Your university days are behind you, you have a big fat degree in your hand, a bigger, fatter student loan to pay back and a sound knowledge of your chosen profession. The easy bit is getting that graduate job, isn’t it? Nope!
Today’s job market is more competitive and ruthless than ever and you’re in for a shock if you think you’re a shoe-in for that vacancy just because it happens to relate to your degree in some tenuous way.
Sure, the qualification is crucial but you’ll need more weapons in your job-hunting arsenal to really impress potential employers and start your career journey. Here are some of our tips for bagging that first graduate job.
Play to your strengths
Once you’ve located the dream job on s1jobs.com, it’s really important that you play to your strengths. One of your major strengths as a graduate is that you’re probably going to be a cheaper option to the employer than more experienced candidates. In these tough times, this is a serious consideration for many employers and it gives you an advantage.
Okay, so you don’t have years of experience to draw on, but you have bags of energy and a willingness to go the extra mile for your potential new employer. You are also up-to-date with the latest working practices in your chosen field – you might even be teaching them something. Don’t come across as arrogant though.
Highlight the fact that you are eager to learn skills to add to those gained in your qualification.
Be an intern… but make it worth it
Internships are an excellent tool in helping you get a job after graduating… if both the graduate and the employer respect the process. Much has been made in the media about interns being used as cheap, or even free, labour with little or nothing gained by the graduate.
The reality is internships don’t always directly result in a job offer from the employer. If you are going into one hoping that you bag a job with the company at the end, be aware that this may not happen.
The big benefit of internships is that they give you some hands-on experience and the chance to develop skills that other employers will value when they get your application. Just make sure it’s relevant and that you’re not being taken for a ride. Ask lots of questions, ask to help in tasks and build a network through the people you meet.
Know your stuff… and know it well!
You have a fresh mind that can hold and recall facts, figures and data at will. So put it to use when you get that interview.
Your qualification might be broad in subject but your potential employer is likely to be working in a defined sector or field so do everything you can to research that particular specialism. Also, learn plenty about the employer. It’s almost inevitable that they will ask you what you know about them so have a few facts to throw in.
Networking: Everyone’s doing it
If you’re not social-media savvy, you better start learning now. Sign up for s1jobs alerts, create a LinkedIn profile and join LinkedIn groups – tell the world you’ve just graduated. Even friends and family might be a surprise help in putting you on to potential employers and contacts. Get your name out there in every way you can because, remember, every other job hunter is doing that and that’s who you are competing against. Look out for local and university events that may allow you to network with professionals in your chosen field.
Slow down, you’re moving too fast
This seems like a real no brainer but mistakes in CVs and applications are absolutely unacceptable to potential employers. Yet, astonishingly, it’s consistently rated as one of the main reasons for rejections. Why should an employer give you the time of day if you can’t be bothered to proofread your CV?
Mistakes will cost you interviews so don’t rush your CV. Craft it over weeks, tweak it here and there, let trusted friends and professionals see it.
Only when you are absolutely happy with it, should you start sending it out.
What are your tips for graduates trying to get that first job? Let us know in the comments!
Images by Evonne, Tanja Scherm and the Italian voice used under Creative Commons License.