Unless you’ve been holed up in your room all weekend searching for jobs and graduate training schemes, you’ve probably heard the latest on Kate Middleton – who has spent the past few days locked away in secretive discussions with royal aides and loyal hubby Wills, debating their next move amid the turmoil surrounding topless photos of her published in a French magazine.
While sunbathing topless isn’t anything to be ashamed of (even Duchesses have an aversion to tan lines), there was a danger the photographs could bring discredit to her flawless reputation.
However, the English press have leapt to her defence, with The Sun commenting that Kate “displayed magnificent dignity [...] when she must have been boiling with anger” and the Daily Telegraph saying that given the way she handled herself in Kuala Lumpur after discovering the news, the photographs “might just be the making of her”.
The protection of the English press coupled with the admirable ‘keep calm and carry on’ attitude Kate has adopted throughout the ordeal will keep her reputation safe and sound.
The Duchess may have ducked a scandal, but then she does have her royal aides and the support of the press and the people. Graduates are also in a good position – you’ve got
royally splendid graduate job sites to advise you on your next move and the loving support of mum/dad/the dog. Of course, it is worthwhile doing your utmost to avoid any career-related ‘scandals’ in the first place, and here’s the how-to:
References – Get in touch with former employers or bosses from internships and work experience that you got on particularly well with and ask them to write you a reference. If you worked hard and got on well with the team, these references will generally be oozing with compliments. Having this tacked onto the end of your CV will be a big boost to your reputation and will assure a potential employer that you’ve got what it takes to shine in the world of work.
Social media sites – Go through your Facebook and Twitter accounts with a fine tooth comb. Employers increasingly look to social media to check out potential candidates, so it pays to take down photos or status updates that could jeopardize your chances of landing a graduate job.
Job agencies – While finding a job through agencies lengthens the process, it could be worth your while in other ways. If you shine at an interview with a job agency, consultants held in high esteem by the company will pass on their compliments and up your chances of clinching a job.