7 tips for looking for your first graduate job

You are in the last year of university and your schooling life is coming to an end. Ahead, is a road you have never travelled and you are excited, scared and worried at the same time. Securing a graduate job in a field you enjoy will give you an enormous boost in your journey.

But how can you find a graduate job you will enjoy? Furthermore, how to secure yourself one of these highly competitive and ever elusive positions?

This article will give you 7 tips for looking for your first graduate job.

Go to careers fairs and networking events

7 tips for looking for your first graduate job
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While it is true that you will never be outright employed at one of these events, they still remain extremely useful. This is for two reasons.

Firstly, it is your chance to ask any questions about work life and company culture in a more informal environment. This will ultimately assist your decision in determining whether the firm is right for you.

Secondly, many of the recruiters at networking events judge video and first round interviews, meaning it can be your chance to make an impression and stand out from the crowd.

Get work experience

Work experience is important because it develops vital skills that recruiters look for. Further, because practice is often very different from theory, a taste of working life will give you a sense of what you might enjoy in a graduate position.

7 tips for looking for your first graduate job
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Balance your life

When asked what the most important trait of a graduate is, recruiters will more often than not respond: well-roundedness. This is because the work place is a multi-faceted environment and requires a balanced life to strive in. So don’t just focus on your grades – play a sport, learn a hobby and get involved.

Start looking early

7 tips for looking for your first graduate job
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One of the best things you can do for yourself is start looking early. This is because it takes time to look for a position that would suit your interests and skill-set. Many graduate jobs also have a lengthy recruiting process and operate on a rolling basis. By starting early, there will be more spaces available and give you a greater chance of landing your dream job.

Be well prepared

Thoroughly research the company you are applying for before your application. Your understanding of the company will be easily seen through the content of your cover sheet and the interview process. A deep understanding will convey to recruiters that you value the position and give you a leg up on your competition.

Be flexible

Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you’ll get next. It’s possible that you find out you really enjoy something you would have never dreamed of applying for. So research far and wide. You never know what awesome opportunities and careers are just around the corner.

Get advice

Lastly, it is always beneficial to get some advice from your careers advisor at university (it’s literally their job to help you). They can help you tidy up your resume, assist you in interview preparation and guide you in your job search.

Monique Goodyer works as a marketing specialist at Monaco Compensation Lawyers, one of Australia’s compensation law firms. She’s interested in all things online and the latest trends in social marketing.

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