9 tips to help you secure a graduate job

The graduate job market can be tough. With more students than ever walking away with a degree it’s important to stand out from the crowd and give yourself the best chance of securing your dream job. Over the years, Mark Stow, head of careers and employability at the University of Lincoln, has helped thousands of students with their job hunt. Here are his tips to help you on your way:

Keep an open mind

There are lots of good graduate level opportunities out there in organisations of all sizes. More than 99% of businesses in the UK are small to medium sized enterprises (SMEs), employing between 25 and 250 employees, and many graduates will find themselves working for one. Part of the challenge in your search is to ensure that you are not blinded to these opportunities by the larger organisations. Think about the company, its culture and who you would be most comfortable working for. Also consider location – certain sectors are sometimes clustered in regions, so open your mind to the potential of moving for the job.

Experience counts

Remember that you are not looking for a job for life, but to build your experience. If you have a particular company in mind but are struggling to find the right opportunity, then getting experience in a different organisation or in a different role to the one you had imagined could give you an edge when the right opportunity comes up. It is not necessarily about the role you have done, but the transferable skills you have developed.

You are not defined by your degree

You don’t have to be a history teacher just because you studied history! Many employers are looking for graduates of any discipline. They are interested in the transferable skills and abilities that a graduate can bring to their organisation. Don’t fall into the age-old trap of thinking you have to do a job that is directly related to your degree subject. Your degree has developed more than just your subject knowledge, so there may be opportunities out there which you are ideally suited to, you just haven’t realised it yet.

Know yourself

While you shouldn’t be defined by your subject, it’s important to start considering what you have to offer employers. Think about the skills and abilities you have developed during your studies – and don’t forget to consider your extracurricular activities and prior work experience. A good way to get started is to look through a range of job descriptions and pick out the skills they are looking for, and think about how you can show that you have those skills.

Get yourself out there

You may have heard about “the hidden job market” – employers who may want your talents but don’t know it yet. To improve your chances of tapping into this market, make yourself visible and network as much as possible. Social media can be a really useful tool; use platforms like LinkedIn to build a professional profile and make connections with professionals working in your chosen area.

Remember who you know

Don’t forget to make the most of your existing network. You are often only two or three steps away from knowing someone in your chosen profession, so speak to friends, family, lecturers etc and find out who they know.

Do your research and conquer your applications

Getting through the initial application stage is often the hardest part of any job search. Don’t fall into the trap of using one CV or application to apply for multiple roles. Every employer wants to know that you want to work for them, so it’s crucial that you tailor your CV and application to that specific company and role. Make sure you have a good understanding of the organisation, its core business and the role on offer, and then match them to you and your skills. It is time consuming but worth the effort.

Be resilient

Finding a job is hard. You will get knock-backs, but take it on the chin. Reflect on why they turned you down, ask for feedback and use that to grow your techniques and confidence. Practice makes perfect and job hunting is no exception. It will take time to perfect your applications and interview technique so don’t give up. Take the positives as and when they arise – for example, if you get to the interview stage but then get the dreaded rejection letter take confidence that you have aced your application.

Use your university careers service

Most universities offer services to their graduates, so make contact with them and seek their advice and support. They’re there to help you make the most of your potential and fulfil your aspirations.