Job search tips graduates don’t usually hear

Job search tips graduates don’t usually hear

Don’t pigeonhole your job search

You might be currently searching for roles which closely match the subject you obtained your degree in. For example, you may feel that because you studied English Literature, you should be looking for writing or teaching jobs.

Meeting with a professional recruiter is a great way to kick-start your job search.  

However, this is not the case! Employers are increasingly interested in soft and transferable skills. In fact, adaptability is one of the most sought-after qualities for a candidate.

You may not have ever even thought of these skills before. To reveal these “hidden” qualities, you can use online aptitude tests, or even ask past employers and friends!

Don’t ignore temporary roles

The UK currently has the highest number of temporary workers in Europe, totalling over 1.6 million; or 5% of the workforce. The temporary job market offers a variety of opportunities to a recent graduate, such as:

  • Adding valuable experience to your CV: As temporary roles are usually short and have clearly defined tasks, you can use the transferable skills you have learned and apply them to future job applications.
     
  • Expanding your network: If you give a temporary role your all, you are likely to stick in your colleagues’ minds. This could lead to long lasting and valued connections, which also could potentially translate to a great permanent role!
     
  • Building your confidence: If you have never worked before, or are looking at new industries, a temporary assignment is sure to place you out of your comfort zone. You could find you love an industry you never even considered before! 

Job search tips graduates don’t usually hear Upskill yourself

As a graduate who has spent the last few years dedicated to academia, you may not have had time to gain professional work experience.

Although employers may understand this, you can place yourself above the competition by increasing your skill set in innovative ways. Charities are always looking for volunteers in various industries and sectors, or you can hunt for short term internships which will give you valuable experience.

Another good way to show your passion is developing a blog relevant to your industry and interests. A blog at its core shows writing, social media and CMS knowledge, all of which can be added to your CV – along with providing context to your industry knowledge gained throughout university.     

Make use of Recruitment Agencies

Meeting with a professional recruiter is a great way to kick-start your job search. Recruiters have a wide network of clients with established relationships, meaning they can often get you in touch quickly with new and interesting roles.

Recruitment Consultants can also act as career mentors, which is reassuring if you’re feeling disheartened by the job search process. A consultant should provide you with advice and guidance - from submitting your CV, all the way to salary negotiations.

However, don’t just cross your fingers and pick any agency. 

Don’t compare yourself to your friends

The best tip is saved for last; do not compare yourself to your friends. Sure, we all have a couple of friends who are off working for global companies and going on exotic holidays, but most graduates feel exactly the same as you do now!

You will get there eventually, you just haven’t found the perfect opportunity yet. So, follow our tips, take care of yourself, and in no time, you will find yourself in the perfect role.

 

If you enjoyed this article, you may also like:
Benefits of becoming a Temp
How do you choose the best recruitment agency for you?

 

Published: 27 June 2025
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2025

Jobs currently available

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Product File Administrator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: TB04
About the role

Just Recruitment has a fantastic opportunity for a Product File Administrator to join an exciting company based in Colchester, Essex, as they rapidly expand nationwide.

Working hours: Monday to Friday, 8.00am to 5.00pm.

Duties will include:

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  • Working closely with the Commercial Managers and Commercial Director with regard to price increases, deferrals and product launches.
  • Liaising with the eleven trading brands throughout the UK on all matters regarding the product file.
  • Fielding queries from the branches on price discrepancies and supplier agreements.
  • Implement supplier price increases in the system, including updating the buying and selling prices.
  • Creating new ranges of products within the system, which will involve interpreting a wide range of data from the suppliers and reformatting it in a manner that is easily interpreted by the staff.
  • Ensuring that the product file is kept up-to-date, including the removal of discontinued products.
  • Ensuring a high level of consistency on the product file with regard to descriptions and pricing structure.

Role requirements include:

  • A good level of competency with Excel is a must. Experience in a similar role would be preferred.
  • You will have strong attention to detail, be consistent in your work, and have a confident ability to work with numbers.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Production Operatives
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: £12.21 per hour
Location: Hadleigh, Suffolk
Role: Full Time
Contract: Temporary to Permanent
Job ref: JT-HAD-PO-0925
About the role

Just Temps seeks Production Operatives for a manufacturing company in Hadleigh, Suffolk. We’re looking for hands-on team players who thrive in a busy production environment.

This role offers a great opportunity to gain experience across multiple areas of a growing manufacturing business.

The role is an ongoing temporary placement, with the potential to become permanent.

Hours: 40 hours per week
Shift: Monday to Friday, 08:00 – 16:30
Includes 15-minute paid morning break & 30-minute unpaid lunch break

Job’s purpose:

You'll play a key role in supporting daily production tasks across various departments – being responsible for ensuring that all tasks are carried out efficiently, safely, and to high-quality standards, in line with company procedures and training.

This hands-on position involves working across multiple stages of the production process, offering variety and opportunities to learn new skills.

Key responsibilities include:

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Experience and skills requirements include:

Essential:

  • Ability to work safely and follow procedures
  • Team-focused with a proactive and adaptable attitude
  • Confident in asking questions or requesting support when needed
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  • Comfortable using general hand tools
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Desirable:

  • Experience using basic production software
  • Previous work in a manufacturing or assembly environment
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Just Temps acts as an Employment Business for the supply of Temporary Staff.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sector: Sales
Salary: Competitive
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913721
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing business, based in Sudbury, to recruit a Field Sales Executive (Product Based) to join their long-standing team.

Due to ongoing business growth, this newly created role will focus on building and managing strong relationships with both direct customers and distributors, with the aim of driving revenue and supporting continued expansion. The position forms an integral part of the Sales and Marketing team.

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You must demonstrate experience in selling to both existing and new customers, provide evidence of building and maintaining client relationships, show success in meeting sales targets, and explain how you have developed your industry knowledge.

You will also have a track record of identifying, qualifying, onboarding and managing key partners, ensuring they are motivated and aligned with business goals.

You will also be able to demonstrate monitoring and reporting capability.

Role requirements include:

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This is a site-based role, but there is an expectation that you will spend a significant portion of the role outside the office with clients, prospects, and business partners.

This role offers a very competitive salary and package!

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Warehouse Operative
Sector: Transport, Logistics and Shipping
Salary: £26,800 per annum
Location: Sudbury
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913729
About the role

Just Recruitment is working with a growing manufacturing business, based on the outskirts of Sudbury, to recruit a Warehouse Operative to join their team on a permanent basis.

The key purpose of this role is to support the business with the movement of raw materials and finished products as required.

In order to be considered for this role, you must possess a valid counterbalance forklift licence.

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  • This role follows a three-week rotating shift pattern: Weeks 1 and 2 run Monday to Friday, 8:00am–5:00pm, and Week 3 runs Monday to Friday, 4:30pm–1:30am.
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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. 
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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Sales Office Coordinator
Sector: Public Service and Administration
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Contract: Permanent
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The ability to problem solve and seek solutions is essential, as is the ability to control workload with varying demands whilst applying attention to detail with a diplomatic and proactive approach. As an individual, you will possess previous experience within a similar role.

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Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

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