Newsletter

If you've applied for lots of jobs but don't seem to be getting anywhere don't give up! Whether it's at the application or the interview stage there could be many reasons why you're not succeeding. You just need to identify the areas you need to improve and do something about it!

Applying for loads of jobs but not getting any interviews?

Firstly, check out your CV. Make sure all the required info is there and get a careers advisor or a friend to check it over too.

Make sure you tailor your CV to the role you're applying for. Try starting your CV with a short personal statement or objective which can be easily edited for each new application. Also check that the skills and experience you are emphasising are relevant to the role.

Look at where you might have skills or experience gaps and do something about it. You could offer to work for free for a week to gain some experience in a relevant field. You may even land yourself a job at the same time or, at the very least, gain some valuable new contacts.

If you're trying to get a job outside of your subject area, employers might struggle to see how you would make the transition to a different field. Stress relevant experience or gain some if you don't have any. Look at further study - a conversion course could make your degree more relevant to the role.

Getting interviews but keep failing at the final hurdle?

If it's just nerves that are holding you back, make sure you're well prepared by getting a friend to put you through your paces before the interview.

Afterwards, try and get some feedback. Dropping them an email is fairly painless or, if you have the guts, you could always give the employer a quick call for an informal chat. Remember, they're doing you a favour by taking the time to talk to you, so be polite in your request and take any criticism on the chin!

Not sure how to ask for feedback? Why not try:

"To aid me in my career goals could you possibly tell me what experience I may need to go into this sort of role, I was very impressed with your company and would hold any advice in high regard."

Or

"I was greatly disappointed that I failed to meet the criteria you were looking for and, as I haven't had much interview experience, wondered if you could offer any advice or words of wisdom for future interview situations?."

Find out more about making great applications and preparing for interviews in our Application Advice section.

This month we'll be popping along to careers events across the region, spreading the word about the great graduate opportunities on offer in Yorkshire!

Come along and meet the Graduates Yorkshire team and loads of other employers for a chat about careers that interest you! Put these dates in your diary and make sure you don't miss out.

In February you can catch up with the Graduates Yorkshire team at the following careers events:

• University of Leeds, Spring Careers Fair, 12th February, The Refectory, attached to the Leeds University Students Union, 11:00am - 3:00pm

• University of Sheffield, Careers Information Day, The Octagon, 18th February, An information event where you can have an informal chat to representatives in over 60 graduate occupations.

• Leeds Metropolitan University, 19th FebruaryA Careers Fair for Finalists and Graduates, Gandhi Hall, 10am to 4pm

Find out more about individual events through the relevant University Careers website. Find links to these here.

Recruitment fairs are a great way to find out about graduate roles and make an impression on a prpspective employer. Find out more in our fair guide.

There's been a lot of press lately about how today's graduates aren't bothered about how good and green their employer is, and we just don't believe that's true!

Last month we asked whether you would work for a company whose values and beliefs didn't match your own. Our online poll was pretty close and told us a lot about how you feel about the world of work.

A whopping 41% of you said you wouldn't even consider working for a company if you didn't believe in them. A further 42% said they would consider it, but only if the money was good or it would be great career move. Only 12% of our respondents said that a company's values, beliefs and CSR policies didn't bother them at all.

We think these results are great, showing that the majority of you are bothered about what your employers are doing for the greater good. It also show's that you're savvy in your employment choices and will compromise on your own beliefs only if the opportunity is too good to miss!  

This month we want to know whether you've ever taken advice from your University Career Service. In next months issue we'll be telling you all about what help and advice your Careers Service can offer you, so it would be great to know how many of you are already taking advantage of the great free services they offer.

Visit our online poll here.

We're always telling you that being part of a society or a sports team can be really good for your CV. Well now it's good for your bank balance too! If you're a member of a sports team or society, then make sure you get down to your nearest Revolution for some free grub.

If there are 4 or more of you and you're all part of a University society you can claim a free pizza between 3pm - 5pm on Wednesday afternoons absolutely free. Sports teams can get in on the action at the same time every Sunday with their "Club Sportivo" offer. Simply drag three of your team mates off to Revolution after practice, flash them a look at your muddy football boots, and you'll qualify for a free meal too.

That's one whole margherita pizza per person absolutely free! Beat that for a credit crunch lunch!

Don't forget to check out the full terms and conditions of their "Pizza Revolution" offer here before you go! 

We all know times are tough but it's not all doom and gloom. People are still recruiting and there are jobs to be had, but you're really going to have to work harder and think cleverer to get where you want to be. Here is some expert advice on how you can beat the graduate job crunch.

The Higher Education Careers Services (HECSU) advises looking at jobs related to the field you want to work in which may be less competitive or at a lower level than you're qualified for.

For instance, why not take a finance role if you're hoping to be an accountant. You can keep applying for more competitive accountancy roles whilst earning some cash and gaining some valuable industry experience.

Consider paid or unpaid work experience to get your foot in the door to a competitive industry. Further study can also improve your employment prospects or if the field you wish to work in is different to the area you studied, a conversion course may help make your degree more relevant.

The National Union of Students is advising students to start looking for jobs earlier. Get online and find out where the jobs you're interested in are advertised. Sign up to online recruitment websites and jobs by email so you're ready to start applying when you're near to the end of your course.

See your University Careers advisor. They can advise you on the best route into the field you want to work in, whether it has been affected by the economic crisis and ways you can make yourself more attractive to future employers.

Could you start your own business? If so there is a load of help and support out there, including free office space, grants and training. Find out more by talking to your Careers Service.

Don't be too proud to use your contacts. You may not want to turn to a friend or relative to help you get your first job, but hey, this is the real world, and sometimes it's who you know not what you know!

Find links to your University Careers Service here. Many will also offer help and advice to recent graduates as well as support for starting your own business.

Become a fan on Facebook and you'll get to know what's going on in the region first! We'll be keeping our fan page up to date with all the best careers fairs happening in Universities across Yorkshire. We'll also be using the page to promote competitions and incentives throughout the year. Our Spring fairs are already in the calendar, so make sure you don't miss out!

Become a fan on Facebook now!

If you're struggling for that perfect Valentines Day gift then look no further. Nothing says I love you quite as much as a "made in Yorkshire" t-shirt!

With 12 different colours and both male and female styles available there's bound to be one that would look great on your loved one. It's also really convenient, as you can order online, pay by credit or debit card and have it delivered directly to your door.

We'll also be adding a few new items to our "made in Yorkshire" range over the next few weeks as requested by you, including branded hoodies available in a range of 8 different colours!

Check out our exclusive "made in Yorkshire" t-shirts here