As the SilverDoor Academy opens its doors to applicants for the 2023/24 placement scheme, we share our 11 top tips for a successful placement year. From acing the interview, to securing a job after graduation, our current placements (as well as our recruitment team) share their secrets to success on a sandwich year.
Acing the Interview
Our recruitment team here at SilverDoor believe these three simple tasks make all the difference on interview day…
1. Arrive ten minutes early – there’s nothing worse than arriving late! Don’t risk making a bad impression, or creating unnecessary stress, and plan to arrive just that bit earlier.
2. Dress smartly – another tip for making a good first impression. If you’re unsure of exactly what to wear for your interview, take a look at the staff photos on our Meet the Teams page for guidance.
3. Ask us questions – not only does this demonstrate your enthusiasm and interest in SilverDoor, but it’s also important to make sure we’re the right company for you as much as you are right for us.
Getting the Most out of your Placement Year
So, you have been successful in your interview and secured a place with SilverDoor Academy! You’ll have lots of questions and will be eager to get settled in. Every year, our placements find their time with us has flown by; follow these tips from our current placement students to ensure you make the most out of the scheme.
4. “In the interview process, don’t be afraid to ask questions; this will help to prepare you for your first few weeks here at SilverDoor. Take the time to look at the differences between the London and Lancaster offices before you apply to see which one you like best – both locations bring their own experiences.” – Simon Forgeau, Junior Business Development Support placement
5. “Surround yourself with colleagues – you will learn so much from their unique knowledge and experience. Embrace challenges and learn from mistakes as they will definitely happen – the hardest days will ultimately make you better at your job.” – Louis Allen, Client Account Support placement
6. “Don’t be afraid to go outside of your comfort zone and get involved in the activities available to you. This will help to build great relationships with colleagues and aid your positive experience in the workplace.” – Jeevan Saini, Technology Systems Support placement
7. “Embrace all the opportunities that come along with the placement. Although a 9-5 schedule can be difficult to adjust to, it definitely has its benefits and there is so much more to experience outside of the typical working day – get involved and make the most out of your year.” – Annie Ord-Houghton, Client Account Support placement
8. “Go to as many social events as you can – with colleagues, clients, and partners – to build industry connections for your future career. It helps that all the social events are fun, too!” – Aaron Flavill, Partner Relationships Support placement
9. “Keep track of the experience you’ve gained and skills you’ve developed so you can capitalize on the year in your graduate applications.” – Jennifer Finnerty, Marketing Support placement
Securing a Job after Graduation
SilverDoor Academy prides itself on the opportunities we offer to successful placement students after graduation. Our recent ‘Guide to Our Student Placement Scheme’ touches on the professional journey you can experience with SilverDoor and shares success stories from the scheme.
Here’s what our Senior Recruitment Specialist, James Wills, advises to those looking for long-term progression within the company:
10. “A lot of value is placed on how well our placements embrace the work culture during their time with us – our SilverDoorians are typically characterized as being outgoing, with a can-do attitude and positive enthusiasm when coming into the office each day.”
11. “We have a proud record of hiring high-performing placements into permanent positions upon graduation. Going that extra mile – such as taking on additional responsibilities and communicating effectively across all departments – can help boost chances of securing a full-time role.”
Interested in joining SilverDoor Academy? Click here to learn more about the scheme and discover the roles on offer.
Read our ‘Guide to Our Student Placement Scheme’ to uncover placement success stories; take a glimpse into ‘A Placement’s Perspective’ to learn more about what your year in industry would look like.
