If you\u2019re worried about finding a job after graduation, you are in a very large club of fellow students! Graduate job anxiety is an increasingly common issue facing those of you about to leave further education in pursuit of meaningful employment after university, with the main question being how long does it take to find a job after graduating?<\/p>\n
No doubt you\u2019ll have heard a few horror stories about people being ‘overqualified and under-experienced’ for their dream roles, but don\u2019t be scared of not finding a job after college, as we have plenty of tips to help you kick-start your career after university.<\/p>\n
When it comes to getting your first job, you could find yourself between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, you will have taken the time to gain a relevant qualification that should allow you to circumnavigate non-graduate entry-level or irrelevant roles, but on the other, you may have no practical experience.<\/p>\n
You might think that employers seem to want it all \u2013 years of experience AND relevant study, but how can you combine the two? The simple answer is that you are unlikely to, but you can still clear the hurdle of how to get your first job by considering the advice of this article.<\/p>\n
It might sound like a common-sense tip, but by updating your CV, making sure you have removed any spelling or grammar errors and by tailoring it every time you apply for a position, you can maximise your chances of getting noticed.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s a good idea to check that your references are still relevant and contactable at the email addresses and phone numbers listed, and always be sure to include a personal cover letter when applying for a role. A generic \u2018to whom it may concern\u2019 greeting will no longer fly in today\u2019s tech-savvy world when all it takes to discover who your application is heading to is a few cursory searches on LinkedIn or Google.<\/p>\n
\u00a0<\/span>Read more<\/strong>: How to write a great CV<\/a><\/p>\n Don\u2019t confuse a niche with a gimmick, as you are trying to present yourself as a mature and qualified professional looking for their first job. But doing something to make you memorable can be the difference between employment and submitting more applications.<\/p>\n Having some business cards printed with your details and a line that denotes the job you are hoping to get (with a humble \u2018soon to be\u2019 in brackets next to it) could grab attention. So, too, could hand-delivering your application or making the most of YouTube as a platform for getting noticed. Your imagination is your only limit here.<\/p>\n Did you know that there are certain strategies that have proven to be more successful than others when looking for a first job? Well, there are, and they are simple to put into practice when you know what they are. First off, the best day to look for a role is Monday. Whether it\u2019s because you\u2019ll be fresh and revitalised after the weekend or because more companies advertise after the weekend is unknown, but set an alarm and start your week with a decent search.<\/p>\n Secondly, if you are invited for an interview, always try to secure an early-morning slot. Not only will this demonstrate your keenness and ability to be punctual, but your interviewers will also be energised and more likely to remember you.<\/p>\n When you find out that recruiters generally spend just a few seconds looking at your CV before deciding whether you are worth further consideration or not, you\u2019ll realise how critical it is that you cut through the bluster and get to the point of why you are a serious contender.<\/p>\n One way you can demonstrate your potential is to draw attention to a broad knowledge of the company you are applying to, as this is something that all employers look for. If you mention relevant recent accomplishments or published articles, for example, it shows that your interest is more than just perfunctory.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Read more<\/strong>: What questions should I ask at a job interview?<\/a><\/p>\n Have you brushed up on your interview questions yet? Could you give three examples of when you were a true team player, without sounding boastful? Have you formulated a list of questions to ask in response? If the answer is no to any or all of these, you are not ready for an interview! Don\u2019t let performance anxiety scupper your chances once you have made it through the door for an interview, especially if you have no formal experience to fall back on.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need to be engaging, amiable, and most of all, interested in what is being said, to the point where you can adapt some formulaic questions you have devised on the spot. Don\u2019t forget that while some light-hearted humour can be a good way to break the ice in those nervous first moments, employers are not looking for funny or wacky questions about the role itself.<\/p>\n We know that it can be disheartening when first job offers don\u2019t come flying through the door after graduation. However, you can overcome your lack of employment experience by using these tips to help highlight why you deserve a chance.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/span>Read more<\/strong>: How to answer competency-based interview questions<\/a><\/p>\n You\u2019ll have barely put your cap and gown away before you start thinking about finding your first job after graduation, and while a lot of people complain that they can\u2019t get a job after uni, there are things that you, as a shiny new graduate, can do.<\/p>\n It\u2019s all too easy to be so relieved after your dissertation gets submitted that you simply let all of your determination and focus slip away, but now is not the time! Instead, channel those last few ultra-organised months to create an applications spreadsheet and filter your job applications honestly.<\/p>\n Have sections for those roles you are very keen on, all the way through to some that are less of a perfect match but could give you the right experience for a better position later. With this in place, you can make sure that your energy is channelled into the right applications and those that you can\u2019t muster any enthusiasm for probably aren\u2019t for you anyway.<\/p>\n2. Carve yourself a niche<\/h2>\n
3. Think tactically<\/h2>\n
4. Be knowledgeable<\/h2>\n
5. Be ready for questions<\/h2>\n
6. Focus<\/h2>\n
7. Search for graduate-specific vacancies<\/h2>\n\n