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! 

Upskill yourself

Job search tips graduates don’t usually hearAs 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: 8 July 2024
© Copyright Just Recruitment Group Ltd 2024

Jobs currently available

New job
Design Technician
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913668
About the role

Just Recruitment is partnering with a well-established and successful business in Ipswich to recruit a Design Technician to join their long-standing team.

Working within the Technical department and reporting to the Design Technician Supervisor, this role offers an exciting and challenging opportunity to provide support to the business through the production of technical design drawings, checking and processing of technical documentation, and production of technical calculations within a specialised environment.

Duties include:

  • Produce, check and process incoming design drawing requests, technical documentation and technical calculations.
  • Liaise with clients and Area Technical Managers.
  • Deal with telephone and email enquiries.
  • General administration.
  • Keep up-to-date with Part L & Thermal Calculations.

Skills required:

  • A basic level of CAD experience is essential.
  • Good understanding of specification construction, survey reports and construction drawings.
  • The ability to read and understand architectural drawings is essential.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
CAD Technician/Order Processor
Sector: Engineering and Manufacturing
Salary: £25,500 - £26,500 per annum
Location: Witham
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913665
About the role

Just Recruitment is supporting a well-regarded and long-standing business in Witham, looking to add a CAD Technician/ Order Processor to their team.

You will be responsible for processing daily drawings and have experience in reading dimensions from drawings with a keen eye for detail.

This role involves working in a customer service-oriented industry, and you will need to have a positive ‘can-do’ attitude. You will be assisting and helping the customer service team with general administrative duties when required — in addition, you will cover the Order Entry team with entering, vetting and checking when required.

Duties include:

  • Drawing a minimum of 60 bespoke drawings a day.
  • Maintaining customer service level standard with current and new customers.
  • Undertake any administrative functions within the office as allocated by your team leader.
  • Holiday cover for other administrative roles.
  • Responding to queries in a timely manner.
  • Vetting of customer drawings and orders.

Skills required:

  • Experience with Autocad.
  • Good understanding of Geometry.
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Confident with technical information (or confidence to learn).
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to build relationships quickly and effectively.
  • Self-motivated.
  • Ability to work under pressure.
  • Computer Literate (Excel/Word).

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more
New job
Production Operative
Sector: Production and Stock Control
Salary: Competitive
Location: Colchester
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913669
About the role

Just Recruitment is delighted to be supporting a well-regarded business on the outskirts of Colchester to recruit a Production Operative to their existing team.

Working within a busy manufacturing facility, you will be required to work with the wider team to ensure production and business targets are met and that clients receive the required products on time.

You will come from a manufacturing or production background — used to handling large, heavy products, although if you have no experience and have a great attitude, you will be considered.

Working days: Monday to Friday on a shift basis (6.00am to 2.30pm and 1.30pm to 10.00pm) — overtime is available as per business needs.

This employer believes in investment and training.

An uplift in the basic salary will be offered with every machine you are trained on once you have met the required standards.

Free parking is available on site.

 

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

 

Read more
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Finance Assistant
Sector: Accountancy, Banking and Finance
Salary: £26,000 - £28,000 per annum
Location: Ipswich
Role: Full Time
Contract: Permanent
Job ref: 913647
About the role

Just Recruitment is seeking a Finance Assistant for a company based outside Ipswich.

The Finance Assistant is responsible for assisting the Finance Manager with various administrative duties and assisting with the preparation of financial reports, as well as other duties related to the Finance department.

Duties include:

  • Taking ownership of monitoring the purchase ledger inbox.
  • Controlling incoming posts, scanning and distributing to the correct individual.
  • Processing invoices.
  • Dealing with supplier queries.
  • Raising self-bills and supplier statements.
  • Arranging supplier weekly and monthly payments to ensure timely settlement.
  • Answering incoming supplier calls efficiently, with a positive attitude.
  • Assist with the maintenance of key accounting software.

Requirements:

  • Strong mathematical skills.
  • Excellent communication skills for use internally and externally.
  • Dynamic problem-solving skills.
  • Good attention to detail.
  • Good organisational skills.
  • Familiarity with Xero is preferable.

Please note that due to the company’s location, you will need to drive.

 

Just Recruitment acts as an employment agency for permanent roles.
The salary advertised is the bracket available for this position. The actual salary paid will be dependent on your level of experience, qualifications and skill set.
We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitable candidates.

 

Read more