Finding a grad job can seem tricky. The competition for entry-level roles is fierce, everyone seems to have more experience than you and finding a job willing to pay you a decent wage can feel like trying to find the end of the rainbow.
In reality, finding a grad job can be pain-free. If you know how to look of course. Here are just a few job hunting tips that no one tells graduates.
You can thank us later.
Don’t forget the little guys
Landing a grad scheme at a huge multinational corporation like Deloitte or Barclays would be amazing but the competition for these roles is usually very steep. Don’t forget about smaller startup companies when conducting your job search.
These companies might not be able to afford professional grad schemes but they can usually offer internships and entry-level roles where you will get an abundance of hands-on experience in a very short space of time.
You could even find yourself with way more responsibility than you would have at a larger company which in turn could lead to you leapfrogging into a more senior position.
Don’t apply for every job that comes your way
What? This advice might seem counterintuitive but hear us out. Good graduate jobs can seem like slim pickings, as a result, you might be tempted to apply to everything that comes your way.
That’s not a good idea. Only apply for jobs that you think you will enjoy. You’ll be spending a lot of time at work. If you like it, the time will fly in. If you hate it, you will be completely miserable. Life is short. Do something you love.
Sell yourself, not your degree
When applying for a job, your degree might not always be relevant to the role but that doesn’t mean that you wouldn’t be a great fit for it.
You are more than your degree. Think of the skills and experience that you’ve picked up along the way and focus on them instead. Are you good at multi-tasking, working to deadlines or dealing with customers? All these things are great attributes for a job seeker. Just make sure you show them off.
Don’t take it personally
Rejection is a part of life and unfortunately, it’s part of any graduate job hunt. You will be turned down for more roles than you will be offered. It’s important to remember that that’s okay. In fact, it’s completely normal.
You need to learn how to pick yourself back up. If you’ve applied for a few positions and haven’t heard anything back, try not to take it personally. It’s all about perseverance.
You will learn something from every rejection. Don’t be afraid to ask a recruiter or HR manager what you could improve for the next time.
