How to think like an employer

Stress the practical value of your degree

Ultimately, you'll be hired on your ability to do a job. In many cases this will be your potential to make (or save) money by identifying and solving problems or seizing opportunities to increase the business. You need to be clear on what marketable skills you possess, and how these benefit the company.

Don't assume that the title of your degree is self-explanatory. Present your skills in a way that makes commercial sense. What did you learn that's relevant or useful? For example, a degree in French may have given you an appreciation of Jean-Paul Sartre and existentialism, but more practically for an employer, it enables you to communicate with French-speaking customers, clients and suppliers, potentially reducing the chances of misunderstandings and leading to stronger or new commercial relationships.

Kay Jones Wolsey, head of recruitment at M&S, says in a recent article on what recruiters want from graduates "The candidates that really thrive are those who can quickly apply academic knowledge to real work situations ... Graduates may find themselves involved in anything from product design, development or sourcing to leading teams in store to help maximise sales... we want candidates that are confident in their decision making, show initiative and are willing to take accountability."

Identify other skills which plug a company's skills-gap

Older employees are probably not as familiar as you are with social media and new ways of connecting with clients. Highlight your ability and confidence with social networking tools and demonstrate how you can help a company boost revenues by exploiting new technologies. Teamwork and collaboration skills are also much more natural to the current generation of graduates. Give examples of what you have achieved working with others.

In a recent live Q&A on internships, Jerry Allen said: "The world is a different place now compared with when many leaving graduates made their choice of subject to study at university. However, we could use this as an opportunity to reposition graduate skills to adapt to the new world environment. I would advise anyone thinking of a university subject to work on generic skill-sets; enterprise, communication, new media technology immediately spring to mind."

Bring relevant experience to the role

A degree on its own is no longer enough to wow an employer. Gain some relevant experience to prove your interest. CV-building experience can be paid or unpaid, part-time or temporary, but it demonstrates your employability and willingness to take direction.

Emily Wilton, graduate recruitment and development manager at Cancer Research UK says "We're looking for people who are driven and motivated, and so graduates need to show this by getting some relevant experience. This can make candidates stand out and it shows they are proactive and motivated."

Be a low-risk hire

Hiring and training new employees is expensive. Employers prefer to invest in those who show interest in their long-term prospects with the company. Ask about promotion and development opportunities and show enthusiasm for progressing within the company. Recruiters are particularly interested in graduates who show leadership potential.

As Madalyn Brooks, UK HR director of Procter and Gamble says: "Academic performance is obviously important, but the crucial factor is leadership. We are looking for future leaders of our brands, our business and our company. We look for people who can demonstrate leadership qualities and examples of what they have achieved."

Be sensitive to company culture

Show your desire to fit in with the team. Find out about company and team culture, as well as management and working styles. Ambition and determination are even more valuable when employers see you want to achieve results without upsetting the apple-cart.

Tailor your application

Research the company and the role. Read the company website and press releases and supplement this research by locating key players on LinkedIn, reading company blogs and following people on Twitter to gain a deeper awareness of the issues facing the company. Stay current on wider industry trends.

Your application should demonstrate your ability to deal with the challenges of the role. Always keep the needs of the company in mind and word your CV for maximum effect.

Add creative touches, such as one or two brief testimonials from employers or tutors that illustrate your potential.