Careers advice lands job with careers advice service!

With the news that employers receive an average of 46 applications for every graduate vacancy, one graduate is counting his blessings after securing an internship at the very organisation he went to for careers advice.

A recent report by High Fliers stated that although there has been a rise in employment opportunities for graduates this year, competition for graduate jobs remains ‘intense’.

Alex Blakey, 25, attended over 20 interviews without being offered a position. Alex, who lives in Exeter and has a degree in Politics and International Relations from Reading University, was not without experience after undertaking voluntary work for several charities and the Liberal Democrat 2011 local election campaign.

Frustrated by his lack of success, Alex decided to try a different approach and called the National Careers Service helpline. He was directed to adviser Leila Manion at Careers South West in Exeter, who suggested a free face-to-face session to check his interview skills.

Alex said: “The session was extremely helpful – Leila pointed out that I came across as rather excitable and needed to tone down my way of speaking.”

“I also received help perfecting my CV, such as including a link to my Linkedin profile,” he added. Alex went on to apply for an internship at Careers South West – and this time he succeeded.

John Davey, Director of Business Development at Careers South West who interviewed Alex for the position commented: “Although at the time I wasn’t aware of the guidance Alex had received from Careers South West, it obviously worked, as he came across as very calm and focussed.”

During the 12-month paid internship, Alex will be involved with the maintenance and development of social media as well as internal communications, events and PR across the South West, giving him experience and skills that will stand him in good stead for his next job search.

Alex’s top tips for anyone who is struggling to find employment include; writing a list of all the types of job you are interested in, posting a CV on as many job websites as possible, asking friends to look through your applications and switching focus from concentrating on recruitment agencies on one day to checking out direct applications on another.

“I’d also thoroughly recommend using the National Careers Service helpline – you can get face to face advice, help with your CV, support with job searches and applications, and best of all, it’s free of charge.”

For further information visit www.nationalcareersservice.directgov.co.uk or call 0800 100 900 to book an appointment with your local service.