Each year Nestlé receive around 800 applications for each stream in Nestlé’s graduate program (‘Grad Program’). It’s highly competitive, and the key to success is a well-crafted resume that not only showcases your experiences but also reflects the skills and qualities that make you a standout candidate.
That’s why mastering the art of resume writing while you’re still in high school or even university is so important. Developing these skills early benefit your application, and will also contribute to your personal growth.
So, if you’ve decided you want to apply for Nestlé’s Grad Program, now comes the pivotal moment: crafting your resume.
Getting Started: Focus on the Essentials
Before you get too caught up in tweaking your resume for a specific job, it’s important to revisit the basics and concentrate on the essential parts. This will help you build a strong foundation for a great resume.
Break down the essentials into these key sections:
- Contact Details: Make sure your name, phone number, email address, and LinkedIn profile (if you have one) are easy to find at the top of your resume.
- Summary or Objective: Write a short summary that outlines your career goals or gives a quick overview of your background and skills. Highlight that you are applying for this specific job!
- Education: List your educational qualifications in reverse order, including the name of the school, the qualification you earned, and when you graduated.
- Work Experience: Share your relevant work history, focusing on your achievements and responsibilities that show why you’re a good fit for the job.
- Skills: Highlight your relevant skills, including both technical skills and soft skills, for example, leadership & software proficiency, that match the job requirements.
- Achievements and Awards: Mention any important achievements, awards, or recognitions that make you stand out from other candidates.
- Extracurricular Activities and Volunteering: Include any relevant extracurricular activities, volunteer work, or community service that reflect your character and abilities.
By carefully working through each section, you can create a detailed resume template that effectively showcases your qualifications and experiences.
How To Succeed in Nestlé’s Grad Program
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Leadership: Show Us What You’ve Got!
The Grad Program at Nestlé aims to identify and nurture the future leaders of the company, making strong leadership skills essential for success in the application process. Leadership is about inspiring others and making a difference.
Here’s how to demonstrate your leadership skills:
- Team Projects: Did you take the lead on group assignments in school? Have you guided your peers to achieve shared goals and showcase your ability to motivate others?
- Clubs and Societies: Ever run for a leadership position in a school club or organised events that would highlight your leadership and planning skills?
- Community Service: Have you led a volunteer initiative? This shows your commitment to helping others and your capability to lead by example.
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Creativity: Think Outside the Box
Nestlé values innovative thinkers who can bring fresh ideas. Here’s how to showcase your creativity:
- Personal Projects where you may have started a blog, YouTube channel, or art project. This demonstrates initiative and allows you to express your unique perspective.
- Competitions like hackathons or other creative competitions you have participated in. These experiences show your ability to think on your feet and develop original solutions.
- Event Planning where you have organised a school event or fundraiser. This requires creative thinking and strong organisational skills.
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Self-Branding: Present Your Best Self
How you present yourself can make a significant difference in your application:
- Online Presence: Curate your social media profiles to reflect your interests and achievements. A professional online presence can set you apart.
- Networking: Attend career fairs or industry events where you can engage with professionals and share your aspirations and showcase your enthusiasm for the industry.
- Personal Pitch: Develop a concise personal pitch that highlights your skills and interests. Practice delivering it confidently.
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Critical Thinking: Solve Problems Effectively
Critical thinking is essential for navigating challenges and making informed decisions:
- Case Studies: Engage in discussions or projects that require analysis and problem-solving. This could be in class or through extracurricular activities.
- Debates: Join a debate club to practice articulating your thoughts and defending your ideas. This sharpens your analytical skills.
- Real-World Scenarios: Reflect on challenges you’ve faced and how you approached them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses in interviews.
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Digital Skills: Embrace Modern Tools
In today’s digital age, strong digital skills are vital:
- Learn AI Tools: Familiarise yourself with AI and other digital tools that enhance productivity. Understanding how to leverage technology is a huge asset.
- Online Courses: Take online courses in digital marketing, data analysis, or any relevant field. This shows your commitment to staying updated with industry trends.
- For example, the Youth Entrepreneurship Platform (YEP), powered by Nestlé, is a free training opportunity that anyone can access, providing access to resources such as an entrepreneurship academy, mentoring, ideation programs, and funding to enhance digital, entrepreneurial, and business literacy. Access this, here.
- Tech Projects: Work on tech-related projects, whether coding, graphic design, or content creation. This demonstrates your adaptability and willingness to learn.
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A Genuine Interest in Food and Fast-Moving Consumer Goods
Nestlé look for candidates who have a genuine passion for food and fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG). This means understanding the industry’s dynamics and being excited about contributing to it. Whether it’s through personal interests in food sustainability, nutrition, or innovative product development, showcasing your enthusiasm for these areas can significantly enhance your application.
When You’re Ready: Customise It!
Once you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to personalise your resume for each job application. This will help it stand out to potential employers and boost your chances of landing interviews. Here’s what Nestlé suggest:
- Highlight Your Strengths: While you may not have a long list of work experience, it’s essential to focus on other valuable experiences. Tailor your resume for each job you apply for, almost as if you’re writing a new resume each time. Emphasise your education, any awards or achievements, participation in team sports, volunteer work, or other relevant activities. Employers appreciate well-rounded candidates, so make sure to showcase a diverse skill set that aligns with the specific job you’re after.
- Keep It Short and Sweet: Recruiters are busy, and they don’t have time to read long resumes. Make yours clear and concise. Ask teachers or career advisors for help in cutting out any unnecessary details. Remember, it’s about quality, not quantity. Tailor your resume for each job, focusing on the skills and experiences most relevant to that position. And don’t forget to include a strong cover letter with your resume!
- Perfect It: Before you hit send, make sure your resume and cover letter are error-free. Spelling mistakes or grammar errors can hurt your credibility. Use spell check, but don’t rely on it completely—ask a trusted friend or mentor to proofread it for you. A fresh pair of eyes can spot mistakes you might have missed.
By following these steps, you’ll be well on your way to impressing potential employers and securing your dream job!
Do you think you can do this? Applications for our graduate program open in June each year for the following year, so be sure to visit Nestle’s website here in the meantime to stay updated on opportunities and resources.
Get Ahead With Nestlé
Nestlé isn’t just about delivering top-quality products; they’re committed to helping young people unlock their full potential. Join them in their mission to nurture talent and encourage growth. Your career success is their top priority.
So, what are you waiting for? Explore Nestlé’s careers profile today and discover a world of opportunities tailored just for you!
