Graduate Advice : How To Secure Entry-Level Jobs

After spending years studying and working towards your degree, it is finally time to begin your professional career!

Job searching as a graduate can be tough, particularly if you are finishing with no relevant work experience. You are most likely in the period of unknown and may not even be entirely sure of what you want to do for the rest of your life.

However, the reality is not as bad as your fears! Be confident- you are in a great position and now is the perfect?time to begin your job search. Parkside Recruitment have listed the top tips to help you stand out from competitors and land your graduate job.

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Work on Communication and Social Skills

Employers know that as a graduate you are unlikely to have years of industry experience. However, if you survived 3 long years at university, you are clearly academically capable.

Building strong communication skills is essential for the success of your career. It is pointless being the most knowledgeable person in the room if you cannot communicate this to others. Practice speaking clearly, confidently, and concisely.

Try to avoid filler words like "um" and "like," and use appropriate tone and volume to convey your message effectively. This will help you when it comes to interviews.

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Start Networking Early

Networking is an essential life-skill, particularly for job seekers. Start building your professional network as soon as you can.

You can do this by attending job fairs, joining professional networks and connecting with anyone that reaches out on LinkedIn.?Once you keep in mind that anybody can be a valuable addition to your network, opportunities are endless.

Reach out to people in your field of interest and ask for informational interviews. This can help you learn more about the industry and potentially lead to job opportunities.

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Gain Relevant Experience

Many graduates expect to come out of university and receive an offer based on their degree classification. However, this is rarely the case! Most?employers?are?looking?for?evidence?of?communication?skills,?ability?to? manage others,?ability?to? analyze and?organizational?skills.

Even entry-level positions will require you to have?some sort of experience in the field that you are interested in. You can build a good profile for your future career through part-time jobs, internships and volunteering.?Any sort of practical experience in your field will make your resume stand out over other candidates.

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Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job

Your resume and cover letter are your first impression with potential employers, so make sure that they stand out. Tailor your resume and cover letter to each job you apply for, highlighting relevant skills and experiences.

Avoid using generic templates and instead, create a personalized document that showcases your strengths.

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Take breaks and reward yourself

Applying to countless graduate schemes and taking part in phone interviews and assessment days can result in feeling burnt-out and hopeless. Take breaks from applying to ease the pressure and focus on things other than job-hunting.

Instead of beating yourself up for an interview rejection, reward yourself for getting so far in the hiring process.?If you want to take the steps to improve, follow up asking for feedback. This will reveal which aspects you were successful in and which area you can grow in.

It is normal?for graduates to struggle with finding a job in their field. This can be a challenging process, but with the right approach, you can increase your chances of success.

With the above tips you will be well on your way to landing your first professional role! Find your next graduate opportunity with Parkside Recruitment.