Hopefully, you have taken some time to celebrate your achievements and now it’s time to start the daunting yet exciting task of finding a job. It can be a tricky process, so we have put together some advice that will help you to save time and get the right job for you.
- Making sure you choose the right job for you
It may have been a few years since you started your degree and, at that time, it is possible that your goals and ideas have changed. Before you start looking at jobs that will meet your qualifications take some time to consider the whole picture. You should think about what motivates you, what you are passionate about, and the work/life balance a job might offer.
One idea is to create a list of the 5 things that are essential for you in a job. The list must be realistic, naturally, everyone would love a new company car and a generous expenses budget, but these things are both unlikely and not necessary. Add things like the time it takes to commute, the required soft skills, whether you have room to grow, etc. Rather than aiming for your dream job right now, look for one with opportunities.
- Decide on a field you wish to work in
This involves a detailed study of the industry but also the key players that you may end up working with. What is the culture like and do you see yourself fitting in with this type of people? Each field or industry will have a set of expectations regarding skills, knowledge, and abilities. At this point, you need to look at your skills and see if they match. Perhaps some of your skills are transferable or you might want to consider some short courses to brush up on additional skills.
- Learn how to network
Now that you are aware of the field you want to work in, it’s time to start networking—like mad. Contact everyone you already know in the field and start asking for introductions and learn as much as you can from all of these people. Use your university peers in the same field to share contacts and never forget the power of niche job boards.
Networking can be seen as your chance to interview experts in the field. Ask them about a typical day or the skills that they use the most. Seek advice on the best way to get into the field. While it is difficult to ask for a job, it is much easier to ask for advice. If you take your resume along with you, you might be lucky, and they may ask for a copy. Or at least, they could point out ways for you to improve it.
- Make the most of social media
It’s not only LinkedIn which offers amazing recruitment opportunities. Facebook too has a massive audience and many companies will be keeping their eye out for prospective talent. In many cases, it is impossible to speak to some of the leaders in your interested field, but contacting them, or at least making sure you are seen on social media platforms is the next best thing.
You can create your own blog or website and use this as a networking tool not only adding your qualifications and skills but also showing off your talent. This is something that can be done even when you are still studying, so you will have the beginnings of a portfolio even before you have finished your studies.
- Ensure that you are suitably prepared for your interview
Interview preparation entails a few things. Naturally, you need to be prepared for the questions a company is going to ask you. One of the best ways to do this is to role play with others preparing for interviews. Secondly, you need to have a list of questions for the interviewer. You should want to know exactly what they are looking for and what it takes to be successful within the company. You may want to ask if the company has plans for expansion. These questions you ask will show the interviewer that you are motivated about the position.
