Things to do right now to secure a graduate job

​Are you just months away from graduating and haven’t yet secured a graduate job? You aren’t alone. In fact, around 40% of students don’t even have a set career plan when they graduate.

It’s no secret that acquiring your very first graduate job isn’t always plain sailing, but with some determination and a few obstacles along the way, you could be receiving that all-important acceptance letter before you know it.

Stay positive – the right job could be just around the corner. Here are some of the best things you can do right now to boost your chances of securing a graduate job:

Sign up to a graduate recruitment agency

Tired of sifting through general job sites and not finding any roles that match your skills, qualifications, or interests? Signing up to a graduate recruitment agency such as Inspiring Interns, Graduate Recruitment Bureau or Give a Grad a Go should be your first port of call.

You’ll be able to browse thousands of graduate jobs in a variety of sectors including Marketing, Finance, Sales, Design, and more. What’s more, you’ll have the support of the in-house Talent Development team who will regularly send over job specifications that may be of interest to you.

Using innovative Video CVs, Inspiring Interns will give you access to top UK employers from small to large-scale businesses, as well as guiding you through the stressful interview process to boost your chances of getting hired.

Upgrade your CV

As a recent graduate, employers will appreciate that you won’t have a great deal of paid work experience under your belt, so you’ll really need to sell yourself if you have any chance of standing out from the competition.

A CV is your very first opportunity to show employers what you can bring to the job and the company, therefore, it should always include:

• A personal statement: outlining who you are, your professional background, and what you can offer
• Past work experience/qualifications
• Professional achievements
• Hobbies that demonstrate transferable skills

Always tailor your CV to the job you’re applying for – pay attention to keywords within the job spec and integrate them within your CV to show a thorough understanding of what the employer is looking for.

Research companies before applying for jobs

It is extremely useful to know a bit about a company before applying for a job. Not only will you discover more about how the company operates, its culture, and the people who work there, but it will also enable you to write a cover letter that mirrors the firm's morals, ethics, and expectations.

Network

Awesome opportunities can often arise from chance meetings. Consequently, as a new graduate, you should always be willing to mingle with professionals in your chosen field who could end up being the missing piece to the puzzle in your job search.

Visit career fairs and hand out business cards/ your CV to companies that you’re keen to work for. Additionally, you may also wish to attend career workshops and seminars led by industry professionals in your chosen field. By introducing yourself and outlining your desired career path, those you meet may be able to point you in the direction of new job opportunities, as well as keeping you in mind for any roles that come up within their institution.

Make the most of your university careers service

Your university careers service is a great way to seek advice when finding your new graduate job. Just a short discussion can help you evaluate your skills, interests, experiences, and qualifications and give you a better idea of the route you wish to take after graduating.

Careers experts will be able to give you impartial advice on the different career routes that may be suitable for you. Additionally, they will also have connections with employers and recommend you for available jobs, if they believe you’re what the company is looking for.
 
Final words

Finding a graduate job is no easy ride, but we hope that the above tips have given you a step in the right direction to getting your first step on the career ladder. From everyone at Inspiring Interns, we wish you lots of luck!
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Author

Inspiring Interns is the UK’s leading graduate recruitment agency, connecting the best graduates with top companies worldwide. We work with everyone from the most innovative start-ups to the biggest multinationals, including Virgin, Lloyds, and M&C Saatchi Mobile. Please take a look at our website for the latest graduate jobs vacancies and careers advice.