Job seeking tips

Top tips for finding a job after university

Every year, the number of newgraduates added to the world’s workforce continues to grow. If you are close to graduating, or have just graduated, you may be wondering what the best approach is to launch your new career in a competitive job market. Here are some tips to help you out.

Be productive

Try and avoid sitting back, and instead create a plan for your application efforts. Try creating a list of at least five to ten target companies and use every avenue possible to become successful when applying for that “dream” job

Create social networks

Career experts believe that many new graduates are worried that they don’t have a wide network of personal contacts to help them with their job search. That’s why it’s important to get to know more people throughout your studies. You could start with your friends, parents, or even family networks. Try reaching out to as many people as you know, whether they are contacts from inside or outside university.

Stop using generic resume formats

Using generic resumes which list down your courses, your bachelor’s degree, and your summer jobs will not help you stand out. Try to make as strong of a statement as possible by using a unique or personalised resume format. This way, employers will not be bored when considering your application and it will stand out from the other applicants. Try to show your true personality and passion for your work, while still remaining professional. Rather than creating boring biographies, have a go at writing a resume directed at your possible employer, and one they will enjoy reading.

Learn how to optimise your search online

Many new graduates do not search online in the most effective way. There are numerous professional networking tools which you can access freely online, and although some of these platforms may not be as cool as Twitter or Facebook, they can be a great resource for finding that first job.

Follow up your application

Remember, it is not enough to send out your resumes and wait for a message or phone call from employers. Try and follow up every application with an email or a call to ensure that they know how interested you really are. Make sure, however, that you don’t follow up to the point where you bother a potential employer. It can be best to simply ask for “feedback” on your application, as it shows a willingness to improve, even if you are unsuccessful for the role.

Stop setting unrealistic expectations

Australians have a helpful saying: “plan for the worst and hope for the best”. Try to keep your expectations realistic to begin with, especially if you are fresh out of university. If you don’t have much work experience, don’t be discouraged if you receive a few setbacks. Believe in yourself, because persistence is one of the most important qualities a graduate can have. Many career development experts believe that new graduates focus on looking for their “perfect” job, instead of their first job that will give them a start in a new field. Be practical… even if it’s not the perfect job for you, your first position can be a huge opportunity to learn and develop new skills.

Take job interviews seriously

Attempt to be as professional as possible during job interviews, even when you are applying for unpaid work experience. Research the company you will be applying for and dress accordingly during interviews. Try to arrive early and prepare simple, but concise, answers to possible common questions like, “where do you see yourself five years from now”? With all these tips aside, many career development experts believe that the right general attitude will help you land a good job after university. While technical skills can be taught at university, many companies look to hire new graduates with energy and passion – qualities you can’t learn from a textbook!

For more tips and information on job searching, contact IDP Education today.