Finding, let alone securing, a decent job opportunity can be a daunting task, especially when you’re new to the game.

For starters, it requires a tremendous amount of time and effort. Consider the following for example:

• Polishing your CV
• Filtering through many, many job postings looking for that “perfect” match
• Applying for jobs (and need I remind you that some applications can be extremely exhausting)
• Preparing for interviews
• Selling yourself

Secondly, unless you have a crystal ball, predicting the outcome of your job-seeking endeavors remains elusive. So, you take a leap, hoping for the best. Unfortunately, many of us have faced rejection—a bitter pill that can leave you feeling like you’ve squandered precious time.

My advice to young professionals? Embrace the entire process as a valuable learning opportunity. In the wise words of Robin Sharma, “Enjoy the journey and savor the process.” This mindset becomes especially crucial when faced with the unlikely (but probable) event of failure.

To maximize your learning, consider the following recommendations (tailored to each situation):

• Application Rejections: When your application hits a dead end, reflect. Is there room for improvement in your CV? Perhaps a tweak here or there could make a difference.
• Interview Setbacks: If you don’t receive that coveted second interview, seek candid feedback. What set other candidates apart? Use this intel to identify areas for growth.
• Offer Dilemmas: When an offer doesn’t align with your expectations, decline gracefully. Maybe next time, be more transparent about your salary expectations from the outset.

By seeking feedback after every failed attempt, you’ll be better prepared for the next job application, ultimately setting yourself up for long-term success.

And remember, settling for just any job isn’t the goal. Michael Jordaan, a prominent business figure in South Africa, once shared this valuable advice: “If you can align your career with your passion and market demand, you’ll achieve remarkable success.” Most of us are also familiar with the well-known saying: “If you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life.”

So, dare to aim high, learn from setbacks, and find that sweet spot where your passion meets opportunity.

In the following blog post, I will provide advice for young professionals aiming to land interviews and secure promising job offers. Most job applications require you to upload a curriculum vitae (CV), which plays a crucial role in the screening process—separating the wheat from the chaff. A well-crafted CV holds the power to unlock numerous opportunities. We’ll therefore start with the basics of CV writing. Once you’ve cracked the code and received interview invitations, preparation becomes your secret weapon. I will share practical examples to help you prepare effectively. And assuming all goes smoothly, you’ll soon find yourself in the negotiation phase. Fear not—I’ll provide tips and key considerations to navigate this delicate dance. Lastly, drawing from personal experience, I’ll reveal how I made the right choice when launching my career. So, fasten your seatbelt, young professional! The journey awaits…

1. How to approach CV writing?
2. Preparing for interviews
3. Negotiating a job offer
4. Selecting the right offer

How to approach CV writing?

As a consultant, you are expected to always treat your CV as a living document. Regular updates are essential, reflecting your most recent experiences and earned accomplishments. At any point in time, your employer should be able to share it with a client, leaving a lasting (and positive) impression.

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: limited experience. Fear not! Even if your paper trail lacks blockbuster roles, a side-hustle project can wield surprising influence. Allow me to illustrate this with an example: I once interviewed a Master’s student for a junior data analytics position. Despite her modest experience, she mentioned a venture that she co-founded with her father. She was responsible for all things related to Information Technology (IT). And guess what? It spoke volumes:

• Pride in Work: The candidate’s eyes sparkled when discussing her project. Passion radiated from every word she spoke.
• Tech Enthusiasm: She practically danced while explaining the IT components. Clearly, technology was her jam.
• Problem-Solving Savvy: Her venture wasn’t just a hobby, but she built and delivered an IT solution (end-to-end).

So, whether you’re a seasoned pro or a budding enthusiast, remember: Your CV isn’t just a list of jobs; it’s a canvas where your story unfolds. Paint it with pride, passion, and problem-solving prowess.

I cannot remember whether we extended an offer or not, but I do remember giving my vote of confidence at the end of the day. When following this approach, be sure to list all of your responsibilities and contributions.

