The job market is pretty dismal for anyone who is unemployed — especially if you’re graduating soon. This article will spill all the do’s and don’ts to help you successfully find a job when you graduate.

So, you’ve graduated (or the time is quickly approaching) and you’re already worried about what’s going to happen next. How am I ever going to find a job? What do I even want to do?

Don’t fret yet! The truth is: no one knows what they want to do. Sometimes it really takes a lot of trial and error to find your raison d’etre. What is in your control are the actions you can take that ensure you will excel. Let’s get to it...

 

• Do summer internships or volunteer work

Internships and voluntary work — whatever the weather — they look great on your CV. This shows employers that you’re taking initiative, that you’re driven and keen to learn new skills. This experience also provides an insight into whether you will actually enjoy the role on a full-time basis, rather than just theoretically.

You can find programmes for 2 weeks or up to 6 months, with some paid opportunities. If you’re considering roles in writing, social media or tech, internships can be the clincher that gets you the job. The aim is to plan ahead and make your life easier when you apply for roles in the future. 

 

• Don’t apply for jobs you’re going to hate

A job is a 9-5 commitment. There is nothing worse than waking up every morning filled with dread for the day ahead — seriously. 

Make sure you do cherry-pick and filter for jobs that you will actually enjoy. Otherwise, it’s a waste of time for both you and your potential employer. Direct your energy into making your applications stand out for select jobs, not just anything you see. That’s not sustainable nor helpful for your job hunt.

 

• Do email recruiters and employers directly 

Although there are some great recruitment sites available, this doesn’t always mean it’s the best option. The classic quote “quality, not quantity” comes to mind here — you want to network and connect with people rather than be another bot in the ether.

Instead, check out places like LinkedIn, graduate companies like Student Jobs and find the best person that would be able to help you. Great contacts are those who work in HR or the specific department you want to pursue a career in, like sales and marketing. 

 

• Don’t worry about not knowing your passion

As previously mentioned, not knowing your passion is not a problem. The best tip we can give is to just trust your gut. Think about what you currently like doing and what wouldn’t feel like the biggest chore.

Bear in mind that there will always be aspects of your job that you don’t like. What you need to remember is the 80/20 rule: 80% of the time you like what you do.

 

• Do personalise your cover letters and CV for specific jobs

Companies on average receive hundreds of eager applicants like you, so you need to think outside the box and add some spice to your resume. Cover letters and CVs can sound really stuffy; remember that employers also want to see who you are, not your alter-ego. 

A popular and modern idea is video messaging. This can be a 2-minute overview introducing yourself and why you want to work for that company. Alternatively, if you prefer the old-fashioned way, make sure you add these pointers in writing — and always address your correspondence to the right person. This level of effort will pay off in the long run!

 

• Do check out start-ups 

Start-up companies are a great place to learn and grow. As a graduate, starting at the bottom is pretty inevitable, but that doesn’t mean your progression will be slow.

On the contrary, working for a start-up means you’ll also be with like-minded people, of similar ages and backgrounds. Not only does this make work a bit more fun, it also means you’ll be in a supportive and quick-paced environment that actively boosts your chances for promotions. You may start in a junior role, quickly progressing to a management position in less than 1 year.

 

• Don’t wing your interviews

Preparation is key. If you want to get a job, you need to put in the work — pun intended. This means that you should spend some time researching the company. Think about what their goals are, what their mission is and why you would be a good fit for them. The main focus is: how will you help them grow?

When the role you’re applying for is very niche or specific, then google potential interview questions that they might ask you. This will help you form a good response that ticks all the right boxes. 

Whether your role is more creative or corporate, it’s important you look professional — so always dress the part. This also boosts your self-esteem and confidence so that you nail it in the interview!

 

• Do become a tutor 

One of the quickest ways to find a graduate job is by becoming an online tutor. Tutor House is one of the fastest-growing online tuition companies that loves working with graduates. Private tutors are highly sought after and are very flexible roles, working around your schedule and commitments, part-time or full-time.

If you have a strong interest in your subject knowledge and would like to teach others, you could make cash from the comfort of your own home. Sound too good to be true? Head over to the Tutor House website to find out more.

 

One last thing...

There’s no rush to find a job, just be patient and do what you can. Rejection, like anything, is a huge part of the process. But remember: each “no” you receive means you’re one step closer to a “yes”. 

Just follow the do’s and don’ts above, and you’ll be on track to finding a job straight outta uni. For more career advice like this, follow our blog Tutor House. Good luck!

 

Author Bio

Naida is a writer and blogger at Tutor House — the top UK provider of online and in-person tuition. She specialises in topics relating to mental & physical wellbeing and career advice.