Tips for Students Finding a Job after their Studies

Matt | May 29, 2015 | 0 Comments

So as the plan goes:

Step 1: Pass your A-levels and and get the grades you need to go to your chosen university.
Step 2: Work hard at university, pass your classes, do well on the tests and try not to drink too much and get tagged in questionable photos on facebook through your first three years of freedom from parents.
Step 3: Find a job.

You may have heard that step 3 isn’t easy, despite how short and sweet it sounds. If truth be told, nowadays the number of places new graduates can look to find job postings has increased so dramatically that’s it almost feels as though job openings are at an all time high. However, the truth of the matter is that the September and October after graduation is a battle zone for students. The biggest and best companies have most likely already lured the brightest and most promising students with attractive packages including salary and a golden handshake.

So here are a few quick questions to ponder as you begin your game plan for employment success:

1. Are you among the best and the brightest? Do your test scores reflect this?
2. If you were to find an ideal job posting do you have what it takes to put together a successful application and to interview with confidence?
3. What do you think finding a job entails and what can you do to be more successful at it?

Well the solutions to the first two questions above come from honest self-reflection. If you choose a degree course based on a genuine passion within the field and if you had a career in mind when you entered into it for the education, then you most likely have given it your all and have been successful.

Assuming that you have what it takes the next step is to consider how do you convince your potential future employer that you really do have what it takes. Often this is easier said than done. Putting together your resume and cover letter is often your first chance to show them what a strong candidate you are. A well crafted, job specific resume and cover letter that both communication your strengths, passion, academic successes and experience (if any) can be a door opener for an interview that can lead you to the job of your dreams.

More and more colleges and universities are helping students prepare their resumes and also prepare for interview experiences. It’s never too early to get ready and visiting your university’s careers office should be one of the first things you do to not only find out about any workshops they’re running to help you with applying for jobs, but also to see job listings that they have and to find news of any upcoming careers fairs.

There are also opportunities outside of your university to position yourself to find that perfect job after your degree course finishes. If you happen to go to university in one of our big cities you are fortunate to have the opportunity to make use of recruitment agencies and headhunters who may be able to find you your perfect job in exchange for charging the company a few for connecting you with them.

There are many recruitment companies that operate within specific industries. For example there are many legal recruitment agencies in London. These agencies have the contacts and experience working with the human resource department of most of the major legal firms in the city. You’ll also find recruitment agencies specialising in accounting, engineering, education, retail, creative work, acting, and the list goes on. Other agencies may take a more general approach to finding new graduates work, and may attempt to match you with jobs across multiple industries.

Recruitment agencies are definitely necessary as part of an overall job finding strategy. These agencies also help prepare you for interviews and can provide feedback and updates on your resume and cover letters.

Before you break free from university and enter the real world, you would already have experienced three summers – were they all play and no work? Utilizing at least the last summer to intern at a future potential employer maybe the best move you can make. Interning doesn’t always pay however it does provide an excellent opportunity to prove to the professionals in your chosen career that you have what it takes. If they see your hard work, dedication, skills and talents, as well as positive interactions with colleagues and clients then this perhaps demonstrates that you are right fit for that company in a way that may not be demonstrated during a simple interview.

A successful job finding campaign contains elements of each of the above. It benefits you greatly to work with your university’s careers office, with recruitment agencies, to sign up with job websites, and also to network with friends and family who may have connections to your future employer.

Be proactive with carrying out your job finding strategy and the war zone some students face after university may just seem like a walk in the park.