I thought long and hard about my first blog post and what would be of most interest to prospective new grads. It’s funny how quickly one switches from the ‘student hat’ to the ‘working man/woman hat’ once the program begins. Luckily though, I can still remember my last two uni terms, between Montreal and Copenhagen, very vividly, and the job seeking that accompanied them.
So, in turning back time for a moment, and putting myself back in the shoes of a job-seeking new Masters grad, I realised there was probably one topic on the top of your lists – ‘how to get in!?’
With the application deadline only a few weeks away, I would like to share the following tips:
1. ‘Dot your i’s, and cross your t’s’
As superfluous as it may sounds, make sure you
- Put in the right company name!
- Spell check and grammar check (I would use a friend, rather than the computer)
- Keep your CV to max two pages and your cover letter to one
- Tailor (at least part of) your letter to the company and industry
You wouldn’t believe the stories I’ve heard from grad application screeners.. you don’t be one of them!
2. ‘Show me what you got.. but not too much’
One of the most valuable pieces of application-related advice I every received was that ‘an application letter is like a first date..’
You want to show the listener just enough of your very best characteristics/achievements to get him/her intrigued, but not so much as to overwhelm. Both in dating and applying, overselling yourself is a common pitfall. When we are really interested in a particular company we are tempted into writing endless lists of reasons why: Why company X is the best, why we are most suited to it.
Instead, focus on your best reasons and (hopefully) you will be able to expand on them in the interviews. With all the apps that need to be read, you don’t want to overwhelm your reader!
3. ‘Be original’
Most importantly, show us what makes you YOU! Some call it the ‘x-factor’, ‘IT factor’ or even ‘A+ factor’. We are looking for grads that aren’t afraid to stand out from the crowd!
While your university degree, grades, internships and international experiences are all necessary factors in succeeding in the application, they are not always sufficient.
Above and beyond those elements, Novo Nordisk is looking for unique people, with a unique drive. Are you a semi-professional ice skater, champion chess player or knitting master/mistress?
Success in any activity is founded on the same factor as success in business, passion. Hearing about your passions and your experiences in pursuing said passions is one of, if not the best indicator of your ability to succeed in a program like this one.
That being said, don’t feel confined to talking about your ‘one big passion in life’. For many applicants (myself included), that same passion will be channelled through several different hobbies; we want you to touch on those.
I hope these tips help, and wish you all the best of luck. Feel free to ask away..
5 Comments to Application tips & tricks
Dear Emanuel,
Thank you for your tips and tricks. Though some of them seems obvious, it is often there we end up making the mistakes. For example, I better find a way to shorten my cv..!
I have a question regarding grades; what is considered good grades? I am above average, but if it is not two-digits on my whole diploma, am I then out of the game?
Best regards,
Anja Gorm Knudsen, Denmark
Hi Emanuel,
Thanks for the tips and tricks. Though some of them seem obvious, it is often there we make the mistakes. For example, I need to shorten my cv..!
I have a question regarding grades; I am above average, but I do not have two-digits throughout my whole diploma. Am I then out the game or how big an impact do grades have?
Best regards,
Anja Gorm Knudsen, Denmark
Hi Anja,
Definitely not. We take a look at grades, but equally so on your relevant degree, international experience, work experience and extracurriculars! We have no set cut-off point with the grades.
Lise
Hi Lise,
I have a Masters in Biology. Is the certificate of it enough?or you need further documents?
Cause the word “transcript” may differ from country to country
Thomas
Hi Thomas,
If your certificate does not display grades, please submit them too. A transcript is a copy of your academic record, so should include grades.
Lise