What freshers need to know about graduate job-hunting

For first-year students, the prospect of needing to find a graduate job may still seem a long way off. Some may just not have thought that far ahead. Others will be aware that in a tough jobs market, they need to begin career planning early, but won’t know where to start. Many will have good intentions, but get distracted along the way.

So for all those newcomers to university life who want to know what they can do now to help them reach their long-term career goals, and for anyone who’s in a position to warn, advise and encourage them, here are targetjobs.co.uk’s top career action tips for freshers.

Do get involved with activities on campus… but don’t lose sight of your studies

Do sign up for different societies and try out new experiences – broadening your horizons is what uni life is all about. But bear in mind what graduate recruiters look for when they check out details of applicants’ extracurricular activities. They like to see evidence of commitment and involvement, ideally in activities that are relevant to the career area you’re applying for. You’ll also need an awareness of the skills you’ve gained, and if you can provide evidence of the impact of your contribution, so much the better.

Throwing yourself into activities you enjoy will not only make your university experience richer and more rewarding, it’ll pay off in your job applications and interviews, as recruiters are interested in finding out what you are enthusiastic about. A part-time or vacation job will also provide you with useful evidence of your skills. But don’t lose focus on your academic work. Many graduate recruiters want a minimum 2.1 degree, especially in highly competitive areas such as law and finance. Will this have changed in three years’ time? Nobody knows – so you might as well start off by assuming it won’t.

Be aware of the careers that start early

If you want a graduate job in investment banking, journalism, media, law or management consultancy, you should get to grips with what you need to do when sooner rather than later. For example, if you want a graduate career in banking, you’ll want to apply for an internship in the summer of your second year… and the deadlines start to arrive by Christmas of your second year, and you’ll need to have some work experience under your belt by then to demonstrate your commitment. Big banks often run open days and taster days aimed at first years – don’t miss them.

Help is at hand – make the most of it!

Use targetjobs.co.uk to stay up to date with news and developments in your sector and to get advice on applying for jobs and work experience. Visit your careers service and take advantage of the information and expertise on offer.

• Get work experience from your first year onwards
• New to the great graduate job-hunt? Where do you start?
• The graduate careers that start now

Posted by Alison_TARGETjobs on 31 August 2010

Comments on ‘What freshers need to know about graduate job-hunting’