5 Essential Graduate Job Search Tips

Finding a graduate job can sometimes seem like a challenging task, it can feel daunting knowing where to start, where to find the best jobs and in today’s climate it can feel like securing your dream job is unachievable.

After leaving university and it’s structured ways of learning behind, it’s completely normal if you feel a bit lost when it comes to applying to graduate jobs on your own.

However, after having put in the hard work and commitment to completing your degree, job hunting should be an exciting next step in your life and you deserve to show potential employers all your experience, qualifications and skills to secure an amazing graduate job.

1. Have a rough idea of the role and core you want to apply to

One of the most important graduate job hunting tips, is to spend some time thinking about the type of role and industry that you want to work in.

It can be hard initially knowing what graduate role is right for you, so to help you have more of an idea, it’s a useful to think about factors such as:

• What aspects/modules did you enjoy during your degree course
• Where your skill set lies
• Hobbies you enjoy/ particular passions in life
• What motivates you
• The type of working environment you work best in

2. Know what you want from a graduate job

Before applying to any job, it’s also important to consider the aspects you want from a graduate job and a future company.

Whilst it may seem tempting to take the first graduate job that comes your way, you may discover you are unhappy with certain aspects later down the line and may leave prematurely.

Have the criteria in mind that you want from your ideal graduate job. To help make one, consider factors such as:

• The minimum salary you’re willing to take
• What the progression of the role is like
• Opportunities for further training
• The office culture

Spend time boosting your employability

If you find you’re often lacking in experience when it comes to the graduate jobs you’re interested in, don’t apply for the role anyway knowing you don’t meet the requirements. Instead, put your time and energy into up-skilling and boosting your employability.

Whether it’s returning to education to complete the masters, completing an internship or taking part in a free online course, have a look at what you need to do in order to meet the requirements of the graduate roles.

Create a standout graduate CV and cover letter

One of our top job-hunting tips for fresh graduates applying to au jobs is to make sure you have an up-to-date and standout graduate CV and cover letter.

Most jobs will require you to submit a CV and cover letter, and this is your first chance to impress an employer and ultimately what progressing to the next stage of a job depends on.

Boost your LinkedIn profile

Another one of our top job-hunting strategies, is to make sure you have an impressive LinkedIn profile. Many recruiters use LinkedIn as their primary research tool, so it’s essential that your LinkedIn profile is professional, sleek and showcases all your achievements.

Don’t be afraid to sing your own praises on your profile, this is your opportunity to list everything you’ve accomplished and sell yourself to potential employers.

Honesty, dedication, diligence, intelligence and interpersonal communication prowess is all that we require.