Graduates are facing a pretty tough time of things at the moment. Unemployment amongst university leavers is at the highest for more than 10 years, and a shocking 50% are failing to find work in the first 12 months after graduation.
But why is it seemingly impossible for young professionals to get a step on the career ladder? Are they just not prepared for the ‘real world’, or is it something else? Something deeper routed?
Unqualified Graduates or Unstable Jobs Market?
Everyone knows the current jobs market is unstable at best. For every one job, students are facing stiff competition from their peers. Not to mention industry insiders that have found themselves redundant after job cuts.
For those graduates that have just received their final grade and been released into the world of work, what’s the truth? Is it really impossible to take those first steps towards your dream career? Or is there something you can do?
Advice on Grabbing a Graduate Position
If you’re left feeling lost after university, and aren’t sure where to turn next – all is not lost. While it is true that finding a job is more of a challenge, it is by no means impossible. Your time at university will have equipped you with a plethora of skills. Skills that employers everywhere are desperate to add to their business.
So if you’ve recently graduated, or you’re still looking to move into your dream career; you’re in the right place. Here is some advice on securing employment, fresh from university:
1. Experience is Everything
With an estimated 45 graduates competing for each role, experience is becoming more and more important. While many work placements and internships don’t offer financial rewards for your efforts, they can help you secure paid employment.
Getting ‘on the job’ experience will help you prepare for a full time job. You’ll learn the tricks of the trade, as well as discovering what your chosen career is like. The atmosphere in work environments always differs from place to place, so get out there and get as much experience as you can. And be willing to work for nothing if that’s what it takes.
2. Think ‘Outside the Box’
A differing jobs market, means different ways of applying. Gone are the days where job adverts were placed in local newspapers. If you’re serious about securing employment, take the initiative and email companies until you get a response. Send a well written CV and covering letter to as many companies as you can.
Social media is also a powerful tool in your job search. Many companies post vacancies on their LinkedIn and Twitter pages, so make sure you’re following as many businesses as possible. You also shouldn’t underestimate specialist recruitment companies. They have valuable contacts that can help you bag placements as well as paid positions. Becoming an entrepreneur is also an option for many graduates.
3. Take Care on Applications
With so much competition for each role, you can’t afford to make errors on your job applications. Take care to carefully read the job advert, and make sure you tailor your covering letter to each role. It’s obvious when a stock letter has been sent to 100 employers.
Make sure you tell the employer what you can do for them, why you’ll be an asset, and what you can bring to the team. Refer to your resume, and make sure that you mention all the relevant skills and qualifications required for the position.
4. Network
The key to getting ahead in your career is to build relationships in the industry. Networking with professionals is a great way to make sure you’re always one of the first to know when a new job comes up.
More than that though, it helps you understand your chosen specialism more. You’ll learn about what people in the profession care about, how they work, and what makes them tick. With Twitter and LinkedIn, it’s easier than ever to build contacts.
5. Persevere
Finding a job isn’t easy. But just because the first interview you have doesn’t go to plan, don’t give up. The experience of interviewing, applying, and finding work stands you in good stead for when you finally find your dream job.
The more experience of being interviewed you have, the more confident you’ll be. And when you eventually secure employment, you’ll be ready for whatever they can throw at you. If someone rejects you for a paid position, ask for feedback and where you can improve. Work on this, and you’ll make it eventually.
Getting your first job after university is scary. But once you’ve got your first steps on the career ladder, there really is no stopping you. Learn from and build on your experience, look wherever you can for employment opportunities, and don’t give up.
About the Author
This guest post has been supplied by outcomesuk.co.uk, a specialist social care recruitment company based in the UK. Visit their website for more information on how they can help you.
