Every graduate wants to live a life full of independence and great professional rewards, but these can be hard to find. If you are a recent grad hoping to get your foot in the door of your chosen profession, there is a lot you need to learn. Finding jobs throughout the UK for recent grads can be quite a challenge. Today’s young people seem to be getting more and more part time jobs rather than secure career options. So, how does one go about avoiding this pitfall and find a job that will last?
The United Kingdom has plenty to offer in the way of jobs, it just comes down to knowing how to effectively hunt for that perfect position. When it comes to jobs London, Manchester, Birmingham and other urban areas are all ideal locations. In the big cities, business is particularly booming, though that also means that the competition is fierce. With the number of graduates growing each year, companies have many options. In order to effectively hunt for graduate jobs, you really need to set yourself apart from everyone else.
First of all, do not wait until you graduate to embark on your job search. Whether you are interested in marketing, advertising, management or even IT jobs, the search should start right away. A great time to start your job search is as you head back to university for your final year. Landing a job for post-graduation is quite a challenge and you really need to act fast. While you do need to put your focus on your studies, you should also be focusing on job interviews.
Why should you start your job search so early on? Many students get too involved in their studies mid-year and find it hard to focus on anything else. In the spring, there are usually plenty of final exams but very little time for job interviewing. Believe it or not, businesses are aware of the university schedule and do consider candidates that have not yet graduated. Whether the jobs Manchester, London, Birmingham or Liverpool offer capture your interest, interviewing right away can often be your best bet.
So, where do you look for available graduate jobs? Many students find much success at the numerous career fairs hosted at their universities. However, you do not have to attend the job fairs held only at your university. Between the summer and autumn, there are almost 100 career fairs held throughout the United Kingdom, so be sure to keep a calendar noted with the dates of each. All sorts of employers attend these fairs, meaning that excellent networking opportunities can ensue. Career fairs are also geared towards students in their final year of university or those who have just recently graduated.
Many employers set job application deadlines of December or January for recent graduates. This is another reason not to delay the start of your job hunt. Although there will be some firms that will accept applications all year round, there is no reason to wait even with these. As you look for future employment, be sure to prepare your CV along with a clear and concise cover letter which states your career goals. Always specifically mention the firm with which you hope to be employed and why you're interested in them. When the CV has been sent, always follow it up with another letter or email, as well. Persistence is key, as it will help you to stand out against the potential hundreds of others vying for the same position.
Another thing you can do, aside from sending out your CV to countless possible employers, is to connect with recruitment firms. Recruitment firms focus on finding jobs for graduates like. They accept CVs and applications throughout the year, though employment is not guaranteed. These websites will often list the hottest employers, their deadlines and any requirements that they may have. Remember, the competition among recent graduates is fierce, so some employers may have restrictions on degree class and type as well.
Today it seems that more and more employers are also offering part time jobs or low (or not) paying internships to both students and recent graduates. These opportunities are often a great way to get your foot in the door, as such experiences show your willingness to work, effort to learn and initiative to pursuing your profession. This will often give you an extra edge over your competition, and you may even ultimately be able to change a part time job or internship into a permanent position.
A good rule of thumb is also to keep in touch with as many people as possible including past employers, course-mates and even lecturers. You never know who may have that connection for the next rung on your career ladder. Joining your university alumni society would not hurt, either.
Keeping in touch with past connections is an integral part of finding a job, but did you also know that social networking online can help? Be sure to take advantage of such platforms and categorise yourself in appropriate industries. Always keep your online profile accurate and up-to-date, as many hiring managers and recruiters are using the Internet to find new employees.
Just remember, the job hunt during your last year of university and immediately following graduation may seem like a bleak period. This may not be due to your lack of credentials, but rather issues of timing or even simply excessive numbers of applicants. Remember, for every available position up to 100 graduates may be applying. The key is not to give up and to search for new employment opportunities every day: what is not there today may very well be there tomorrow.