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Not all bleak for Grads…
Last updated 9-Aug-10 09:12
So the last month was a bit depressing for news, especially with the AGR survey claiming 69 grads are applying for each job! We're sure most of you were holding your head in despair thinking this is the last thing I want to hear. Well we're here to tell you it really isn't all doom and gloom for you grads. Chin up and think positive because the recent discussions we've had from employers is that they're still crying out for grads. So, I hear you wonder, how can this be true? Well companies may have quite a few grads applying for their jobs but it isn't about quantity but ALL about quality. Although you might be in competition with a few others if you can stand out from the crowd and really shine then you're home free!
Kindly Ian Green, from Green Communications, gives us his top 10 handy tips in bagging that great job:
1. Don't just push your qualifications emphasise your experience - even if it's just part-time bar work. Employers like to see get up and go.
2. If you ran a society at uni or were involved with a charity - put that in your CV. Even your time in the scouts or girl guides will help you stand out.
3. Manage your social media profile whether it is on Twitter, Facebook or Linkedin. Use these to show that you are engaged in the conversation.
4. Check your spelling on everything - even when you Tweet
5. Show enthusiasm - it's the greatest thing in the world, natural enthusiasm and passion. You're nothing without it - Bill Shankley
6. Practice your interview pitch with a friend - be prepared for hard questions
7. Don't set the bar too high. Too many graduates expect they are going to walk
straight into a £30k job. It's more likely to be £18k or less
8. Get a life. Show employers you have a life outside work whether it's writing a blog, ski diving or helping out with a local charity.
9. Consider looking at careers outside your degree. Historians sometimes make good accountants.
10. Learn from each experience - success and failure are natural bedfellows.
Comments:
Re: Not all bleak for Grads… Author:Ethan (at 2010-08-10 09:20)
Oh my god, who wrote this utter none-sense. I graduated in 2008, since then I have volunteered for a local environmental charity for six months running a volunteer group, worked as a recycler, care worker and lab assistant. I have a wealth of work experience as I didn't go to uni until 31. This is all over my c.v. I have applied for over 200 jobs in many fields, yet still no great graduate job. In fact all I have at the moment is a 1 day a week bar job. So please stop with the patronising platitudes about enthusiasm and experience. I have these in abundance but after two years of trying, I am unemployed and can not see this changing.
Re: Not all bleak for Grads… Author:Rhiannon Hughes (at 2010-08-10 10:47)
I'm sorry to hear this Ethan have you looked at our internship scheme? It's a great way to enhance your employability whilst getting some paid work experience.
If not then contact a careers advisor using our e-guidance service
http://www.graduatesyorkshire.co.uk/graduates/eguidance
Re: Not all bleak for Grads… Author:Ethan (at 2010-08-10 14:22)
Thanks Rhiannon, I have and I get the updates emailed to me. It seems though that If you want to go into Marketing, Recruitment, or Engineering there are some available. However I have a 1st class (Hons) B Sc. in Animal Management and want to get into conservation, ecology or disease control and there is nothing. I worked in the NHS for 5 years before uni and I can't even get back into that area cos I'm either too qualified or competing with Human Biology or Physiology grads. What I really want is a research internship to assist me get a funded PhD place.
Re: Not all bleak for Grads… Author:Rhiannon Hughes (at 2010-08-10 14:45)
We do have a Trainee Ecologist role at the mo
http://ow.ly/2nxNv
is that something you'd be interested in? If anything else comes up I'll let you know.
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