Graduate jobs

Finding a job after completing your course can be a dauntingprocess but there is help,guidance and advice out there to make it less stressful.

Where to start

Start early – even if you're not entirely sure what you want to do start considering your skills, areas of interest and what you enjoy.

1. Make the most of your college or university careers services, or visit one of the many employment websites to see what you can do with the qualifications you've achieved.
2. Book an appointment with the careers service at your university or college for information about job searching, writing a CV, covering letters, interview preparation and the application process in general.
3. Talk to people – ask graduates who have been there before for tips or advice, or consult fellow students who are going through the same process. You may find you can point each other towards useful websites, organisations you had not considered or even vacancies you had not found yourself.

Work experience

When you have some inkling of what career you would like to pursue, start researching around the area. With a career in mind you can then find out from your careers service or recruitment websites if any extra skills, qualifications or work experience would be useful or crucial before applying for the position.

Check websites such as Prospects who have lists of the skills graduate employers are looking for. If you have gaps, think about how you can fill them before you apply – part-time work, joining societies or volunteering for example.

Work experience is particularly beneficial in showing your enthusiasm, interest and commitment to working in a particular area. This can be voluntary and take place during term time on a part time basis.

Start job hunting

Have a routine – find out which papers, journals and websites advertise the types of jobs you want and when they advertise, then check them on a regular basis.

Investigate careers fairs in your area. They can be useful for meeting graduate employers and making contacts.

Visit websites such as Graduates Yorkshire which is tailored towards recent graduates.

Applying for jobs

Apply for lots of jobs –the more positions you apply for the more chance you have of getting one, plus the experience of different application processes and attending numerous interviews will be useful throughout your career.

1. If you find a position that interests you, go for it. Even if you think you are under-qualified, apply anyway, you could be surprised!
2. Make sure each application you make is ‘targeted' specifically at that employer. Research the organisation; use their job description and personal specification to tailor the covering letter to appeal to them. Visit Prospects for advice on how to do this.
3. Carefully read and follow any application instructions. For example, if there is an application form to fill in; do not send your CV instead.
4. Present skills and experience positively –if you worked in a supermarket emphasise the qualities it gave you, such as team work, responsibility, punctuality and organisation skills.

Interviews

Once your CV or application form has demonstrated that you meet the requirements for a job, you will then be invited to an interview to confirm this and to give potential employers a chance to meet you.

The main questions you will be asked will focus upon;

1. Why you want the job?
2. What makes you the most suitable applicant?
3. Why do you want to work in that organisation?

Preparation is the key to interview success so make sure you find out exactly what the job will involve and what will be expected of you.

What to expect at an interview

The aim of an interview is for the employer to find out about you and answer any questions they may have. You should aim to demonstrate the following:

• A genuine motivation and enthusiasm for the position and the organisation.
• Credible evidence that you can do the job.
• An interest in the organisation through asking a few questions.

Telephone interviews

A growing number of companies now use telephone interviews instead of or as well as a traditional face-to-face interviews. A telephone interview gives you the advantage of being able to have your CV or notes in front of you (however do not read pre-prepared answers). The disadvantage is that you cannot read the interviewer's body language and pick up non-verbal clues.

Useful tips for any interview

• Listen carefully to the questions being asked, do not repeat a pre-prepared answer that is not relevant to what you have been asked.
• If you do not understand the question ask the interviewer to explain.
• Try not to ramble and keep what you say relevant.
• Keep a good posture, sit up straight, do not fidget, look attentive and interested and maintain an appropriate level of eye contact with the interviewer.
• Be punctual (arrive at least ten minutes before your interview).
• Make sure you are smart and well presented, wear a suit if necessary and polish your shoes. Women should tie back long hair if needed and avoid excessive jewellery and make-up.
• For a phone interview, make sure you are available, in a quiet, private room where you will not be distracted.

Remember…

Finding a job takes time.

Having a degree alone does not guarantee you a good job, experience counts for a lot too.

If you are unsuccessful reflect on the experience. What did you struggle with and what could you do better next time? Contact the organisation and ask for feedback on your performance.

Internships

If you are a recent graduate and would like to find out more about internships in York click here.