When you are keen to work for, let's say, HSBC it's not a good idea to rave about how much you want to work at Sony on your application form.
It may sound obvious, but this doomed-to-failure job application scenario was highlighted in a recent Careers Talk podcast by John Morewood, head of graduate recruitment at HSBC, as one of the common pitfalls of not taking the time to tailor your applications for graduate schemes; he's seen many cut-and-pasting graduates get the name of the company wrong when applying for a role.
Trouble is, adopting a scatter-gun approach to job seeking - by hoping that by upping the volume of applications you turn out, the odds of landing a job improve - doesn't necessarily work.
It's a strategy Guardian Careers blogger Hannah Salton found unsuccessful while trying to land a place on a graduate scheme - her manta became: "One excellent job application might get me through to the next round. Five average job applications won't." I'd say her advice is well worth listening to, considering she successfully landed a coveted place on the BT graduate scheme recently.
We've decided to take a closer look at the ever-popular graduate schemes and what is required to land a place on one. Join our panel of experts to find out what they are looking for and how you can impress on an application on 22 March between 1pm-4pm.
The discussion will take place in the comments below - feel free to leave advance questions.
Our panel:
Claire Griffiths is engineering graduate programme manager for Centrica. Claire joined the Centrica graduate programme in 2008 and worked in operations and HR.
Sara Hay-Jahans is head of industry recruitment and training at the the British Horseracing Authority, the governing body for the sport of horse racing. Sara is also responsible for managing a graduate programme, which has been running for more than 20 years.
Neil Hayward is director of HR at Hitachi Capital Vehicle Solutions. The Newbury-based leasing firm will be recruiting six graduates a year onto a two-year programme.
Candice Brewer is a leadership and personal development coach who runs About Time Coaching. Candice works with and mentors graduates - helping many secure work through succeeding at assessment centres.
Claire Knight is the regional human interests director for Saatchi & Saatchi X, an agency which specialises in shopper marketing. Claire has just launched Saatchi & Saatchi X's own graduate scheme.
Amanda Haig is the graduate HR manager for Allianz Insurance, one of the UK's leading general insurers. Amanda oversees the recruitment of full-time graduates to the company as well as summer work placements.
Louise Briggs is employability, enterprise and careers manager at Lancaster University Management School's careers service.
Donna Miller is human resources director, European operations, at Enterprise Rent-A-Car. Donna sits on the board of the Association of Graduate Recruiters.
Laura Hooke currently combines working for the careers service of City University London with freelance career consultancy. Her experience in guidance covers more than 20 years and includes working with university students and graduates, school and college students and career changers.
We also have three representatives of PwC joining in today:
Joanne Cox, PwC student recruitment manager, is joining in between 1pm - 2pm
Andrew Bargery, PwC campus engagement leader, is joining in between 2pm - 3pm
Richard Irwin, PwC head of student recruitment, is joining in between 3pm - 4pm
