Make Your Graduate Job Hunt Easier

Finding a job is never easy, but it is also not difficult. That’s right. This is something most people will not tell you. It is because they don’t realize that the graduate job hunt can be much less troublesome if a systematic approach is applied.

I have seen many people who stay jobless months after they graduate, but at the same time there are many success stories. Based on my conversations with a few of them, here is what I have found about graduate job hunting that can help you find a good role after completing your studies.

Start applying for jobs before you graduate 

Don’t wait to graduate before you apply for a job. Granted, there are companies that offer graduate placements and the dates are fixed, but you should have already done your homework weeks before you graduate. Suppose you are graduating in December. Ideally, you should have a rough future sketch in your mind six months before that. The last semester should be spent trying to secure better grades, but at the same time gathering more and more information about where you would like to work. Knowledge about the industry; who is hiring and who’s not; what are the strengths and weaknesses of the companies you are interested in working for – these are some of the details you must already be aware of before you graduate.

Invest time in networking

Networking is the key. Make sure you spend the final year of your studies establishing as many contacts as possible. Go to networking events and focus on meeting employers. Make sure you get their contact details, and follow up with an email afterwards. Don’t overdo it. They are not interested in hearing every detail about your life, but it is a good idea to send them a message to let them know you have graduated with a distinction and would like to meet to discuss any career opportunity or guidance they might have for you. Also, seek the assistance of your professors and use their contacts and references to get connected with the industry.

Complete at least one internship 

If you haven’t already completed an internship or two, now is the time. Try getting a placement while you are studying or soon after you graduate. Don’t wait for long, because many employers prefer hiring interns while they are at university or have just finished. This also helps in establishing networks. After you finish interning at a company, get recommendation letters from them. And once you graduate, contact them again and offer your services.

Don’t give up!

I understand there are many great applicants who find it hard to secure a graduate job even with an awesome profile. These things happen. But you must not give up. Keep looking on the bright side. You can face a hundred rejections, but remember you only have to succeed one to get your foot in the door. And that one time is going to make all the difference. So never give up!

These are just a few suggestions to help make your graduate job hunt a little easier. Apart from these, you’ll also need good skills in terms of writing a good cover letter and preparing a good résumé. And of course, make sure you prepare well for an interview if you get a call. Best of luck!