Most students spend hours improving their CV.

Changing fonts.

Rewriting bullet points.

Adding another line about teamwork.

But here's the problem:

A better CV doesn't automatically make you a better candidate.

What sets the strongest applicants apart is often what they do before they even submit their application, it's usually something that's a bit unconventional.

They research the company properly.

Not just reading the careers page.

Not just knowing what the company does.

They understand:

For instance, when you're applying for an audit apprenticeship at one of the big accounting firms, it's pretty standard to know that they handle audits for big companies.

Understanding why companies need independent assurance, how regulation affects audit demand, and why technology is changing the profession?

That's what separates someone who memorised a website from someone who genuinely understands the role.

Before any application, spend 10 minutes on each:

1. The Business

What does the company actually do and how does it make money?

2. The Industry

What major trends are affecting its sector?

3. The Role

What problems would someone in this position help solve?

This provides you with a good understanding of the business world, so you can hold conversations and seem knowledgeable without acting like you're an authority on the subject.

(Split into Finance, Tech, Engineering, Law & Markets, so you can use whatever fits YOUR path.)

Interest rates affect far more than mortgages and savings accounts.

When central banks change borrowing costs, businesses reconsider investment decisions, consumers change spending habits, and financial markets react.

For students applying to finance roles, this is one of the easiest economic topics to turn into interview knowledge.

Don't just say:

Explain the chain reaction:

That sounds significantly stronger because you're explaining cause and effect.

Technology companies are increasingly looking beyond technical qualifications alone.

Communication, problem-solving and adaptability remain important because technology changes faster than most university courses can keep up with.

So, just because someone doesn't study Computer Science, it doesn't mean they can't work in tech, there are plenty of other paths they can take to still have a career in technology.

Many roles value commercial understanding just as much as coding ability.

If you're applying for a technology-related role without a technical degree, focus on how you've demonstrated:

The best answer isn't "I don't have technical experience."

It's explaining what transferable skills you already possess.

Major infrastructure projects require far more than engineers.

They involve finance teams, project managers, procurement specialists, lawyers, accountants, consultants and technology professionals.

This makes infrastructure one of the most interconnected industries for graduates and apprentices.

A project such as a railway expansion or renewable energy development can create opportunities across dozens of professional disciplines.

When discussing infrastructure, think beyond construction.

Mention:

This demonstrates commercial awareness across multiple industries.

Companies increasingly operate across multiple countries, making regulation more complicated than ever.

Changes in financial rules, data protection, employment law and environmental requirements can all influence business strategy.

For aspiring lawyers, accountants and consultants, understanding regulation is valuable because businesses don't just need to make profits.

They also need to remain compliant.

A simple point, but one that works across finance, law, consulting and business interviews.

This week we spoke to someone who recently secured their first professional role after completing multiple applications and assessment centres.

Here are three pieces of advice they wish they knew earlier.

Recruiters aren't expecting students to have decades of experience.

They're looking for potential.

Trying too hard to use complicated language can actually make answers sound rehearsed.

Clear and confident beats impressive-sounding every time.

You don't need to be a founder of a company or have interned at a big firm like Goldman Sachs.

A strong example can come from:

What really counts is the knowledge you gained and how well you can put it into words.

One of the hardest parts of applying for competitive careers is accepting that rejection is normal.

Even strong candidates get rejected.

The important thing is identifying what you can improve rather than assuming you're not good enough.

Every assessment centre, interview and application gives you more information for the next one.

If you're applying to apprenticeships, internships or graduate programmes, 75th Floor helps you stay ahead with:

No expensive courses.

No corporate jargon.

This is useful advice for students who want to get into tough jobs. They need to know what works in the real world.

Because most students only start preparing when applications open.

The smartest candidates start building their knowledge before they need it.

Don't miss your chance to get ahead - join the 75th Floor now and give yourself a head start before the application deadline closes in.

👉 Subscribe for free here:

[JOIN 75TH FLOOR]

Don't worry if you're feeling down after getting rejected from another job application, we're here to help you get back on track.

You don't need to be the smartest person in the application pool.

You just need to be more prepared than most people who applied.

That's a surprisingly effective strategy.

See you next week,