Securing your first graduate job can feel daunting, but you can confidently navigate the process with the right advice. In our recent webinar, graduate recruiter Hannah Harrison shared her expert knowledge to help final-year and postgraduate students stand out from the crowd. She broke down the process with some great tips to take away.
1. Before You Apply: The Power of Preparation
Preparation is your best friend when it comes to job applications. Begin by looking inward to determine what you’re good at and what you enjoy doing. The best careers combine these two elements. A tool was mentioned to help plot your skills and experiences, helping you lean toward certain career fields and avoid jobs you don’t like or aren’t good at. It’s also important to remember that your first job does not have to be directly related to your degree.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Utilise your university career services and attend career fairs to talk to employers about roles that might suit your skills and interests. Websites like Bright Network also offer career path tests to help narrow down your options.
2. Application Timing: The Art of Being Early
Don’t wait until after Christmas to start applying! Many companies, especially in competitive sectors like banking and tech, are already open for applications and may close early. Pay close attention to deadlines, as many fall between November and December. Some companies use a “rolling recruitment” process and will close applications once they’ve received a certain number, so applying earlier is always better.
3. Acing Your Application: Standing Out from the Crowd
Your application is your first chance to make a great impression. Here’s how to make it count:
4. Interviews and Neurodivergence
The webinar also touched on preparing for different interview formats, whether they are video, telephone, or in-person.
Recruiters are focused on creating a more inclusive process for all candidates, and it’s absolutely fine to ask for “reasonable adjustments” if you are neurodivergent. Many companies will have information about this on their career sites or application portals. For example, if you need extra time on a test or need to see interview questions in advance, these are things you can and should ask for. Recruiters will not hold it against you; in fact, it helps them best support you through the process so you have the most successful outcome.
