getting a graduate job

Tackling industries head-on in a bid to breakdown and identify the star characteristics that will help you graduates on the prosperous path to career success; this week the graduate weapons takes on human resources. With greater importance being laid on the implementation of correct and effective HR protocol in businesses worldwide, it’s an element increasingly recognised as integral part of any organisation; a department that is firmly seated around the boardroom table, contributing to the development of a company’s strategy. It doesn’t stop there; HR touches every industry bringing endless career opportunities for graduates to seize. Now let’s take a look at how best to do it…

It can be a daunting prospect thinking about life after University. In amongst all the other pressures of university life, particularly the hard study of third year, focusing on graduate jobs tends to drop quite far down the pecking order

But it needn't be so stressful. There's plenty of small and medium commitments you can integrate into your university life to prepare yourself for the big wide world. You may even find that you're doing plenty already!

What's important is that you know how to position your activities to put yourself in the most favourable light. Let's get under way with...

Get a part time job

It may be that you have more pressing financial concerns for starting the job search early. While you may feel like a coffee shop job or spending weekends pulling pints isn't embellishing your CV at all, it can actually be a huge boost provided you know how to spin it.

Graduate job applications can seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be - just logical with a bit of personality. This is our go-to guide to writing your graduate jobs application.

Job specification

When applying for graduate jobs you will come across job specs. These will outline the details of the role, ideal candidate requirements and the company. You want to present yourself as a match to the skills, requirements and values an employer/recruiter is looking for. How? Tailor your application. Submitting the same CV for five roles in different industries may make you feel productive, but it’s often the opposite. It’s easy to spot a generic application, and nothing makes a recruiter discard your application quicker than something generic.

Top tip: tailor every application, focusing on your skills and why you are suited to the role. Be succinct.

Soft skills

The economy is growing, exciting new businesses are emerging and the job market is heating up. Competition for graduate jobs is HIGH and it is more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. Here’s how.

Go digital

Technology is one of the fastest-growing industries –embrace it. Get your skills endorsed by previous employers and co-workers on LinkedIn, and secure recommendations from people you have worked for/with highlighting your contribution, personality and skills (also on LinkedIn). Be active online! From making videos, to blogging or contributing to a publication or website – a relevant, visible online presence can help you to market your brand; you!

Add a splash of colour

It’s no secret how competitive the graduate jobs market is these days. We’ve all read the scary headlines and scrolled through endless job adverts, all the while working ourselves up into a frenzy. “What’s going to make me stand out to an employer, when everyone has already done everything else?”

But don’t let the naysay brigade discourage you; there is always a way you’ll be able to impress an employer. You’ll just have to be creative about it.

Internships are an increasingly popular avenue to higher-level, permanent positions in competitive fields. With more and more interns on the scene, you’ll have to work a bit harder to make yourself stand out. Learning additional skills not necessarily related to your field can help you do just that. As well as allowing you to pick up new know-how, additional skills and knowledge on your CV make you seem interesting. It demonstrates that you’re driven, dynamic and that in your spare time you don’t just sit around - you’re a go-getter with keen interests who’s ready to proverbially take the bull by the horns.