Job Market Ready: 6 Essential Tips for This Year's Graduates

October 8, 2024

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Graduating from university is an exciting time as you prepare to enter the world of work.

After three or four years of hard work and partying, it is your chance to start earning money and learning how to be a card-carrying adult.

However, it can also be daunting trying to find your first professional job. Use the tips below to make sure you are ready for the UK job market when you graduate this year.

1. Update Your CV

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The first thing every graduating student needs is an up-to-date CV. This summarises your education, skills and experience for potential employers. Rather than creating a CV from scratch using a word processor, you can download a blank CV template and customise it for your needs.

Next, pay attention to the following sections:

List your most recent qualifications and grades first under the education section. Include the modules you studied if they are relevant to the types of jobs you are applying for.
In the experience section, detail any jobs, internships or work placements you have done. Focus on your responsibilities and achievements. Quantify results where possible e.g., ‘increased sales by 15%’.
Adapt your CV for each application, matching your skills and experience to the job description. Check it for spelling and grammar errors.
Save your CV as a PDF to preserve formatting and avoid issues opening it. Name the file clearly e.g. FirstName_LastName_CV.

2. Build Your Professional Network

Networking is crucial for finding job opportunities and getting your CV seen by hiring managers.

Connect with professionals working in your target industry on LinkedIn. Follow relevant companies and join industry groups.
Attend career networking events held by your university. These let you meet employers face-to-face.
Contact alumni from your university who are now working in roles or companies that interest you. Ask for informational interviews to get insight and advice.
Keep relationships warm with email updates or LinkedIn messages every three to six months.

3. Prepare for Interviews

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If you get an interview, thorough preparation is essential. Here is how to get interview-ready:

Research the company, role and interviewers in-depth beforehand. Have intelligent questions ready to ask at the end.
Re-read the job description and think of examples demonstrating how you meet each requirement. Come armed with STAR (situation, task, action, result) stories.
Brush up on your interview skills with practise questions. Prepare to talk about strengths, weaknesses, motivations and aspirations.
Dress professionally and ensure you have all necessary documentation printed out and organised.
Arrive 10-15 minutes early, with a confident, positive attitude. Make eye contact and give firm handshakes.

4. Refine Your Social Media Presence

Over 90% of employers check candidates’ social media, so tidy up your online presence.

Google yourself and check what comes up. Remove any embarrassing photos and content you would not want an employer seeing.
Update your LinkedIn profile to complement your CV. Show that you are active on the platform by sharing articles and posting updates.
Review your privacy settings on all social platforms. Make personal accounts private.
Demonstrate career focus with business-like posts showcasing skills, experience and professionalism.

5. Explore Graduate Schemes

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Graduate schemes offer structured training and accelerated career development. They are very competitive, so explore options thoroughly.

Identify reputable schemes related to your degree, interests and aims. Look at Times Top 100 Graduate Employers
Check scheme websites for eligibility criteria, the recruitment process and application deadlines. Some open applications as early as September.
Tailor your CV, cover letter and application form responses to align with the scheme and employer values.
Prepare by researching scheme assessments like video interviews, online tests, assessment centres and interviews.
Seek help from your university careers service for the scheme application process.

6. Consider Temporary Positions

Taking on temporary or contract roles can provide valuable experience and skills while you search for the ideal permanent job.

Sign up with recruitment agencies specialising in temporary vacancies for new graduates. Tell them the types of roles you are looking for.
Search job boards like Indeed and Monster for entry-level temp positions to apply for directly.
Use temp jobs to try out different industries and build your professional capabilities.
Network and keep your CV up to date while temping to aid the eventual transition to a permanent job.

By following these tips, you can showcase your skills, experience and potential to land your first graduate job or secure a place on a competitive scheme. With preparation and persistence, you will be ready to launch your career this year within jobs that are less likely to be replaced by AI.

Author Profile

Christy Bella: Blogger by Passion | Contributor to many Business Blogs in the United Kingdom | Fascinated to Write Blogs in Business & Startup Niches