How To | Get a Job After Graduating

Being a graduate can greatly improve your job prospects, but with so much competition around, you need to put a job-hunting strategy in place to secure your dream role.

#1. Think long term

Think of your career as a continuous journey. If you have a specific role in mind, think about the stepping stones you may need to initially take to achieve this, rather than aiming for this post outright.

Often getting your foot in the door in a more junior role can be an easier and quicker way to career progression to land your dream job, and at least you’ll be earning money to pay back those student loans.

#2. Take a targeted approach

Once you know what job you want to aim for, take a targeted approach to achieve your ambition.

Contact companies that may have vacancies in this area, and sign up with specialist recruitment agencies, rather than more general ones.

Subscribe to industry journals and magazines, so you’re on top of the latest news and trends, and take a proactive approach if you spy potential job openings.

Find out if there are any networking events, exhibitions or careers fairs related to this specific area, and put in an appearance.

#3. Do your research

Many graduates go down the route of applying for company graduate schemes, but with abundant applicants and only limited roles to fill, your chances of securing a place are slim.

Instead of applying for schemes offered by well-known companies, find out if there are any smaller, lesser-known companies that could have potential.

They may not provide formalised graduate schemes, but you may learn just as much, and there could be greater scope for job variety.

#4. Exploit social media

You can’t ignore the huge potential of social media when it comes to building contacts and networks, and promoting yourself.

Think of yourself as an individual brand when using social media for job hunting, and maintain a professional image to increase your chances of landing a job.

Make use of sites such as LinkedIn for building contacts, start following content that is shared and comment on it and re share it, this will get you noticed. Then use LinkedIn to make a more direct approach.

However, if you’re looking for a visual job, such as a designer or photographer, showcase your talents on sites such as Pinterest. You never know who might be looking.

#5. Stand out from the crowd

Taking a proactive approach to job hunting is essential, but, these days, with so much competition around, this isn’t enough.

You really need to elevate yourself from the crowd, so you stand out. There are various ways you can achieve this.

If you’re seeking a creative role, showcase your innovative talents in the way you present your CV or skill set to grab attention from potential employers.

Consider doing voluntary work to equip you with sought-after skills and experience that could put you in a favourable position.

#6. Don’t give up

As a graduate, you might have limited experience in job hunting, and you could be forgiven for feeling despondent if you face one rejection after another.

Try to pick yourself up, and find out why you aren’t getting any offers. Are you looking in the wrong place? Perhaps you need to widen your search?

Maybe you need extra training? Don’t be afraid to ask an employer why you got rejected, and learn from their replies.

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