During my tenure with CGI, I had the privilege of encountering some invaluable “ground rules” that guided me in keeping my CV sharp and up-to-date. Here they are, in no particular order:

1. Stick to a template

• Utilize the fonts, styles, and tips provided by the template you choose.
• Always use the most recent template version.
• Read it carefully and tailor your CV accordingly.

2. Keep the CV’s goal in mind

• Remember: Your CV has one purpose—to secure interview invitations.
• As you build it, ask yourself: Does my CV cover most (if not all) of the job specification requirements?

3. Craft the perfect profile

• Your profile is the heart of your CV—it accounts for 80% of the impression people get.
• Invest 80% of your effort in perfecting it.
• Seek reviews for your profile; don’t be surprised if it takes multiple iterations to get it just right.

4. Length matters: Not too short, not too long

• Aim for around 250 words for a good profile, but don’t treat it as a rigid rule.
• A well-written (more experienced) profile can be longer, while a junior profile may be shorter.

5. Authenticity is key

• Present your positive self, but avoid overdoing it.
• Beware of exaggerations—they quickly become unbelievable.
• In some cultures (like the Dutch culture for example), excessive bragging is frowned upon.

6. Watch your adjectives

• Too many adjectives can dilute your message.
• Avoid paragraphs like: “Jacques specializes in…” followed by an exhaustive list of everything he’s ever done.

7. Make your profile stand out

• Find that unique spark—something that sets your profile apart from the rest.
• Give the reader a memorable takeaway. For instance, “Jacques was the guy with the Benjamin Franklin quote.”

8. Tailor your CV to every job

• Build a profile specific to each job. Highlight different aspects based on the job requirements.
• Consider having extra paragraphs ready.
• Avoid submitting the same CV repeatedly – it should be tailored to the specific needs of each job application.

9. Check your sentence construction

• When using two parts in a sentence, ensure they logically connect. For instance: “Jacques likes working in teams and therefore specializes in cash management.” Both remarks may be true, but they have no relationship whatsoever.
• Beware of redundancy and using identical words in a paragraph. Instead of saying, “Jacques is a great analyst, and he is a great team player,” see if you can streamline it.

10. Avoid long lists

• Don’t overwhelm with exhaustive lists. Focus on the three most relevant points for the job.
• For those truly interested, include a comprehensive list as an appendix.

11. Learn from others

• Review your colleagues’ CVs. What makes them readable? What sticks in your memory?
• Give constructive feedback if they are open to this—it’s a two-way street.

12. Zero tolerance for spelling and style errors

• CV text can blur your vision after countless reads. Hand it to a colleague with a fresh pair of eyes.
• There’s always someone nearby with an eagle eye—tap into that resource.

At a certain point in my career, I distinctly remember passively exploring the local job market. Specifically, I targeted positions that I would seriously consider in the near future—roles with higher levels of responsibility and accountability. When I stumbled upon such opportunities, often through platforms like LinkedIn, I took the following deliberate steps:

• I dissected each job advertisement, scrutinizing every criterion. My goal? To ensure that my CV aligned seamlessly with the requirements of my ideal next job.
• The meticulous process of identifying blind spots and areas for growth revealed gaps in my experience. It pinpointed areas where I needed to focus my development efforts to be a strong contender for the desired role.
• Setting the stage for long-term success. Armed with this tailored CV, I’m prepared for whatever the future may hold. If fate leads me to that ideal next job, I can confidently apply—knowing I’m precisely what they seek.

Remember, your CV is your professional calling card. Craft it meticulously, and let it speak volumes about your capabilities.

Preparing for interviews

I believe it was Benjamin Franklin who once said: “By failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail.” This wisdom resonates across all aspects of life, but it holds particular weight when it comes to job interviews.

The individuals sitting across from you during an interview can quickly discern whether you’ve prepared adequately or not. So, allocate ample time and plan accordingly. Drawing from my own experience with the interview process, I’d like to share some advice with young professionals.

