Job-hunting tips for new graduates

If you are a graduate who doesn’t have a job lined up, here are some tips to keep in mind that could help you get there.

After the excitement (and some might say relief) of graduation comes the question of ‘what comes next’? Some graduates could head straight into their first ‘proper’ job or carry on studying through a post-graduate qualification. But many don’t have a job – and this could lead to worry or anxiety. If you fall into this camp, there are things you can work on that could help.

Review the job market

It won’t come as a surprise that the job market is competitive, especially for recent graduates. Before searching in a competitive field, work on slowing down and assessing your wants and abilities, potentially in a different sector. Job markets fluctuate, and demand varies across industries. It’s not a reflection on your skills if you’re struggling to find a role in a competitive market, especially if it's during a period of slow economic growth.

Use career services

If you can access your university’s career services office, try to take advantage of it. While its employees may not directly place you in a job, they could offer valuable resources and connections.

Refine your CV

Write a concise, well-formatted CV, avoiding common pitfalls like being too lengthy or confusing. Don’t be tempted to cover any gaps in your CV. Instead, frame these moments as opportunities to seek another purpose (maybe you volunteered somewhere or spent time on self-improvement). Share what you learned and how it helped you develop personally.

Brush up on interview skills

Interviews are a learned skill that you can prepare for by reading up on common questions and thinking about how best to respond. Get a friend to do a mock interview with you so that you’re able to rehearse your responses when the time comes.

Be sure to look up competency-based questions and think back to your years of studying or any part-time jobs or even internships so as to be able to discuss in an interview how you approached a situation or challenge. There are lots of resources online to help with this.

Think about your journey

University can assist in forming our identity, so take a moment to understand your strengths, weaknesses and career goals. This may put you in a stronger position to 'sell' yourself effectively when the time comes. Even if your goals change it’s worth plotting them now to give you confidence.

Try to gain relevant experience

Employers value practical experience, so you could look into post-graduate internships, part-time roles or freelance work related to your field. Don’t forget that volunteer work could enhance your CV, too.

Know your way around the digital landscape

In today’s job market, digital literacy is essential. Familiarise yourself with tools that employers could expect you to know, especially if you’re looking for a role with a specific requirement such as knowledge of data analysis software or project management platforms.

Expand your horizon

If you’re not tied to staying in your current location, would you consider moving? Expand your search criteria and you could discover some lesser-known towns or cities that could offer a good opportunity (and maybe lower rents, too).

Take an active approach to networking

Online networking is a must, but don’t discount the power of attending events in person and being able to connect face-to-face with potential employers. Networking may open doors and provide valuable insights.

Leaving an educational environment that has given you a sense of stability over so many years could feel incredibly daunting when you don’t have a job lined up. It’s easy to forget that this is just the beginning of your journey into the workforce, and persistence and adaptability are key.

Staying positive, taking some chances and refining your skills could go a long way toward boosting your future employment prospects.

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Disclaimer: The Hub is intended as a knowledge portal to provide information on a range of topics. This article is for information only and does not constitute advice.