With the number of part-time and casual workers increasing, and traditional forms of employment becoming scarcer, graduate jobs are harder to come by. Graduates are encouraged to develop a positive identity, network, and acquire work experience. By embracing these methods, graduates can be more employable than they thought possible.
Networking
One of the best ways to secure a graduate job is to network. Whether you’re networking online or in person, you should engage with people in your industry and show them that you’re proactive. Even if your connection has no immediate relation to the graduate job you are seeking, they may have a connection with someone who is.
The definition of networking is “to create and maintain a relationship with others for mutual benefit”. It involves developing and strengthening your interpersonal and communication skills. Networking is one of the best ways for young people to gain an edge in this tough job market.
Developing a positive identity
The development of a positive identity for graduate jobs can be challenging. Graduates in most disciplines face complex work environments that challenge their self-identity. In addition, many graduate jobs require students to take on multiple roles. Positive approaches to developing a professional identity can help graduate students navigate this transition and develop their confidence.
It is important to remember that identity elements are not independent. They are expected to interact with one another. For example, a college freshman in Italy, who left home to study, needed social support nearby. Although he or she was committed to his or her old friendship, their new environment brought new needs. As a result, they are re-evaluating their strategic options.
Getting work experience
Getting work experience is a great way to prepare for your graduate job. It will give you real responsibility, and can also look good on your CV. Employers tend to favour candidates who have worked before. Not only that, but work experience allows you to gain skills that employers value. A graduate without any work experience may find it difficult to land a graduate job.
If you have a specific company you want to intern for, consider approaching them by phone. Most applications will require a CV and a cover letter. A good cover letter will motivate the employer to read your CV and give you an interview. The cover letter should explain why you are interested in working with the company and what you would get out of it. The letter should be addressed to the manager in charge of placements and internships.
Having a good degree
Employers are looking for people who have relevant skills and experience, and a good degree can help you stand out. Graduates will have developed a combination of subject-specific and transferable skills during their undergraduate degree. However, it’s not always enough to have a degree. It’s also important to demonstrate your key attributes.
The US has a rebounding graduate job market, which means graduate job opportunities are becoming more attractive. However, a recent study found that over half of final-year students reported internships and job offers being canceled or delayed. However, the LinkedIn Hiring Rate, a measure of how quickly employers hire new graduates, shows that the graduate employment outlook is improving. In fact, a recent survey of employers showed that they plan to hire 7% more graduates in the year 2021 than they did last year.
Online courses
Online courses can be a great way to upgrade your skills while you work in your current position. During your school years, you may have had to quit your job or scale back your hours, but today, online learning allows you to complete your classes on your own schedule. This will keep your hours flexible and you won’t have a gap on your resume. Plus, your employer will recognize your time management skills.
Fortunately, there are a variety of free online courses available for those who want to upgrade their skills in a specific field. Some are short courses while others may take weeks or even months to complete. The key is to find the one that suits your needs and is from a reputable provider.
Having a good grade
Having a good grade at uni does not necessarily mean that you will be able to get a good graduate job. You should also consider what experience you’ve gained outside of university. You can gain valuable work experience through an internship or a twelve-month sandwich placement. This will not only improve your employability but can be very valuable when applying for graduate jobs. Research shows that more than a third of the graduates employed by the top 100 graduate recruiters have some type of work experience.
If you’re a graduate, it can be worth taking short online courses to improve your employability. These courses don’t necessarily have to be career related but can demonstrate initiative, drive and organisational skills. Some universities even run Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs). You should also consider microcredentials to further improve your employability.
