Advice for Graduates when applying for Jobs

Tailor your resume accordingly

As a graduate you will have a generic resume which is applicable to a wide range of job openings. If however you want to optimize success, it is critical to tailor your resume to the skills which are necessary to succeed in the job you are applying for. Each individual job will have a job specification which outlines the attributes candidates must possess to be successful. If you are serious about getting noticed by the employer, you can modify your resume accordingly to prove you have the qualities required to be successful in the role. When the recruiter cross checks your resume with the job specification, he will realize you are suitable for the job because your skills will be aligned with what's required.

Broaden your search platforms

Rather than only searching for jobs on one or two platforms online, it is important to remember that there are a multitude of avenues available to look for work, not limited to online recruitment agencies. If you are conducting the majority of your job search online, remember there are hundreds, possibly even thousands of agencies which stretch beyond the obvious and commercial ones. There are various ways of finding employment which aren't strictly through the internet, such as walking into companies speculatively with your resume, or walking into recruitment agencies and registering in person. This way you become more memorable, and they can put a face to your name as opposed to being another anonymous person on a piece of paper.

Focus on quality of applications

Though volume of applications is occasionally necessary, most of the time quality over quantity is recommended. If you apply for 10 jobs while taking all the necessary methods to portray yourself as the best possible candidate for the job, this is arguably more effective than applying for 30 jobs with a generic resume. This may require dedicating more time to each individual application, but its arguably worth it. When you send your resume off to recruiters that work with multiple companies, with a top notch resume they will keep you in mind for future positions, understanding your potential to become a valuable commodity in a company once given the chance. A lot of the time getting noticed is the main thing, so quality of applications is of critical importance.

Don't give up!

Remember, recruiters receive so many applications that sometimes you won't hear back. The recruiter might even assess your resume for a particular position and be impressed, but because they can afford to be very picky due to the competitiveness of the market, you might be discarded as a passing thought. This is natural, and it doesn't necessarily mean that you are inadequate as an applicant. Don't give up because eventually you will be noticed by a recruiter who understands your value, so persistence is critical to avoid ending up in a job which is below your standards.

If you are still struggling to find a job, then studying at a Vu Online is a great opportunity to separate yourself from the rest.

If you are still struggling to find a job, then studying at a VU Online is a great opportunity to separate yourself from the rest.