Here we share our top 6 tips on starting and nailing your job hunt:
1. Stay positive
You are not alone in feeling anxious and overwhelmed throughout the job search because it is never simple! Making the choice of where to launch your career is a huge one, but there are many tools available that can help guide you in the right direction. Make sure to speak with your university career services who will be able to offer support and advice along the way. Also don't be discouraged if you receive multiple rejections - the right opportunity is out there for you and it's absolutely normal to not be offered an interview!
2. Update your CV
The best place to begin is by looking at your resume. When looking for jobs, it's crucial to keep your CV concise and relevant, so don't feel like you have to list every position you've ever held! Additionally, keep in mind that you might develop transferrable talents from a variety of sources, including societies and hobbies, so be sure to list any comparable positions you've held, even if they weren't paid. Check out our CV advice here for more in-depth tips.
3. Start utilising LinkedIn
With the help of LinkedIn, you can create an extensive online CV that showcases your accomplishments from previous positions and provides evidence of your skills. Expand your network and look into people who are already in the job you want, examine where they started, and how they advanced their careers.
4. Apply to roles you’re not 100% qualified for
You may find the ideal position, but you may feel unqualified to apply because you feel you don't meet the qualifications. Apply nonetheless! The worst that can happen is that you'll hear "no," and the best-case scenario is that you'll land your dream job. Always keep in mind that job descriptions are not expressing the bare minimum qualifications, but rather the ideal dream candidate. Never let your doubts stop you; you might even lose out on that position and instead be considered for another inside the organisation.
5. Consider volunteering
Volunteering on the weekends and in the evenings is a fantastic opportunity to enhance your CV, acquire transferable skills, and even gain industry knowledge. If you are aiming to enter a career that is different from your degree, volunteering can help you gain experience in a new area without having the initial skills.
6. Develop and practice your interview skills
Following the submission of your application, come the interviews! Interviews are crucial to the hiring process since they provide the employer with a chance to learn more about you and assess how well you'll fit in with the team. Practicing and improving your interview techniques will make you stand out to companies and can even help compensate for any missing experience or skills. We advise practicing with a friend or your university may offer interview workshops, so be sure to speak to your university career service!
Ready to apply for some jobs? Find your graduate job here.