If you’re reading this it probably means the diploma’s on the wall, the celebrations have dialled down, and reality’s kicked in, in the form of - “sh!t, I need a job”. Although all-nighters are *hopefully* a thing of the past, you’ve still got some work to do before you can put that degree to good use. Here’s 7 ways you can fast track bagging the job of your dreams:
Application Toolkit
First things first, you want to show up as your best self. This means getting your CV up to date and your cover letter looking sexy. Then, you’ll need to do some research – you should be ace at this. Make a list of the companies you love and the roles that resonate with you. From here you can set up alerts on Google or LinkedIn for when these roles drop, so you can be first to apply.
Network is king
When the market is tough – sorry to say, it is right now – companies cast the net a lot closer to home. With less spend on advertising and more focus on personal recs, it can be both easier and harder to land a job – depending on who you know. Think about guest lecturers, your first-year housemates, family friends - ask them about their workplace and whether there’s any room at the inn for you…
Get on the radar
Even if businesses aren’t hiring, it’s good to be on their radar. Drop them emails or DMs with your CV and explain that, whilst they’re not looking now, you’d love to be considered if something comes up in the future. This is particularly effective with smaller businesses because a lot of the time – if they like you, they can create a role for you.
Work smarter
Don’t let those Easy Apply buttons fool you, job hunting is hard graft. Before you know it, you’ve shipped out 100 CVs and you can’t remember what a single one was for. Create a document that details the date, companies, and job titles you’ve applied to, and refer back to it periodically to know when to expect a response, when to chase, and when to wipe them off the list…
Gain experience
No doubt you want to stumble out of halls into the six-figure job of your dreams, but the reality is – you’ll need experience. That’s not saying you need ten years in industry at the age of 18, but if you can show you’ve worked an internship, volunteered at a charity, or helped out in a parent’s workplace – you’ve already got one foot on the ladder.
Interview prep:
Once you’ve waded your way through all that, it’s now time to interview. We’re not being dramatic to say – first impressions are huge. And mock interviews will be your best friend. Research the company, prepare some examples, and ask a few questions at the end to show you’re keen. That way, when the big day comes, you’ll be a natural.
Follow up:
You’d be surprised how few people follow up after an interview. This can be as simple as thanking people for their time, checking in on the progress, or sharing a recent achievement. This keeps you front of mind and sets you apart from the other candidates; showing a bit of passion is more than enough to tip the scales in your favour.
Now you’re more than primed for the workplace. It’s time you put these 7 skills into action to bag yourself a graduate job you love, good luck!