Your university days are over and you\u2019re keen to land that dream job. While you may feel that the world is your oyster now you have your degree, finding a job as a new graduate can be a challenge. The main reason is that you\u2019re not the only new graduate on the block. Thousands of other freshly graduated individuals are going through the same job search process.<\/p>\n
This period of time, between graduating and starting your new job, doesn\u2019t have to turn into a job application slog. Instead, there are plenty of steps you can take to stand out from the graduate crowd. Here are seven tips to boost your job search and career prospects as a recent graduate.<\/p>\n
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Before you begin your job search, it\u2019s important to have a clear picture of what you want to achieve and the steps you can take to get there. One of the easiest ways to do that is to create a career plan.<\/p>\n
A career plan helps you to break down your goals into measurable steps and clearly see whether you\u2019re still on the right path to land that job. It also helps you to stay focussed on the right steps while maintaining your motivation.<\/p>\n
Before you can create your career plan, you first need to know:<\/p>\n
With that information in hand, you can begin to write your career plan, including the following sections:<\/p>\n
This section is similar to a CV objective. Both are a statement that lays out your employment goals. It should include your personal drives, skills, and the career progression you want to achieve.<\/p>\n
Here\u2019s an example:<\/p>\n
As a recent computer science graduate, I am seeking an entry-level position in software development where I can apply my programming skills and passion for technology to develop innovative solutions. <\/p>\n
Write down all your qualifications and work experience in this section. You could also include experience gained through volunteering, hobbies, and your studies. It doesn\u2019t matter if your work experience isn\u2019t relevant to the job you are looking for.<\/p>\n
This section includes what you want to achieve and the steps you must take to reach each goal. One way to ensure that your goals and steps are realistic is to use the SMART method.<\/p>\n
Your goals should include:<\/p>\n
Generally, your short term goals will lead to the achievement of your mid and long term goals. <\/p>\n
Example short-term goals:<\/strong>
\nSpend an hour each week searching job boards, LinkedIn, and local press for vacancies to apply for.<\/p><\/blockquote>\nExample mid term goal:<\/strong>
\nStart my first graduate job.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/p>\n
Create a personal online brand<\/h2>\n
\nMost people are social-media savvy these days, and that includes recruiters and employers. When you apply for a job, it may not simply be your CV, cover letter, and references that the employer looks over. They may also search for you online. That\u2019s why it\u2019s important to have a personal online brand<\/a>.<\/p>\n
A personal brand is how you present yourself to potential employers and showcase your individual value. You can create a personal brand by building a professional presence on relevant social media platforms like LinkedIn.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Work on your CV and cover letter<\/h2>\n
\nYour CV and cover letter are the first impressions that employers will have of you. They should highlight your relevant skills, achievements, and experiences that match the job requirements. You should tailor your CV and cover letter to each job you apply for, using keywords and phrases from the job description. You should also proofread them carefully to avoid any spelling or grammatical errors.<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t worry if this is your first job and your CV looks empty. Even with no work experience, your CV can still attract an employer\u2019s eye. The key to creating a CV when you don\u2019t have much, or any, work experience is to focus on the transferable skills you\u2019ve developed through your education, achievements, interests, and life experience. <\/p>\n
Example transferable skills:<\/p>\n
\n
- teamwork<\/li>\n
- research and analysis<\/li>\n
- communication<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Research employers and careers<\/h2>\n
\nYou might know the type of job you\u2019re interested in but why not take that focus further by researching:<\/p>\n
\n
- the career path that job can take you on<\/li>\n
- average salaries for that job<\/li>\n
- which companies employ people in that job<\/li>\n
- what a typical job description looks like for that job<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
You should also use this time to research employers that you\u2019re interested in and their competitors. Visit their website, social media, and appearances in the news to get a well-rounded view of each company.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Practice your interview skills<\/h2>\n
\nLike any form of practice, brushing up on your interview skills will build your confidence and give you a better understanding of what to expect in a real interview scenario. There are several ways you can practice your interview skills:<\/p>\n
\n
- Self preparation: consider the type of questions you may face, including common interview questions for graduates<\/a> and questions that are more specific to the role and industry. Write down your answers then practice saying these answers aloud.<\/li>\n
- Mock interviews: ask a friend or family member to mock interview you. <\/li>\n
- University career service: many university career services offer mock interviews and other resources to help you prepare.<\/li>\n
- Online resources: do an online search for interview preparation resources like this virtual interview practice from Barclays Bank<\/a>.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Build your professional network<\/h2>\n
\nIt isn\u2019t too early to begin building your professional network before you land your first graduate role. The easiest way to start is to set up a LinkedIn account, optimise your profile, and begin connecting with individuals who work for the companies you\u2019re interested in and\/or already have the type of job you want to land. You can also connect with recruiters.<\/p>\n
If there is a professional body for your intended career path, for instance, the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA), the Law Society, or the British Computer Society, register an account, create a profile, and take full advantage of their resources.<\/p>\n
Attend relevant networking events, both online and in-person, to connect with professionals in your field of interest. You can also learn about the latest trends and developments in your industry and meet potential employers.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Work on your skills and experience<\/h2>\n
\nSelf development is another step you can take to improve your chances as a jobseeker. Here are the areas that you could work on:<\/p>\n
\n
- Skills: Investigate the skills listed in job descriptions for the vacancies you\u2019re interested in. Do you have all the necessary skills listed? If not, could you learn about this skill? <\/li>\n
- Industry knowledge: Are you up to date with developments in your industry or sector of choice? How can you find out about recent developments?<\/li>\n
- Personality: Taking a personality test like the Enneagram or Myers Brigg can help you to understand your own strengths and weaknesses, personality traits, and work preferences. <\/li>\n
- Work experience: While you look for a permanent job, can you gain work experience through temporary work or volunteering?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
<\/p>\n
Wrapping it up<\/h2>\n
\nWhen you\u2019re fresh out of university, landing your first graduate job can seem like a distant goal but there are plenty of ways you can improve your career prospects and stand out from the crowd. Create realistic but achievable goals in a career plan. Set up a professional online presence. Work on your CV and cover letter. Research the employers and careers that interest you. Brush up on your interview skills. Build a network of professional contacts. Work on your skills, experience, and self development. Soon enough, you\u2019ll be starting your new job and heading down that ideal career path. Good luck.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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