Calling all Curtin students with a passion to excel! Applications for the Top 100 Future Leaders Competition 2019 are now open!
Every year, the Top 100 Future Leaders competition offers university students around the country the opportunity to connect with Australia’s biggest employers, and to experience what it is like to be part of a large-scale recruitment process. So, if you are mildly freaking out about your post graduation job hunt or you’re feeling cool and confident about your future, this is a great opportunity.
Like many competitions of its type, the Top 100 Future Leaders allows you to push yourself outside of your comfort zone and build your personal brand. If you’re sitting and thinking about the lack of experience or wow factor on your resume or LinkedIn profile, this is a great way to spice things up. Competition finalists even get their names published in the Australian Financial Review. And who doesn’t want to see their name printed in black and white for the world to see? And that’s not to mention that this is a great opportunity to learn more about yourself and how you fit into the professional world.
The application process
The Top 100 Future Leaders competition simulates the processes involved in the recruitment of many big organisations, without the added pressure of constantly worrying about whether or not you’ll get the job. This process is no joke however – past years have seen organisations such as BP, Westpac, AECOM, Ashurst, KPMG, and Mars Australia sponsoring the Future Leader awards for the top performing students in the competition. The first step is to complete the application form before Thursday 13 September.
Complete the psychometric testing
The term psychometric testing may seem daunting but, fear not, this is often an interesting, and sometimes fun, experience. Most tests are either skill or personality based and evaluate things such as your numeracy, literacy or reasoning skills. Alternatively, they may test whether your personality and thinking align with that of the company. Newer forms of psychometric testing may use game-based assessments that are so effective you hardly even realise you are being tested.
Take part in a video interview
Video interviews are becoming more and more popular as employers look for new ways to screen applicants quickly. Video interviews can be either live or recorded. Recorded interviews often have a set of predetermined questions to respond to within a time limit, while live interview questions can be more difficult to anticipate. It’s important to think about and practice your answers beforehand, and to speak confidently and professionally.
Participate in an assessment centre
For those Curtin students who become competition finalists, congratulations in advance! But how are you going to get to Sydney? Luckily there’s no need to stress, competition sponsors GradConnection cover the cost of all flights and accommodation for finalists from universities outside of Sydney. Without the stress of booking and paying for flights, finalists will be able to focus on the important stuff – doing well in the assessment centre.
Assessment centres are a way for employers to test an applicants’ leadership skills, analytical skills, team work, and ability to work under pressure. This also gives the finalists a chance to meet employers in person, and to network.
And finally… relax
Once all of the testing is complete, finalists are invited to attend an Awards Night during which employers will announce the winning students and top ranking universities. The last competition saw six Curtin students become finalists. Here’s hoping next year sees this many, if not more, Curtin students doing well in the competition.
Are you up to the challenge? Apply before Thursday 13 September for a chance to be one of 2019’s Future Leaders.
