So you’re back at uni, and into the swing of things. Only this time, you’ve got an application to get your head around too – your placement year application. 

We know how tough it is knowing what to apply for and when, especially with all those lectures and seminars popping up. So we’ve put together a placement year timeline to help you navigate your application journey with ease.

It’ll guide you through everything from application deadlines to interview prep, assessment centres to call-back days.

What’s in the timeline?

Well… many things. We’ve created this timeline to guide you through your placement year application, ramp up your employability and give you a step up on the career ladder.

Let’s take a sneak peek of what it all includes…

September – November: This is when we have the most roles live on RateMyPlacement. So now is the time to apply, apply, apply!

December – January: Every company differs, but most will invite you for first-stage interviews around this time. It can be tough, but our biggest advice is not to compare yourself to others. Everyone has a different journey to finding their placement.

February – April: You’ll start attending final interviews and assessment centres. Haven’t found your placement yet? There’s still time. We have roles going live all year round so keep your eyes peeled for any that take your fancy and apply as soon as you can.

May – August: Congrats! Now’s the time you’ll find out you’ve secured that placement. Next, you’ll need to find accommodation for the year ahead and apply for your maintenance loan.

Find all the information you need about what to do with your student finance and accommodation in our go-to guide to industrial placements.

The post The Ultimate Placement Year Timeline appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

2024 is here! And just like the rest of the world, we’ve been scribbling down our Ins and Outs for the year ahead (careers edition)…

In: Researching

The most important thing in your career search should be finding an employer who’s right for you. And by that we mean one who matches your values and goals. So how do you go about finding your match? 

Firstly, check out the reviews section on our website. Each one has been written by a student who was previously on a scheme, either on placement or as an intern. You’ll be able to understand their experience at a company – the good and the bad. 

Secondly, familiarize yourself with our Best Student Employers tables – you’ll be able to see who came out top for their stand out schemes, as well as for development, inclusion and CSR.

Need more guidance on how to find a company that’s right for you?
Check out How To Spot The Green Flags In A Company.

In: Upskilling

This is your sign to register for free career courses this year. They’ll help build your application and interview skills, plus you can meet some key employers too. 

If you missed our new Career Coaching Course this year, don’t worry. You can catch up on all our 10-minute Insight Sessions now for free. Learn all about utilising Linkedin, building an effective CV, smashing interviews and mastering assessment centres. 

In: Networking

If you aren’t already, definitely head to more Careers Fairs at your university this year. Not only will you meet some top employers in your chosen industry, but you’ll also get to understand all of your options. 

Also, don’t be afraid to speak to your university Careers Advisor. It’s a completely free service, and they’re on hand to support you with all your CV, application and interview needs.

In: apply, apply, apply!

Deadlines are fast approaching, and you don’t want to miss out on landing your dream role this year. There are tonnes of handy services when you’re logged into your RateMyPlacement account, such as saving your favourite roles and getting notifications for when they’re closing. This will help you organise your upcoming deadlines.

Not sure where to start with your applications? Discover the top six application tips from industry experts.

Out: Putting too much pressure on yourself

It’s easy to tell yourself you could be doing more, and feeling guilty for not ticking everything off your to-do-list. Well, we’re here to tell you, you can’t do it all. Always just try your best. Perhaps you could try some prioritisation activities to help you categorise your list into what’s a must-do and a nice-to-do. 

Out: Using Chat GPT for applications

Out: Self-doubt

It’s got no place here! Start your new year with a healthy dose of self-love. Perhaps you could write down a few realistic goals or affirmations you’d like to follow this year. Say them out loud each morning in the mirror to kick-start your day.

So there you have it – our list of ins and outs for 2024. Feel free to borrow ours if you like, or have a go at writing some down yourself. Good luck for this year!

The post Ins and Outs for 2024: Careers Edition appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

On the 12 days of Christmas RateMyPlacement gave to me… their most popular resources, so sit down with a cuppa tea.

What’s in the PDF?

Our 12 Days of Resources is jam-packed with:

Our best blog articles

Student Success Stories

Expert employer webinars

And guides to help you land your dream job.

Merry Christmas from all of us at RateMyPlacement!

The post RateMyPlacement’s 12 Days of Christmas appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

It’s deadline season – the months where career-hungry students like you descend on our website in search of amazing paid placement and internship roles. 

Your application is KEY to landing that dream role. But we know it can be tough. Especially when you want to make sure yours stands out from the crowd.

Highlighting your strongest skills is crucial for getting noticed by employers. Struggling to think of yours? It’s time to look at your past experiences.

Read on to see 5 real life examples of how you can do just that…

• You’ve smashed your latest essay
• You’re working at the local pub
• You’re a committee member of a uni society
• You volunteer
• You’ve set up your own business

Want to set yourself up for success in any future work experience application? Sign up to our FREE Career Coaching Course, a four-day virtual programme in October, to upskill yourself on CVs, applications and interviews.

See! Showing off all those amazing skills you have is really as simple as that. Now you’re ready to go SMASH those applications. 

The post 5 Simple Ways To Show Off Your Skills In An Application appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

It’s okay. We’re on your side and we’re here to help. We’ve pulled together this ultimate toolkit to help you smash your applications.

Why should I download this?

• Find a step-by-step guide on how to answer your application forms
• All the dos and don’ts of creating a CV that stands out from a crowd
• Download an AWESOME cover letter template to get started
• Example psychometric tests to get practising
• Our expert tips for smashing those interviews and assessment centres (and trust us, we’ve hosted a fair few!)

The post Applying For Placements: The Ultimate Toolkit appeared first on RateMyPlacement.

We feel you. It’s hard to stay motivated, but we’re here to help!

Did you know, you’re 75% more likely to take in information if you act it out? And 95% more likely if you teach it to someone else?

So, set up a revision group with some friends and use our 5 fun revision games to make your notes more memorable. We’ve created a handy PDF so you can print it out or share it far and wide.

Five fun revision games

• Jenga Quiz
  
• Charade It
  
• Get Crafty
  
• Post-It Challenge
  
• Text It

The post 5 Fun Revision Games To Boss Your Exams appeared first on RateMyPlacement.