How To Find A Job After Graduation
For any student, finishing uni is an exciting milestone. Finally, after all the exams and hours in the library, your studies are complete! Now, it’s time for the next big step - getting a graduate job.
This may be something you look forward to, but starting can sometimes feel intimidating. The truth is, the graduate employment market can be competitive.
But with the right attitude and planning, you can make your leap into the working world much smoother.
What Are The Steps To Finding A Job After Graduation?
An important part of finding employment after graduation is to break the process down into simple steps. This will make it a lot easier. It will also increase your chances of finding not only a job but the right job for you.
Think About Career Path
First things first, the brainstorming session. Any graduate should start their job search by taking time for self-reflection and goal setting. What do you want to get out of your career? What kind of graduate role would suit you best?
Consider your strengths, skills and interests. Then identify the type of graduate job or industry that appeals to you. Make sure to also think about your long-term career ambitions. This can help you set goals and provide direction during the process.
Craft Your CV and Other Documents
Any graduate will need to craft a compelling CV to armour themselves with as they job hunt. This should include your work experience, skills, education, volunteering, and interests.
As you write your CV, make sure to also update your social media presence. Yes, believe it or not, social media is useful for a lot more than scrolling on TikTok. Online platforms like LinkedIn can be a sort of unofficial version of your resume. So, it needs to be looking its best!
If you’ve already found a graduate job that appeals to you, you may also need to write a cover letter. This will also detail your skills and experience but will explain how this is relevant to that particular job. Try to make your CV and cover letter grab the reader by highlighting your accomplishments and employing action verbs.
Utilise Job Portals
Online job portals will be the holy grail for any new graduate. These platforms list hundreds of job listings across various industries.
Utilise the search filters to narrow down your options based on job type, location, etc. For example, if you want a full-time, part-time or flexible job.
Make sure to set up email alerts for specific keywords or job titles. This will let you be the first to know when any relevant graduate jobs come onto the scene!
Networking
Online portals are a great way of viewing job opportunities, but don’t forget about word of mouth! Reach out to family and friends to let them know you’re actively seeking employment.
Attend industry events, talks, or career fairs to connect with people in your desired field. If you can’t attend in person, LinkedIn offers a great way to expand your professional network.
Gain Experience
Whilst you’re job hunting, there’s no harm in gaining more experience in the meantime. Consider internships, volunteering, or freelance work to gain practical experience. These can easily be found via online job portals.
As a graduate, you may want to just chill out over the summer as you job hunt. But by getting some experience, you can show off your proactive and dedicated attitude. Any employer will see that you are committed to continuing your professional development. This will help your resume to stand out from the crowd.
Interview Preparation
Once you start receiving job interview invitations, it’s time to start your interview prep.
Talking to potential employers and being bombarded with questions? That might sound nerve-wracking - but actually, you can put your mind at ease by simply ensuring you are well-prepared.
Beforehand, do in-depth research into the company and graduate job you’re applying for. Maybe grab a family member, housemate or friend and practice common interview questions. This will help you to prepare responses that highlight your skills and experience. Remember, this is your time to shine and show an employer why you can benefit their organisation.
And, of course, this should be a strictly no hoodie and tracksuit zone! You will need to dress professionally to show you’re serious about the position. Try to have a tidy background and remind anyone you’re living with to keep the noise down.
Conclusion
Getting a job as a graduate is an exciting time, but it can understandably be a nerve-wracking one too.
Take your time and focus on setting weekly goals for pursuing positions. This can prevent the search from becoming overwhelming and will help you keep an optimistic and open mindset.
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