Having secured myself a year-long placement in my chosen field I was pretty damn chugged with myself, so I thought I’d so a little career series. I talked about how the write the best CV a few weeks back, but now it’s the turn of hunting down those opportunities.
Make a List
More specific for graduates hunting down post-university roles I guess, but having a list of potential companies makes hunting down jobs a lot easier. Despite not even heading back to university I’ve already start a spreadsheet of companies, whether they offer specific graduate schemes and, if so, requirements and anticipated opening dates. Better overprepared that under!
Utilise LinkedIn
I cannot recommend this enough. I’ve recently been headhunted to apply for a graduate scheme ahead of the competition through LinkedIn, so whilst it might not directly get you a job it will get your noticed. Keep it up to date with your skills and experience, and share interesting industry news. Treat it as your professional facebook!
Search Often
Obviously it depends on how desperate your are, but I would suggest searching a couple of times a week. I know a lot of jobs that are filled on a rolling basis rather than having a specific closing date, so keeping a close eye is the best plan.
Think Outside of the Box
I would never have gotten my placement had I not researched lesser known insurance companies. I had never heard of my company and know a lot of people have no idea who I’m talking about – it really does pay to search around.
Take Risks
With my placement I also tried an area out I hadn’t previously been too interested in – turns out I love it and it would be great to come back to it after graduation. Try something new out, you might end up loving it!
And above all – Don’t Lose Heart
I think the key to job searching is don’t give up. It can be sole-destroying when nothing comes up (believe me, I’ve been there) but if you keep at it the right opportunity is out there.
What are your top job-hunting tips?