It is understandable to feel discouraged, as there is endless pressure from all corners, from applying for jobs without success to staying afloat financially throughout this period. To maximize your chances of success during your search, it's essential to be well-prepared. Here are some of the key steps to follow when trying to land a suitable role.
Online Presence
As a student or graduate job seeker, it's crucial to maintain a professional online presence. While you don't have to appear too formal, it's important to present yourself as a reliable, respectful, and employable individual on social media. This will convince recruiters to consider you for job opportunities.
Relevant Experience
Try to gain relevant experience to develop the skills you'll need for your desired role. This can take various forms, such as internships, volunteering, work placements, or cover work.
Use Resources
Start your job search by using available resources like publications, recruitment agencies, sector-specific websites, social media and walk-ins.
Try Networking
Network with industry professionals to make yourself and your ambitions known for future job vacancies or work experience opportunities. You can start networking from home, connect with professionals and organizations through platforms like LinkedIn, and attend relevant events.
Create a Full Proof CV and Cover Letter
Tailor your CV to the role you're applying for, highlighting examples from your experience that match the skills and experience listed in the job description. Consider providing a cover letter that discusses why you want to work for the company.
Research The Company Before Hand
Prepare for every interview by researching the company and its achievements, which will show genuine interest. This will help you write a better cover letter and be more prepared for the interview overall. Plan your answers to typical interview questions, and think about what questions you'd like to ask the employer. Try and be yourself for as much as you can as this will help you speak clearly and confidently and leave a great first impression.
Upload Your CV Online
To increase your chances of getting noticed, upload your CV to job sites and other professional sites such as LinkedIn. Employers and recruiters often search for CVs when looking for potential candidates, so it's a great opportunity to showcase your skills.
Try Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies can be a great ally when looking for a graduate job. They have a vested interest in helping you succeed since they receive a commission for filling a company's vacancy. However, make sure to learn about the pros and cons of using their services before deciding to work with them.
Tailor Your Application To The Role
When applying for jobs, tailor every application to the role. Don't send out the same cover letter and CV for each job, as recruiters can easily tell. Instead, focus on quality over quantity. Make sure to tell potential employers why you're the perfect fit for their specific role at their particular company. Read the job description carefully, and adapt your CV and cover letter accordingly.
Use Any Connections You Have
Social connections can also be an effective way to find job opportunities. If you know someone who works for a company you're interested in, ask if they have any positions going and for a recommendation where needed.
Looking for Student Accommodation? Unihousing Can Help!
Unihousing is a student accommodation provider near the University of Birmingham, operating since 1984. All of our accommodation in Selly Oak is owned by us, so we can respond quickly to any requests using our qualified team of tradesmen. Our property office is located on Bristol Road, only a short walk away from all of our accommodation. This means we can deal directly with our tenants.
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