Graduating from University or college is an exciting time in any young person’s life; years of stress and studying has finally come to an end and you now have a degree. However, once the haze of your graduation day has faded and getting a job with your new, shiny degree becomes a reality, fear can hit. If you’re a recent graduate or a young person just looking for a new job, here are some tips on how to increase your chances.
Perseverance
It can be disheartening when you’re applying for job-after-job without so much as a reply but it’s essential that you persevere. The time it takes to get a job after further education varies widely so there is no set amount of time in which you can expect to receive an interview invitation. However, make sure you follow up applications and don’t be too proud to call in favors. If you know someone already at a particular company, ask them if it’s possible for you to have an interview. This will show a desire and drive for the job which employers look for.
Resume
A good resume is key to attracting your potential future employer’s attention. If you’re just coming out of education, it’s unlikely that you’ll have a vast amount of experience to include, so ensure you pad it out with your skills and attributes you learned during your degree and lead with the fact you’ve got one. This will show you’re not only knowledgeable in that area, but that you’re dedicated.
Tailor your resume to each job you’re applying for so it shows you’ve read the job description and try not to make it too long; one page should be enough. Many employers won’t look past the first page.
Experience
If you don’t have experience and you’re finding it hard to get a job due to this, it’s worth taking part in an apprenticeship in order to help you get a better job in the future. Some apprenticeships are unpaid, however, many pay a minimal amount or cover your travel and lunch costs. In addition, the experience an apprenticeship can give you will be invaluable when it comes to applying for jobs.
Interview
When it comes to your interview, this is your opportunity to prove to your potential future employer that you are exactly the person they’re looking for. Although dressing smartly and being polite is a key element of a successful interview, the best thing you can do to prepare is research the company. Look at their website for key facts and figures about their brand, and make sure you understand their goals. Although you shouldn’t force in statistics into the interview when they’re not appropriate, echoing their ethos is a good idea. In addition, look up common interview questions and prepare answers beforehand so nothing shocks you on the day. Mentally prepare questions you want to ask yourself so that you can engage and connect with interviewer.
Written By: Claire Harding
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