A common mistake many of us (myself included) make is hyper-focusing on potential questions from the interviewers. We become so engrossed in preparing answers that we often forget a crucial step: preparing our own questions. Here’s why it matters:

1. Show your homework: When you ask thoughtful questions, it demonstrates that you’ve done your research. You’re not just there for any job—you’re genuinely interested in this specific role and company.
2. Beyond the job description: While familiarizing yourself with the job specification is essential, you should by no means stop there. Dive into the company’s world. Visit their website, explore their mission, and extract insights from annual reports (if they are trading publicly).
3. Formulate your own questions: Armed with this knowledge, create questions that go beyond the obvious. Consider:
   • Company Culture: What’s the vibe here? How do people collaborate?
   • Growth Opportunities: Are there chances for professional development?
   • Long-Term Vision: Where does the company see itself in the next few years?

Remember, preparing questions of your own has the power to strengthen your overall impression and beyond this, it allows you to validate whether the company is a right fit for you.

Make no mistake—similar to how you’re getting to know the company, the company (and hiring manager) will also conduct research of their own. Beyond reviewing your professional profile on a CV or LinkedIn account, they’ll likely explore your personal profile on social media. In today’s interconnected world, most of us have a digital presence. Now, here’s the crucial point: your personal branding matters. Every photo, every post—it contributes to the image that you project onto society. As a general rule of thumb, ask yourself: What message does my personal branding convey? Are you consistent, professional, and aligned with the role you’re pursuing? Remember, those seemingly harmless pictures or casual posts can either bolster or harm your application. So, choose wisely—the public eye is (always) watching.

If you’re wondering what to expect from the people sitting across the table from you, take a peek at the meeting invitation. More often than not, you’ll find their details enclosed in the meeting invitation e.g. name and surname. With LinkedIn, it is pretty easy to “stalk” people and get an idea of their background and expertise. Check, for example, if they have worked in technical roles before. If not, tailor your approach. Avoid overwhelming them with intricate details from your former or current assignments—unless they explicitly ask. Remember, it’s not about stalking; it’s about strategic research. And when you finally sit across from them, you’ll be armed with insights that make you stand out.

In the interview room, you hold the mic—it’s your chance to narrate your unique story. Here’s how to make it resonate:

1. Develop your script: Craft your story upfront. Know it inside out. Practice until it flows effortlessly. Your journey, your triumphs, your growth—it’s all part of this narrative.
2. Confidence vs. Cockiness: Confidence is your ally; cockiness, not so much. The line is thin. Confidence says, “I’ve got this.” Cockiness screams, “I’m the best, period.” Be the former.
3. Authenticity: Your story is your fingerprint. It’s what sets you apart. Embrace it. Authenticity breeds confidence. Share your quirks, your setbacks, your victories—the real you.
4. Know your worth: You’re not just a collection of skills and experiences. You’re a constellation of dreams, resilience, and potential. When you share your story, remember your worth (intrinsic and extrinsic).

So, step into that interview room, own your narrative, and let your unique story shine so bright that they will never be able to forget you.

Interviews tend to be serious and they are certainly no laughing matter. After all, your future depends on the outcome so no pressure 😉 But here’s a secret: a well-timed dash of humor can work wonders. It not only eases tension but also reveals your lighter side. Here’s how to sprinkle humor without losing your professional edge:

Imagine the hiring manager asks, “If you were to join today, what’s the first thing you’d do?” Start with a smile and say, “Well, before conquering the corporate world, I’d definitely grab a cup of coffee. It’s my secret superpower!”

After the chuckles, delve into the serious stuff. “Once caffeinated, I’d dive into XYZ”—insert something impressive you’ve learned from past experiences. Maybe it’s data analysis, project management, or unraveling quantum mysteries.

During the interview, don’t just be an interviewee—be a metaphorical sponge. Here’s how:

• Take notes: Jot down key information shared during the conversation. It shows you’re actively listening and invested in the opportunity.
• Refer back: Towards the interview’s end, revisit your notes. Use them to formulate thoughtful questions. It’s like saying, “Hey, I was paying attention, and I’ve got more to discuss!”

