10 project ideas that will help you to stand out at interview
So, you've been called to interview for your dream job. You've researched the company, you've prepped and practiced
your answers and you've ironed your best shirt. How confident are you that you will stand out above the other 7-10
candidates who made it to interview? What story will the interviewer relay about you when comparing you to other
candidates? What makes you more memorable than the rest?
Consider the following ideas and please feel free to share your own (email lisa.bean@gradvert.com), particularly if you've got an inspirational
success story.
- Start a blog on a topic related to your degree subject or future career; something practical, relevant and impactful. Use Facebook and Linked In to promote it and start gathering impressive hit rates. (Or even, write a blog post to be posted on e.g. the Gradvert blog.)
- Create an interesting and useful group on Facebook or Linked In. This could be linked to your degree or career aspirations. Through this you might start some topical discussions, share some useful links or arrange topical webinars with local business leaders. See how many 'likes' and members you can amass.
- Develop a web site to e.g. exhibit your friend's photography portfolio, promote a local event or even to provide a source of useful links and material for people doing your degree / interested in your chosen career field.
- Run your own small business. For example, if you can play an instrument consider giving lessons and supporting it with a business plan for growth. Or, consider making use of existing platforms such as Ebay to turn a profit. Again, you could tie in a blog, a web site or a Facebook group to promote your venture.
- Run an interesting marketing campaign. For example, consider promoting a local business or even a University sports team. You could be really creative here and go beyond leaflets and flyers to create a viral You Tube video. Don't forget to think of ways to measure the impact so you can evidence the difference you made.
- Secure a qualification beyond your degree in something practical and related to your career ambitions. For example, this might be to begin your accountancy qualifications, or to get a diploma in coaching or web site design.
- Write a news article on something topical for your local newspaper and promote it through Facebook, Linked In and possibly a blog. Make sure it is well researched and based on fact.
- Get your dissertation published and promote it to your target audience.
- Gather customer feedback on a topic related to your chosen industry and publish it in a blog with ideas for acting on key themes. A lot of time and money is spent gathering feedback in business so try to come up with an innovative, effective and inexpensive way to do this.
- Raise money for charity by putting on a fashion show or running a marathon. Get the local press to cover your efforts and gain support through a Facebook group.
Remember, as part of Generation-y, we have something that businesses want and that's our innovative ideas and our intuitive connections to the world of social media. So, what can you do to show you can add real value to their business?
Graduate coaching | Interview coaching | CV writing |
New business coaching | Web site build / design
