It’s no secret that job hunting can be stressful for students and graduates. With employers often inundated with applications for vacancies, many graduates are finding it tough to get a foot in the door, let alone secure their dream job. If you’re looking for ways to improve your employability and give your career prospects a boost, here are some pointers to bear in mind.
Training and continued education
Often, when you see a job advertised, you run through the list of requirements, and you tick most boxes. The trouble is that hundreds of people may be in exactly the same boat. Competition for many jobs is intense, and for graduates, it’s common to come up against candidates who have very similar qualifications and levels of experience. If you’re keen to improve your chances of getting a job after you leave university, or you have ambitions to progress in the future and secure management roles, it’s wise to explore opportunities to train and continue your education. Gaining additional skills and obtaining advanced qualifications through programmes like those available at KUO can help to set you apart from others and maximise your chances of climbing the rungs of the career ladder quickly. With online courses, students can combine study and work, which makes learning more affordable.
Looking for jobs in growing industries
In some industries, employers will receive hundreds of applications for a single vacancy. In others, there are talent shortages, which make individuals with specific skills an incredibly attractive proposition for company directors and HR departments. If you have your heart set on working in a sector and a dream job where competition for jobs is fierce, don’t change career path because you’ve been rejected a couple of times, especially if you’ve succeeded in getting to the interview stage for previous applications. If, on the other hand, you’re open-minded, and you have transferable skills or a broad range of interests, you may be keen to explore a diverse selection of jobs and consider looking for opportunities in growing industries. As technology evolves and new consumer trends emerge, new doors are opened.
Improving your applications and interview technique
Have you fired off numerous applications and never heard back? Or are you always the person who loses out after the second interview round? Getting a job can be extremely tough, especially if there are several people vying for the same role. If you’re not getting interviews, take some time to review and update your CV, get some professional help, and make sure your applications are selling you in the best possible light. Write succinctly, make sure every statement or cover letter is relevant to the job title, and try and display a bit of personality. If you have been invited for interviews, but you keep falling at this hurdle, ask for feedback and try to work on any weaknesses. Take time to prepare in advance, rehearse presentations and preempt questions a panel may ask you. Breathe, relax, maintain eye contact and have confidence in yourself. Practice is hugely beneficial, especially for those who get anxious.
Landing a dream job straight out of university is very difficult, but that doesn’t mean that you have to give up hope. Take these tips on board to boost your career prospects and improve your chances of getting a job you love.