Whether your interview is online or in-person, your attire speaks volumes. Here’s a useful playbook:

1. Online Interviews:

• You’re a webcam star! From the waist up, go for a crisp button-up shirt.
• But remember, even if you’re wearing boxers, maintain professionalism. You never know when you’ll need to stand up! 😉

2. In-Person Interviews:

• Elevate your game. Dress slightly more formal than the majority of people in the company.
• In consulting, we follow this golden rule: Dress a notch above the client. It shows respect and sets the tone.

Most people will share all about their successes, but there is something to be said for being vulnerable and sharing about some of your past failures. When sharing, I would focus on the most important learnings from these failures and how you are planning to avoid these failures in future.

Believe me when I say, first impressions last and they are absolutely essential to the success or failure of any application. To illustrate the importance, I have a story to share from my own personal experience:

When my wife and I moved to the Netherlands back in 2021, I landed my first interview with a large Dutch financial services company based in Utrecht. My background aligned fully to the job description and it is safe to say that I had a generous amount of confidence entering the interview. However, it was my very first interview in a foreign (new) country and I was not quite sure what to expect. The interview started and two people joined, the hiring manager and a known solutions architect. They were both Dutch and assumed that I was also. As a result, they started introducing themselves in Dutch and when it was my turn, I gave a high-level introduction (thankfully, my native language is derived from the Dutch language so I know the basics but pronunciation remains a challenge). After the introductions, I politely asked if we could switch over to English as I was not yet comfortable speaking Dutch in such an important setting. They were happy to switch over and the interview could now officially start. After sharing more about the vacancy and expectations of the role, I realized very quickly that what they are looking to accomplish in the cloud, I had delivered in an on-premise environment prior to moving abroad. I could therefore impress them with all of my knowledge regarding the solution to be implemented and how to go about doing this. After back and forth questioning, we decided to end the call and they advised on next steps. On that day, I came to learn that there is always a second interview and when needed, a third may also be requested. Reflecting on the interview (come to think of it, I actually recorded the session), I had a really positive feeling and I was happy with how I articulated myself. It’s difficult to describe the feeling, but if I had to take a stab, then I would say that it did not feel like I left anything out. In other words, I said everything that I wanted to say and I had no regrets afterwards.

Later that day (9 pm to be exact), I received the following e-mail from the hiring manager:

Dear Jacques,

First of all I want to thank you again for the interview today.

I can honestly say that both Ronald and I were quite impressed with your answers, communication, positive attitude and overall demeanor.

After alignment with Peter (also in CC) I’d like to tell you that we want to forego a 2nd round interview and confirm to hire you for our new team.

I will start the necessary administration with our Resource Office tomorrow to start the mandatory screening process and hope we can agree on a swift formal starting date

Welcome aboard!

John

Reflecting on this experience, it’s clear I was a great fit for the role (thanks to my prior experience). However, I firmly believe other factors tipped the scales that day. Here’s why:

• Language flexibility: I stepped out of my comfort zone by introducing myself in a foreign language. It wasn’t just about language proficiency; it demonstrated adaptability. When the hiring manager switched to Dutch, I resisted interrupting. After all, politeness matters.
• Answering the real questions: In interviews, I’ve seen many candidates dodge the actual questions. It’s frustrating and leaves a poor impression. My answers were laser-focused on what they asked. No fluff, no evasion.
• Communication mastery: Even with my sub-par Dutch at the start, my communication flowed smoothly. Clarity matters. And here’s a tip: Record yourself occasionally. It’s like a mirror for your communication skills. I did it during important meetings (with permission, of course), and it helped me pinpoint areas for growth.

So, whether you’re a seasoned interviewer or a fresh-faced candidate, remember: Communication isn’t just about words; it’s about connection.

