Job Hunting Tips for Graduates
As we head into graduation season, there will be an influx of new candidates approaching the job market- many in search of their first ‘proper job.
If you are one of those graduating and contemplating how to find a job after graduation, we asked our team at Swarm Recruitment to share their top tips.
Whether you have just completed your EPA for your Apprenticeship, or you’re celebrating being awarded a degree, our advice for approaching your job hunt is the same.
Update your CV
Make sure you update your CV and make it look professional and specific for the role(s) you are applying for. Ensure you put all of your contact details on there, people will need to call you, email you and it would also be useful if your postcode is available for recruiters. If you have limited work experience, make sure you list some skills that you have and achievements you have made and explain how they are transferable to the position. If you want further support on your CV writing, follow our guide here - https://www.swarmrecruitment.org.uk/cvwriting or feel free to get in touch with Swarm Recruitment and one of the team will be happy to do a free support session for you.
Keep Things Professional
Get rid of the novelty email address and voicemail message! Too many times job seekers have been embarrassed by the choices of their younger selves and employers have initially been unable to take applicants seriously.
Build Your Resilience
Job hunting can be tough and quite often companies get over 100 applications for a single graduate role so be prepared not to get the job. This doesn’t mean that you aren’t a desirable candidate, it just means that there is someone that was slightly more suited to the company that you are. Stick with it and you will find the right role at the right company.
Write a Cover Letter
Make it stand out
You need to stand out and a hiring manager will like the initiative and attention to detail you show.
Write a cover letter that is specific to each role you are applying for, make sure you reference the job advert/job description and how your skills match some parts of them, mention the company and the job title to show that you have made some extra effort. You need to stand out and a hiring manager will like the initiative and attention to detail you show. Keep it to 500 words or less. More tips here.
Do Your Research
Research the company to make sure their values align with yours. Research the journey if it is office based and think if it will be practical for you long term i.e. an hour commute may seem manageable one or two days a week but is that realistically something you can keep up, is it cost efficient and will it still be an hour during rush hour? Is the salary something you can realistically live off? Etc. Don’t be afraid to call and ask questions before you apply if there is anything you feel you would benefit from knowing.
Be Prepared for Interviews
Make sure that you are prepared if you are called for interview, whether in person or over the phone/video. Research the journey, confirm the time and date, dress appropriately, ask questions. Plan your answers - there are many questions that are likely to be asked so be prepared to answer them and talk yourself up! Remember you need to sell yourself to the company and explain why they should pick you - it isn’t bragging it is showing what you can do. More support here.
Make sure that you are prepared if you are called for interview
Utilise Lots of Avenues
Sign up to job sites - generic ones and the ones specific to your field (search for those on google) you can set up alerts on them so you get emailed when the jobs you are interested in get advertised. Choose a handful of companies you would specifically like to work at and check their website and social media once or twice a week as they may only advertise directly. Sign up with some recruiters, they will do a lot of the hard work for you and just contact you when they have something you may be interested in, they can also utilise your CV and suggest you specifically to businesses. Keep an eye on your University intranet/job boards.
Get Additional Experience Where You Can
Some companies offer internships or volunteer opportunities. This may not always be ideal but even if it is for a short period of time, having a lower paid or unpaid role that offers you the opportunity to get experience in your desired field can help you stand out from the crowd with potential employers AND it will give you a good idea of how much you will actually enjoy the role.
We hope these job hunting tips help you to find the job of your dreams! Don’t forget, if you want to add to your skills, you could also consider embarking on an Apprenticeship. Get in touch if you want to find out more.
