The potential of your graduate degree

Here at GRB we quite commonly speak to graduates who don’t realise the actual potential of their qualifications. What we mean by this is that if for example there is a graduate role being advertised in finance, you don’t necessarily need to have studied a finance related degree to be eligible for it. It’s all about reading the job specification and looking into what they are actually looking for. For example we place many people from Humanities backgrounds such as English or History into marketing graduate jobs and PR graduate jobs as they require people with strong research and writing skills. Your degree doesn’t have to dictate what you go into by any means so widen your vision and think about exploring the potential out there.

Did you really read that?

Are you really reading job descriptions in full? If you’re skimming over them in an attempt to get more applications done, it’s likely you’ll make mistakes. Ideally you should be reading over a job description 2-3 times before even considering the best way to apply. Break it down into what the company does, what the requirements are and what type of person they’re looking for. If an employer can tell you’ve half-heartedly skipped over the job advert by submitting an application that’s missing valuable detail previously requested, then welcome to the reject pile! For example, we recently had loads of Finance grads apply to an IT graduate job just because it mentioned hedge funds and graduates applying to a part-time role that clearly stated it was for students still at uni. Having your application rejected from lack of attention can look really bad on your profile so don’t let this be you!

Show Some Urgency

During your job hunt try and show some urgency. If you’re applying for jobs make sure you follow up on applications. Don’t delay applying just because it’s not near the application deadline date. To an employer, being keen and first off the mark are key indicators that you’re made of the right stuff so let it show. Equally, knowing exactly who you have applied to is also very important. It doesn’t look good if an employer replies to your application and you can’t remember when you applied or what the job is. Be prepared and keep notes with you at all times, especially if you are expecting a call.

Don't fight distraction, work with it!

So the summer has officially arrived! With job hunting probably being the next priority, it may seem almost impossible to focus during such good weather and new found freedom. The best way to approach this is to work out a balance of work and play. Remember, only you can master your discipline so if you're feeling guilty because you haven't spent enough time graduate job hunting then treat your job hunt like a job. Your entire education has been spent working to deadlines and when these boundaries are lifted, it can be easy for your attention to drift. To avoid this try setting yourself shifts. For example 10am - 12pm job hunting, followed by a break outside enjoying the sun, before coming back to do another few hours in the evening. Routine is the key here - don't job hunt outside of your hours and do nothing but search and apply for jobs during them. Over time, you will be amazed how productive you've become in those slots solely because you know you have to make it count!

Good Networking

Networking is a sure way to generate leads for job hunting and it’s also a fantastic skill to have as an employee. Sure it can come easier to some people than for others, but if you’re presented with an opportunity to meet a great contact face to face, here are some ground rules: Never ask for a job, ask for information - the subtle, rapport building approach will always reveal answers. Don’t take up too much of their time - no one wants to be remembered as being an inconvenience so be conscious of what they could be doing. Give them a chance to speak - if you don’t then you’ll never learn anything. Create a vehicle for follow-up - if you want to maintain the relationship you need to create an opportunity for you to touch base again, such as offering to email or call them about something they are interested in. Build common ground and your indirect job search will open up with every new contact you speak to.

Make the most of a meeting

Whether it’s a brief meeting with your careers service, approaching a stand at a careers fair or attending an interview make sure you are getting the most out of the situation. Try and anticipate the kind of conversation that will come up and prepare some relevant points to make. Be inquisitive and try and ask something original. Most employers at career fairs can find themselves answering the same questions all day and if the answers can be easily found on the company website (which you should research before) then it just makes you look unprepared. Those all important first impressions really count even if you’re just speaking with someone who could advise you or point you in the right direction to find employment.

Factor in the benefits of graduate jobs

When searching for a graduate job are you considering the benefits as well as the salary? If you're looking at a job description and the salary doesn't meet your expectations, before you dismiss it look a little deeper. For instance, the role could include fantastic benefits such as bonuses or on-target earnings. The company could also be based closer to your home than another job that pays more - work out the travel costs to make an accurate comparison. Maybe they provide a gym membership that you're already paying for somewhere else or a company phone or car. Just remember to have a very clear picture of everything the job has to offer before making a decision as it could cost you!