As a final piece of advice, it is worth sharing that we have a lack of good executors in the job market. If you have a demonstrated track record of getting things done, I would hone in on this and use it to drive home key messages. To quote Barack Obama in one of his interviews:

“Just learn how to get stuff done. I’ve seen at every level, people who are very good at describing problems, people who are very sophisticated in explaining why something went wrong or why something can’t get fixed. But what I’m always looking for is, no matter how small or big the problem, somebody who says “let me take care of that.”. If you project an attitude of whatever it is that is needed, I can handle it, and I can do it, whoever is running that organization will notice.”

Negotiating a job offer

In an ideal scenario, you’ll have at least two offers on the table. This allows you to compare apples to apples and make an informed decision. Here’s how to navigate the crossroads:

1. The Competitive Offer:

• If one offer stands out as more competitive, it’s as easy as signing on the dotted line. No looking back.
• You’ve secured a strong position.

2. The Less Attractive Offer:

• What if the other offer isn’t as appealing in terms of compensation?
• Here’s where leverage comes in. Politely approach the hiring manager and ask them to revisit the contract.
• If they truly want you, they can likely match the rival company’s salary.

General rule of thumb: Always negotiate from a position of strength, not weakness.

Now, let’s address the less fortunate scenario:

3. Single Offer Situation:

• If Lady Luck hasn’t blessed you with multiple offers, don’t be dismayed.
• Conduct market research to determine your true worth based on current skills and expertise.
• Reach out to fellow alumni members or former classmates—tap into their insights on current market trends.

Golden advice: Look beyond immediate financial gain. Consider the whole package:

• Learning Opportunities: Will this role fuel your growth or cause you to stagnate?
• Benefits: Think pension, medical coverage, stock options, bonuses, and annual leave.
• Work Culture: Salaries matter, but so does a healthy work environment.

Remember, it’s not just about the paycheck; it’s about the journey towards self-mastery. Choose wisely, my friend!

Selecting the right offer

“When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.”

Paulo Coelho

Choosing an offer can be a daunting task. Allow me to substantiate this statement by referring back to my final year of studies when I was actively searching for something to do after I complete my B.Eng degree. At the time, I had already completed a fair amount of holiday internships in a variety of sectors, which would make one think that it narrows down one’s search for a job. However, this is not always the case and regardless of prior experience, it remains a difficult and challenging task.

Despite the uncertainty that I experienced, I was pretty sure about one thing – I wanted to join a well-structured graduate development program (GDP) which would ultimately prepare me for the harsh realities of the working life whilst at the same time facilitating a smooth transition from university life. I polished my CV and applied for various GDP’s across multiple sectors. One of the companies were highly recommended by an acquaintance who worked there (at the time), which I firmly believe supported my application by the way.

Shortly after applying, I started to receive some feedback (I am always open to any sort of feedback, as it provides a great deal of clarity). Some companies simply rejected my application, others didn’t even bother to respond, and others invited me for an initial interview. If my memory serves, three solid companies wanted to continue with my application. Two of these companies were local consulting firms, and one was a local bank. I believe the order of the various interviews are of significant importance, as the company who I interviewed with third, ended up extending the offer that I ultimately accepted. Therefore, every single interview process up until the third prepared me for the final interview process.

My first interview was with one of the two consulting firms, who I shall refer to as Company A. Now Company A had a very good reputation – they boasted a large and strong client base, offered a really good starting package (good benefits etc.) and they had an extremely skilled pool of resources that an aspiring young professional could really leverage and learn from. The initial interview came, and seeing that this is usually just a basic screening process comprising basic sets of questions that one can easily prepare for, they invited me to a second round. The second round was much more intense and I was asked to complete a case study (which is a very typical requirement that consulting firms have). Case studies are usually a good mechanism to test and assess a given candidate’s way of thinking. Some case studies won’t even have an exact answer, but employers love to see how you approach the problem statement at hand. Anyways, I completed the case study to the best of my ability, but after assessing what I had prepared, Company A decided not to continue with my application. In hindsight, I am really thankful for the rejection as I can still recall the human resources (HR) professional asking me if I can see myself working for the firm, and without a shadow of a doubt I proclaimed “Yes!” as I didn’t really have any other options at the time. However, although the benefits were great, I didn’t have peace in my heart and I couldn’t really see myself fitting into their culture (it actually sounded a bit toxic at times).

