Searching for a graduate job isn’t always easy – especially when you’re not sure how to begin.
The key thing is to remember that you are not alone. There’s always support and advice on hand. Break your search down into small tasks and take one step at a time.
Careers Consultant Eimer is sharing six tips to keep you on track.
1. Focus your search
Start by identifying three job roles to focus on. Be flexible and mobile.
Look for jobs in more than one location and remember even if the role you take on initially is not your dream job at least you’re on the career ladder.
2. Finding the right job opportunities
Search smarter, not harder.
Find out where the jobs you are interested in are advertised and avoid relying solely on Google or generic job boards.
Explore the jobs opportunities section of the Student Futures jobs portal, set up job alerts on relevant recruitment sites, and register with agencies that specialise in your chosen career area to ensure you are accessing a wider range of opportunities.
3. Tailor your application
Analyse the vacancy information to identify the job criteria that employers will be scanning your CV and application form for.
Clearly show you have the qualifications, skills and experiences required.
Consider including relevant modules, projects, and dissertation topics as well as evidence of key skills and achievements from employment or voluntary roles.
4. Update your LinkedIn profile
It’s a good idea to let your network know you are looking for a graduate role.
Change your photo setting to ‘open to work’ and edit your headline to show what kind of jobs you are looking for. A good headline will include the course you’ve done, your university and the kind of graduate jobs you’re interested in.
For example:
Business graduate from Teesside University actively looking for roles in Human Resources.
5. Grow your network
Many jobs are not advertised, so you need to develop a network of contacts.
Approach people in the industry you want to work in and ask them for advice. If you can’t meet people in person, use email or LinkedIn.
Use the alumni feature on your laptop or PC on the Teesside University LinkedIn page to connect with graduates from your course. Look at their profiles to see which roles and companies they started with.
Reach out to them for advice or ask for a short Teams catchup. Learn about their journey and ask about the skills that are needed in their current roles.
6. Seek advice from Student Futures
You can continue to get support from the Student Futures team after you leave the University.
We’re here for you during the summer and for two years after graduation.
Join our Talent Pool and we can advise you on where and how to look for jobs. See our website www.tees.ac.uk/studentfutures on how to get advice on our full range of services or email studentfutures@tees.ac.uk. Follow Student Futures on LinkedIn.
By reading, you’ve already taken the first step on your job search journey.