What kinds of things are you looking for in a new joiner?

MM: At De Beers we hire for attitude, and skills can be developed on the job. Qualifications are of course helpful because in order to achieve them they tell me you can think logically and ask the right questions. However, having the right attitude is extremely important. You need to be able to work with other people because no matter how good you are as an individual you will always need to work with others. We're looking for people who are curious, who are questioning, who are hungry to contribute and want to learn and grow - that is the right attitude. Finally, the ability to think critically and solve problems unconventionally.

What is your advice around preparing for an application or interview?

MM: Young people have access to a lot of information through social media, so use it. Research the company, go onto LinkedIn and understand the people that work there, reach out. Normally you are told ahead of an interview who is interviewing you so research them, see what they're interested in and try to bring that into your interview. You could also send an email to your panel ahead of the day saying that you're looking forward to it.

Another thing I would suggest is, imagine you already have the role. Do your research and understand what that would look like, then write down your thoughts about what you would do in the role. At the end of the interview you could have a printed copy ready to hand to them. Make sure you thank them for the opportunity and try and personalise where you can. People don't forget people who personalise - who know what you're interested in and naturally make this part of the interaction.

TM: People should show up as their authentic selves, this is very important. Of course have professionalism, but you can never be someone else. People connect with authenticity.

Once they're in the role, how can someone make a good impression?

MM: For this it comes down to what matters to your line manager, so make sure you understand what they are looking for. What does success look like to them? Obsess about this. For me, when you are in a room, I want your opinion and I want to hear your voice - that's what I care about.

What's the best bit of career advice you've ever been given?

TM: First, you must understand how to show up professionally. My old boss once said to me, "if you ask yourself, is this allowed, or you think there's something wrong with how you're showing up, then there probably is." 

The second piece of advice is, just be curious. Want to know more at every opportunity and learn as much as you can. Our recent graduates have shown such curiosity, it's been amazing to see.

MM: I think of two things. First, you are 100% responsible for how people view you and how you show up at work. If you want to be taken seriously, then you must take yourself seriously. Dress for the part that you want - I didn’t say expensive, just look smart, because first appearances matter.

Second, I would invest in the art of communicating. You could be the highest achiever, but if you can’t explain to an audience what you’ve learnt, if you can't communicate your ideas, then that doesn’t help anyone. Whilst lots is virtual now, and growing up that's what you're exposed to, when you come into a business then you need to be able communicate face-to-face. Performance currency will get you somewhere, but relationship currency will keep you in the game. It's the art of social capital. If you do something for someone else they’ll remember it, then there’s a desire to reciprocate. If this is something you struggle with, then find more ways to do things with other people.