My second interview was with the local bank, who I shall refer to as Company B. Similar to Company A, Company B had a very good reputation, specifically in the financial services sector. I knew that the job would entail a more specialized way of working and not really expose me to lots of different projects (my experience would also be limited to the financial services sector). However, I decided to pursue the lead regardless of what I thought I knew at the time. Strangely enough, I felt extremely good and confident after the initial interview (maybe even a little too confident?), but I was informed shortly after that they will not be proceeding with my application. They didn’t really provide me with any constructive feedback, which is sad but this happens more often than not. Over the years, I’ve learnt to probe companies for more insight into why they didn’t move forward with the application. Receiving feedback is extremely important, and if constructive in nature, it could very well prepare you for your next interview. I would really urge you to probe companies for constructive feedback whenever you receive rejection (which you will). Anyways, back to my experience with Company B. I really picked my brain after being rejected and various things popped up in my mind, e.g. “Was I too confident?”, “Was I categorized and judged because of my gender, social and other characteristics?”,  etc. I decided to call a spade a spade, and started to rather shift my focus towards the third and final company.

My third interview was with another local consulting firm, who I shall refer to as Company C. Company C was slightly smaller than Company A, and way smaller than Company B. However, I really enjoyed the various use cases that they have delivered successfully in the past, and they had well-known clients in multiple sectors. This also happened to be the consulting firm that an acquaintance of mine highly recommended, so I felt very calm from the beginning. The interview process was similar to Company A:

1. An initial call with HR to screen the candidate

2. If successful in interview 1, the candidate is asked to complete an industry specific case study within a specific number of hours

3. A review of the prepared solution to the problem statement outlined in the case study – the candidate is usually expected to present his/her solution to one of the capability leads

I was relieved to hear that I made it all the way to the final round, and because I really enjoyed the case study, I was fairly confident in presenting my proposed solution. Don’t get me wrong, interviews are always stressful, but I had the necessary confidence to really land certain messages quite well. 

Shortly after I presented my findings, Company C extended an offer. From a financial point of view, the offer wasn’t as promising as the other companies, but it was nonetheless enough to make ends meet (I was able to visit my girlfriend at the time on a monthly basis and also save for an engagement ring). However, before making my decision, I decided to consider other perspectives as well. Even though my starting salary isn’t what I hoped for, what does prospective salary increases look like? More importantly, what does prospective personal and career growth look like? This company pretty much doubled your salary after the first 18 months, and they heavily invested in the personal and career growth of their employees. Did I forget to mention that I would join the well-structured GDP? As a data-driven individual, there was sufficient data to sign the offer there and then. After signing, I knew that I had made the best possible decision at the time, with the available information that I had at my disposal.

Was this my ideal job? Well, only time could tell. At the time, I really enjoyed the fact that a career in consulting would afford me the opportunity to work in multiple sectors and more often than not, for famous companies which I would struggle to “reach” if my CV ended up in the system. This is an important point to reflect upon, as I believe countless young professionals are unable to land their dream job from the onset. It’s important to know what you want from your first employer, but to also not be too picky. A harsh reality that I had to accept was the following: 

At the end of the day, I was only a fresh graduate who didn’t really have a lot to offer, besides of course the knowledge and skill that I had acquired during my 4-year engineering degree. Ultimately I was simply looking for a job that aligns (more or less) to my career aspirations, and even if it’s not my dream job, it could be a stepping stone towards my dream job. 

In other words, once you have your foot in a door, you can start building credibility and slowly but surely prove that you can be trusted with the little. I guarantee that this will lead to greater opportunities down the line.

I hope this post gave you some valuable insights! If you found it helpful or have any thoughts to share, please leave a comment below and let me know. Your feedback helps me create better content for you. Don’t forget to hit that like button if you enjoyed reading!