5 Top Tips for Graduates Preparing to Apply for Jobs

Graduation is almost here!    

But when the excitement of the day, the gown and recognition of your hard work is done, it is time to reflect on your next step, which at some point will involve getting a job.  Question is, how do you prepare for this mammoth task?  Yes, you have the qualifications and enthusiasm but have you ever thought about truly getting your ducks in a line so you are ready for the process of getting the job you want?

Here are 5 top tips to help you prepare:

1.  Do your homework

• Research companies and different types of roles to find out what interests you.
• Identify industries that align with your values and or skills.
• Think about the practicalities of remote, hybrid, or on-site roles and what works best for you.

2.  Tailor your CV and cover letter because generic CVs get ignored

• That means you should customise your CV and letter for each job using keywords from the posting.
• Highlight relevant coursework, internships or projects.
• Make sure the CV and letter are clean, professional and error-free.

3.  Build and use your network because many jobs aren't posted publicly  

• Get proactive on LinkedIn to connect with everyone you know, alumni and industry professionals.
• Attend career fairs, meetups and informational interviews.
• Use your university’s career services. 
• Think about who you know as this can make all the difference.  

4.  Understand the hiring process

• Applying is the easy bit, so you need to be familiar with what may happen next, be it phone or online screening, assessments and multiple interviews.
• Be prepared for time delays because hiring can take weeks. Silence can be frustrating but it pays to be persistent and resilient.
• Follow up professionally after applying or interviewing.

5.  Clean up your online presence

• Employers will Google you, so your digital footprint is part of making a good first impression.
• Make sure your LinkedIn is up to date; there’s nothing unprofessional on your social media and your email and voicemail are professional.

This type of preparation will make sure you conserve your energy for the potential long haul and avoid doing a scatter gun approach without a sense of purpose.