We recently caught up with Faye about how she secured a graduate role with Ofcom, how she built up her commercial awareness before the interview and her top tips for Bright Network members looking to follow in her footsteps.
What stood out to you about Ofcom?
The graduate scheme at Ofcom allows you to experience many areas of the Engineering group throughout the two-year programme and this appealed to me because I want to explore where my strengths are. I read about other graduates online who had completed the Ofcom graduate scheme and they spoke very positively about their experience and how well supported they were, this was also important to me because this kind of role is a big step from university. Ofcom are well respected and offer many employee benefits.
How did you build your commercial awareness before the interview?
Research before your interview or assessment centre is important. I used the company website to ensure I was up to date on company values and current affairs, as well as reading about past graduates and their experiences. This allowed me to ask questions in the interview/assessment centre about the areas that interest me the most and appear engaging. I also used articles that featured Ofcom and some of their current projects to help me understand their work.
What would be your top tip to members going through the application process?
Before you start the application, establish why you want to work for them and what you can contribute, and keep this in mind throughout the process. When you are writing your CV/ application do not leave anything out, all your achievements and skills are important and remember to relate your skills to the role specifically (this is really important, don't be too general). When you get to an interview or assessment centre, the company already know your CV and skills, so this is your opportunity to show your passion for the role by asking engaging questions and showing off your knowledge.
How did Bright Network help you secure this role?
Bright Network managed the whole process. They were really helpful at keeping in contact and keeping me up to date with where my application was. I was in contact with the same person, Paul, throughout the process which made everything run smoothly. He responded swiftly whenever I had questions and was supportive, reminding me of dates and asking me how I found the assessment centre. I found the job advert through Bright Network. It was clear and concise and included all the important information you need to get started on your application. If it had not been for their advert, I would never have thought of Ofcom as a career option.
What’s been the toughest interview question you've faced and how did you tackle it?
During my interview I was asked about new 5G technology and this was something I had not done lots of research on. I felt embarrassed that I could not answer the question as it was early in the interview. I instead offered my knowledge on a related topic rather than responding with silence. I wanted to show what I did know about at every opportunity. I then proceeded to ask them questions to show I was interested and wanted to learn where there were gaps in my knowledge.
What top three tips would you give Bright Network members looking to follow in your footsteps?
- Stay determined. You may face many rejections before you find the right role for you.
- You have more to offer than you think. Remember to include everything on your CV/application but link it to the role and how it will allow you to thrive in the job.
- Show your passion. Always ask lots of questions at interview and talk about how you would fit in with their values.
Let us know where you've secured your work experience, internship or graduate role. We want to celebrate your success with a gift from us and exclusive invitations to evening networking drinks throughout the year.
