Graduated but can't find a Job?
by Roxanne Ridge 
The much awaited graduated date has passed and although you are now plus a degree, finding a job doesn’t seem to be working out. You’ve got a degree so you should be fine, right? Unfortunately not. There are thousands of other job hunters with top qualifications, like you, and it is like a giant competition to find the work. In order to get the job you want, you are going to have to market yourself and become the best…
How to make yourself more marketable/desirable to employers
The first thing to consider when applying for jobs is the state of your CV. There will be no desire in employing you if your CV looks like it has been thrown together with no effort at all. Ideally, the CV should fill two pages and should be clear and concise. Just having a well thought out CV can make the difference between getting an interview for a job or not.
Similarly, if the CV barely fills a page, you are going to have to face up to the fact that you need some more experience. There are thousands of companies, in many different industries, offering work experience and internships- so take advantage of them. These are great ways to build up contacts, learn new skills and show the employer that you are really interested in the industry that you want to get into.
How to stand out from the crowd
You are not unique in having a degree and in order to stand out from the crowd, you need to show something else. These only have to be small things, but they will get you noticed.
When shaping up your CV, consider voluntary work. This is a great way of showing that you would make a well-rounded employee. Helping out someway in a pursuit which interests you will not only be internally rewarding, but will add some oomph to your CV and skills that other people don’t have.
Before you speak to anyone in a job that you are applying to, really research the company. Give yourself the ability to ask questions and comment on the company. This will really impress at any interview and show that you are keen and enthusiastic about both the job, and whatever the company does.
Know where to start – are the jobs you are applying for realistic?
You must recognise that you are not going to be able to go straight in as a managing director, editor or top boss with just a degree. These kinds of positions take time and although you may feel like you have qualified yourself for the position, the chances are you are lacking in experience to get it. The best way to start is to apply for specific ‘graduate’ jobs. These jobs are great starting points and will allow you to fast track your way to the top within a company.
A common problem that faces graduates is that they don’t actually know what they want to do. There is no point going out and trying to get a job until you do. You need to pinpoint your strengths and weaknesses and really identify what you excel in. Sometimes work experience can be a great starting point. It can help with determining whether you really want to work in a specific industry and can distinguish what you are good at from what you are not. You can then go on to apply for jobs accordingly.
Knowing your strengths and weaknesses is important because it can determine the types of jobs that you are likely to be good at. If you are extremely shy there is no point applying to go into acting jobs and similarly, if you can’t sit still, you don’t want to be bound to a desk everyday. Suiting your own character when applying for jobs is important.
Network
‘Who you know and not what you know’ may sound like a cliché but it is very important when it comes to getting a job. There are various ways you can use your resources to your advantage:
- Use family, friends and social contacts –these should be your first port of call if you are looking for work in an industry you know they work in. After all, they know you at your best. Send them a copy of your CV – if a job is available, they are likely to think of you.
- Use internships and work experience placements as a contact building experience. Try to really impress any people that you work with and make a note of any contact details of people you know that you did. If any vacancies arise you want them to remember you.
- Always aim to network at the top. For example, if you are on a work experience placement make tea for the top boss or if you are out on a social occasion, always take the opportunity to speak to the people in power. Speaking to the right people makes more of an impact than you think.
- Don’t forget your degree. The lecturers you were taught by on your course are always likely to have tight contacts with industries associated with their discipline.
With a little work on your technique, you are always more employable than you think.
