Ten Tips For Graduate Jobseekers

It’s not an easy time to be looking for a job, whatever level you might be at, but as a graduate with no proven experience, it can be particularly difficult. However, there are some steps you can take to make the process of getting a job a little smoother. Here are the ten tips for graduate jobseekers:

1. The early bird catches the worm…

Start looking early. Bear in mind that you are competing with all the other students graduating at the same time as you, so anything you can do to give yourself a head start is a bonus. Register with employment agencies and jobs websites early, get to know the jobs pages in the papers and specific trade publications. This way you will also get a good idea of the salaries being offered, the skills required and when the jobs come out you can hit the ground running.

2. Know what you want

If you have already thought about the kind of job you want then your search will be more focused. Think about salary, prospects, holiday, benefits, the kind of skills you want to use and where you want to be in two to five years time.

3. Be flexible

It may be that, in this kind of market, you may not get the exact job you want straight off the bat. However, there’s always more than one way to get to a certain point, you just might have to be a bit creative in the route that you take. Keep an open mind, be flexible and take all opportunities offered to you.

4. Build your CV

When you apply for a job, your CV is the main way of selling yourself in order to get an interview. Try and build your experience in areas that show a commitment to your industry and demonstrate other core skills, like communication, problem solving, leadership and commitment to the job description.

5. Don’t waste your effort

With the large number of graduates applying for every job at the moment, there is little point applying for a job that you are not qualified to do. Put your effort into getting interviews for the jobs where your qualifications and skills will be valued, and if you don’t have the necessary qualifications or experience for the job you want then go out and get them.

6.Prepare for interviews

Any preparation you can do is valuable. Speak to anyone who has been through the same interview process; sit down and try to predict the questions you will be asked; think about what you want to come across from your personality and skill set; and do as many interviews as you can within your chosen industry to help build your confidence.

7. Dress the part

If you turn up to a job in the city in a pair of jeans and a t-shirt, nine times out of ten you won’t get the job. Get hold of a suit, get a haircut, keep accessories subtle and make-up minimal. Allow your talent and ability to shine through; don’t hide them behind a scruffy appearance.

8. Speak up

Even if you are not the most confident of people, make an effort to speak clearly and with a degree of confidence during an interview. Sell yourself, without slipping into arrogance. Take your time when answering questions and think about what you want to say before you say it. Don’t swear!

9. Body language

Although you may be feeling anxious and defensive, try to avoid negative body language like crossing your arms. Sit up straight, don’t fiddle with jewellery, or bite your nails, and try and maintain eye contact with your interviewer – but don’t try and stare them down!

10. Don’t give up

Just because interviewers 1 - 5 didn’t want to give you a job, doesn’t mean Number 7, 8 or 9 won’t see the potential in you. Be relentless, keep going, and don’t give up. Don’t be a quitter!

This was a guest post by John from Monster jobs. Get more graduate advice and internship advice on the Monster career advice guide.