Graduating is a bitter/sweet experience. Your exams are over but now you’ve got to start preparing yourself for the jobs market.
This is not the easiest thing to get started on, especially when a summer of freedom is staring you in the face, so here are some handy tips to help you get started on finding that ideal graduate job!
Research
You’ve spent 3 or 4 years devoted to studying a specific subject. You may have a decent understanding of the theory but how can this be translated into employment? Where do you want to work, what do other graduates with your background go on to do?
Spend some time digging around the internet, ask advice from people working in the industry and talk to recruitment professionals who specialise in your field. They will be able to give you some incredibly important advice about your options and your best path to job success.
Get a good CV
Of course we were going to suggest this, but for a number of good reasons. Without a decent CV your job hunting prep really is for naught. All employers will expect you to have an up to date CV that is well written utilising a modern layout.
Creating or rewriting a CV will also help you to think more closely about your qualities, achievements and experiences. You’d be surprised just how much you will have gained.
If you feel you are lacking in experience then have a read of our blog post: ‘How to write a CV when you lack work experience’. If you think you still need help then get in touch – we offer special rates to graduates and students.
Clean up your social presence
You’ve spent years sharing cat videos but if an employer looked at your Facebook or LinkedIn profiles what else would they see? Employers & recruiters are looking at social profiles more and more as part of the hiring process. It helps them to get a much better idea of who a candidate really is. So make sure that your social profiles communicate you in a positive and professional way.
Have a read of: ‘How Your Social Accounts Can Impact Your Candidacy’
Connections
Whilst carrying out your research also think about who you know that may be able to give you advice or even a foot in the door. Friends and family are potentially a great job-hunting resource whether it’s advice or contacts; you should definitely sit down and open your address book up!
Internships
If you’re lucky enough to be in a position where you’re able to consider doing an internship then this is a great way of not only gaining experience in your chosen industry but if you get stuck in and prove your worth you may well find yourself being offered a position at the end of your internship.
Whatever you do our advice is to exploit your time as much as possible (this doesn’t mean raiding the stationary cupboard)! Be enthusiastic and helpful. Make good connections within the business and put feelers out about potential opening either internally or within the industry. Keep an eye on the internal jobs board and make sure that you also continue to job hunt during your internship so that by the end of the internship you have your next planned.
Apply directly
You may have always wanted to work for a particular company but perhaps they don’t appear to be hiring? Don’t let that put you off! Job boards aren’t always kept up to date and even when companies aren’t officially hiring they’re often happy to hear from enthusiastic young job seekers.
However, please note that enthusiasm will not always be enough! Spend some time researching the company. What’s the latest news? Who heads up the team/department that you want to work in? Create a CV and covering letter that really talks to that company. Show that you genuinely understand the business and it’s possible that your CV and letter may make reach someone who can offer you advice, work experience or even a job!
Don’t give up!
Job-hunting is not always easy. Like anything in life it requires dedication, organisation and resolve. You will get knock backs but don’t let the first rejection put you off.
Try and turn each rejection on its head. What can you learn? What could you differently? Stay on top of the job hunt and treat the process as you would an actual job. Be organised, put regular hours in each day and track your progress.
Commit to achieving the result you want and you will achieve!
For more job hunting advice have a read of our blog, which is full of tips and advice. Also if you are in need of inspiration then read our success stories page.