian readers how to land their dream job in a recent article.

The BU employee said that people shouldn’t wait for jobs to be advertised and that “many job seekers make speculative contact with companies that inspire them”, and in doing so show initiative.

In addition to being proactive in searching for a dream role, Wakeford also told The Guardian that people should do their research, network and get some experience to stand the best chance possible.

David also pointed to research from the Association of Graduate Recruiters, who found that “more than a quarter of graduate roles in 2013/14 were filled by people who worked for the same employer either as an intern or on a placement”.

While spelling and grammar are obviously essential to your chances of getting hired, transferrable skills are often overlooked as a means to putting yourself across on a CV. So, while “sports teams, performing in the school play, organising events or doing voluntary work” may seem unrelated, the skills used here can all count in your favour, said Wakeford.

Honesty and preparation are other key ingredients, with David also saying that perseverance and asking for feedback make it a process of learning rather than a short dash to success.

The article first appeared in last Tuesday’s print edition of The Guardian.