Are you a recent graduate, looking to get onto the career ladder?
Monday, October 5, 2020
Congratulations on graduating, exciting times ahead!! However, despite earning your degree you may still be a little unsure of what it is you want to do next and it can be difficult to know which company is right for you.
You may have been advised that once you get a degree and you can walk into any job. Yes, there are big corporate companies who offer graduate training schemes, but in reality for most companies it shows you can learn and has a basic understanding of the industry in which you are looking to develop a career.
COVID-19 has also created an extra hurdle to overcome due shrinking job market and you may have to compete with candidates who have done an apprenticeship who not only have qualifications but experience too.
But it’s not all doom and gloom!!! If you are willing to put in the hard work, the world could be your oyster!
Start by getting your CV right, read our CV tips. Also, you can find help on putting together a covering letter here.
Go to every interview as if it is the only job in the world you want. With so many candidates and so few roles, your personality, enthusiasm and passion will play an important part in a hiring managers decision making. You don’t want to come away kicking yourself because you didn’t put in the effort.
Bigger is not always better. If you are looking to be part of a big team then larger organisations are for you, but if you like to roll up your sleeves and get involved then the smaller companies are worth considering. 99% of businesses in the UK are SMEs, with many start-ups who can offer a more varied role and an opportunity to take responsibility. There are lots of companies still looking so apply for roles that can utilise your skills and experience to date so concentrate your efforts on those organisations.
Concentrate on the here and now. Employers are looking for someone to fill the role they are advertising for. Don’t go overboard talking about career progression, if you come across as too ambitious you may not be considered further. If an employer feels they are being used as a stepping stone, why would they invest time and resources on you?
Remember, the first 3-5 years are about putting in the foundations of your career, this maybe just learning about yourself, your strengths and weaknesses, and working out what it is you want to be doing. What you think your dream job is now could be very different in a few years’ time. Very few people at 40 are doing what they set out to do at 20, your career is a journey so enjoy the ride!