graduate jobs

The economy is growing, exciting new businesses are emerging and the job market is heating up. Competition for graduate jobs is HIGH and it is more important than ever to stand out from the crowd. Here’s how.

Go digital

Technology is one of the fastest-growing industries –embrace it. Get your skills endorsed by previous employers and co-workers on LinkedIn, and secure recommendations from people you have worked for/with highlighting your contribution, personality and skills (also on LinkedIn). Be active online! From making videos, to blogging or contributing to a publication or website – a relevant, visible online presence can help you to market your brand; you!

Add a splash of colour

It’s no secret how competitive the graduate jobs market is these days. We’ve all read the scary headlines and scrolled through endless job adverts, all the while working ourselves up into a frenzy. “What’s going to make me stand out to an employer, when everyone has already done everything else?”

But don’t let the naysay brigade discourage you; there is always a way you’ll be able to impress an employer. You’ll just have to be creative about it.

Internships are an increasingly popular avenue to higher-level, permanent positions in competitive fields. With more and more interns on the scene, you’ll have to work a bit harder to make yourself stand out. Learning additional skills not necessarily related to your field can help you do just that. As well as allowing you to pick up new know-how, additional skills and knowledge on your CV make you seem interesting. It demonstrates that you’re driven, dynamic and that in your spare time you don’t just sit around - you’re a go-getter with keen interests who’s ready to proverbially take the bull by the horns.

Recruiters receive hundreds of CV applications for graduate jobs every day, so it’s crucial you make your CV the best it can be. A recruiter has specific roles in mind when sifting through applications, so it’s essential you tailor your CV to every job you apply for. 

What’s your story?

Recruiters are interested in the route you took to get where you are today. Did you spend a gap year backpacking around Australia? Mention it! The less unexplained gaps in your CV and the more relevant details you give, the easier it will be for them to see your development.

What’s your Unique Selling Point?

Picture this: Ten people with the same degree, same grade from the same university apply for the same job. Who will be invited to the interview? The candidate who is able to stand out and draw attention to what makes them different. It could be that you were involved with a charity, organising events at university, winning prizes for outstanding achievements, writing a blog, etc. If you did something unique, include it in your CV. It demonstrates that you’re a well-rounded individual, and could take you one step closer to securing great graduate jobs.

Are you a graduate looking for your first post-university role? If so, you're not alone. Thousands of graduates are currently on the hunt for graduate jobs. This means it certainly makes sense to do everything you can to stand out from the crowd and make you and your skills as appealing as possible to potential employers. Read on to find out about five career tips for recent graduates.

Be flexible

Some graduates have a very fixed idea of what they want to do, while others don't really know. Either way, it helps to be flexible. Many graduates look for London jobs, which is great as there is a wide choice in the capital. However, don't forget to look elsewhere in the country. In fact, the more flexible you're willing to be on location, the better.

Being flexible in what you do can also help. For instance, if you're interested in communications, there are lots of industries where you could look for work. When competition for jobs is so competitive, you can't afford to narrow your search too much.