Finding a job after completing your study can be a daunting process, but there is help, guidance and advice out there to make it easier and less stressful. Our graduate tips can help set you on the road to success after HE:

Where to start

• Start early – even if you’re not entirely sure what you want to do start considering your skills, areas of interest and what you enjoy.
• Make the most of your college or university careers services, or visit one of the many employment websites to see what you can do with the qualifications you’ve achieved.
• Try using the self assessment tools such as those on prospects.ac.uk to get an idea of possible career routes.
• Book an appointment with the careers service at your university or college for information about job searching, writing a CV, covering letters, interview preparation and the application process in general.
• Talk to people – ask graduates who have been there before for tips or advice, or consult fellow students who are going through the same process. You may find you can point each other towards useful websites, organisations you had not considered or even vacancies you had not found yourself.

Once you have some ideas

·         When you have some inkling of what career you would like to pursue, start research around the area. Ideally do this through gaining short-term work experience or work shadowing. This way you can decide whether or not you are suited to that career without committing yourself.

·         Work experience is particularly beneficial in showing your enthusiasm, interest and commitment to working in a particular area. This can be voluntary and take place during term-time on a part-time basis.

·         With a career in mind you can then find out from your careers service or recruitment websites if any extra skills, qualifications or work experience would be useful or crucial before applying for the position.

·         Check websites such as Prospects who have lists of the skills graduate employers are looking for. If you have gaps, think about how you can fill them before you apply – part-time work, joining societies or volunteering for example.

Start job hunting

• Have a routine – find out which papers, journals and websites advertise the types of jobs you want and when they advertise, then check them on a regular basis.
• Investigate careers fairs in your area. They can be useful for meeting graduate employers and making contacts.
• Write or update your CV. Advice on this will be available from your careers service or from Prospects.

 Applying for jobs

• Apply for lots of jobs –the more positions you apply for the more chance you have of getting one, plus the experience of different application processes and attending numerous interviews will be useful throughout your career.
• If you find a position that interests you, go for it. Even if you think you are under-qualified, apply anyway, you could be surprised!
• Make sure each application you make is ‘targeted’ specifically at that employer. Research the organisation; use their job description and personal specification to tailor the covering letter to appeal to them. Visit Prospects for advice on how to do this.
• Carefully read and follow any application instructions. For example, if there is an application form to fill in; do not send your CV instead.
• Present skills and experience positively – if you worked in a supermarket emphasise the qualities it gave you, such as team work, responsibility, punctuality and organisation skills.
• Avoid using any negatives, such as “it was only shop work”. Focus on the positive aspects about yourself and any experience you have had.
• Carefully consider what you have said in the application process and remember it –you could be asked about the information you gave in an interview.

 Interviews

Once your CV or application form has demonstrated that you meet the requirements for a job, you will then be invited to an interview to confirm this and to give potential employers a chance to meet you.

The main questions you will be asked will focus upon;

• Why you want the job?
• What makes you the most suitable applicant?
• Why do you want to work in that organisation?

Preparation is the key to interview success and the following points should help you give the best responses possible:

Research the Position

• Find out exactly what the job will involve and what will be expected of you.
• Research as much as you can about the organisation and sector – what the main product or service is and who the competitors are.
• Think about what makes the company stand out and what attracts you to working there.
• Look at company and careers websites and speak to any contacts you have to help your research.
• Do not be afraid to contact the organisation directly for specific information you cannot find elsewhere. You will not be seen as bothersome, but keen, enthusiastic and interested.
• Try to attend any open events or presentations the organisation offers.

Review you strengths in relation to the job

• Familiarise yourself with the examples and information you gave in your CV/ covering letter/ application form so you can discuss them and elaborate if needed.
• Think of at least one additional example for each area which demonstrates your skills or personal qualities.
• If the job requires specific technical knowledge the interview may include questions to test this so be prepared.

Consider you weaknesses

• Think about requirement areas for the job where you might be considered weak. Remain positive and create a clear statement emphasising the capabilities you do have and how you plan to work towards improving any weaknesses.
• Do not dwell upon or emphasise any weaknesses.
  
  What to expect at an interview 

The aim of an interview is for the employer to find out about you and answer any questions they may have. You should aim to demonstrate the following:

• A genuine motivation and enthusiasm for the position and the organisation.
• Credible evidence that you can do the job.
• An interest in the organisation through asking a few questions.

Example questions

• What have you gained from your time studying?
• What did you particularly enjoy/learn from your HE course?
• What have you gained from previous work experience, provide some examples?
• What attracts you to this position and this organisation?
• What do you feel you can bring to the organisation?
• What are your strengths and weaknesses?
• Examples that demonstrate certain skills and attributes.

Telephone interviews

A growing number of companies now use telephone interviews instead of or as well as a traditional face-to-face interview. A telephone interview gives you the advantage of being able to have your CV or notes in front of you (however do not read pre-prepared answers). The disadvantage is that you cannot read the interviewer’s body language and pick up non-verbal clues.

Assessment Centres

Some companies may use second interviews to gain further insight into your skills, abilities and motivation. This may be done via a telephone interview or through an Assessment Centre, which uses tests and exercises. You should be given information about what to expect before attending an Assessment Centre.

Useful tips for any interview

• Listen carefully to the questions being asked, do not repeat a pre-prepared answer that is not relevant to what you have been asked.
• If you do not understand the question ask the interviewer to explain.
• Try not to ramble and keep what you say relevant.
• Keep a good posture, sit up straight, do not fidget, look attentive and interested and maintain an appropriate level of eye contact with the interviewer.
• Be punctual (arrive at least ten minutes before your interview).
• Make sure you are smart and well-presented, wear a suit if necessary and polish your shoes. Women should tie back long hair if needed and avoid excessive jewellery and make-up.
• For a phone interview, make sure you are available, in a quiet, private room where you will not be distracted.
  
  Remember…  

• Finding a job takes time.
• Having a degree alone does not guarantee you a good job, experience counts for a lot too.
• If you are unsuccessful reflect on the experience. What did you struggle with and what could you do better next time? Contact the organisation and ask for feedback on your performance.

Useful links

Frontrunner is a four-day residential programme, free of charge, for pre-career leaders from across the UK. The programme is aimed at young people who have already shown evidence of leadership skills in civil society through their activities and aims to inspire them to continue campaigning for change in their future careers.
The 2008 programmes will run 7-10 July at University College London and 1-4 September at the University of Leeds.
For more information or to apply for the placement click here.

Alumni

Both York St John University and the University of York have Alumni societies for former students. These societies provide numerous resources and benefits for graduates including:

• The chance to network with other graduates.
• Keeping in contact with friends and colleagues you studied with.
• A valuable support network for both past and present students.
• The opportunity to attend events and reunions throughout the year.

To find out more about Alumni societies in York visit:

York St John University

 
The University of York

York Alumni Matters