How to Find Your First Job After University

The transition from education into the workforce is an exciting time, filled with possibilities and opportunities. However, you may find that landing your first job can be a challenging and even intimidating experience. This is only natural – the jobs you’re applying for now will likely differ from anything you’ve done before. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on how to land your first job after university.

Start Early

It’s never too early to start preparing for your job search. Begin by researching potential employers and industries that interest you. Attend career fairs, network with professionals, and gather information on job requirements and expectations. The more prepared you are, the better your chances of securing your dream job.

But what if you’re approaching graduation and still haven’t started? While the best time to start is early, the second-best time is right now. Your university probably offers careers advice in its student services, and they’ll be able to point you in the right direction; here at Adecco, we also know a thing or two about getting started – get in touch if you’d like some support and advice.

Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter

It might be tempting to send the same resume to as many potential employers as possible – the logic behind this is that if you cast your net wide, you’re more likely to get a catch. We advise against this approach, though. Your resume and cover letter are your first impression to potential employers, and they want to know what you offer their organisation specifically. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the job you are applying for by highlighting relevant skills and experience. Ensure your resume is easily read, visually appealing, and error-free.

Build and Curate Your Online Presence

The first step is to Google yourself and see what’s at the top of your results. If your top results show you in a light that you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see, it’s time to lock down your social media accounts – you might even want to consider deleting things you wouldn’t want an employer to come across. But you shouldn’t just delete all your accounts; the goal here is to create your personal brand, one that you want to put forward to any potential employer.

An online presence can be helpful in a job search, provided it showcases your skills, experience, and personality in a positive way. Create a LinkedIn profile, join professional groups and online forums, and discuss and share content relevant to the industries you’re interested in.

Network, Network, Network

An online presence is helpful, but don’t forget that offline networking can help find job opportunities. Attend industry events, join professional associations, and connect with alumni from your university. Reach out to your professors, advisors, and career services for guidance and potential job leads. Networking helps build meaningful relationships that can lead to job opportunities and valuable insights.

Be Open to Internships and Entry-Level Positions

It’s common for recent graduates to start their careers in internships or entry-level positions. These opportunities provide valuable experience and allow you to build a network and gain exposure to different aspects of the industry. Be open-minded. Even if you have a clear idea of your dream job, don’t be afraid to take on a role that may not be your ideal job. Don’t be afraid to consider entry-level positions. They can lead to bigger opportunities and help you develop essential skills that will make you a stronger candidate for future roles.

Many employers offer internship schemes that not only give you a ‘foot in the door’ but also allow you to develop vital skills that will boost your chances with any employer. We’re particularly proud of the Adecco Group’s CEO for One Month program, which allows candidates to experience leadership roles at the Adecco Group family of companies – and be paid for it. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, we encourage you to apply!

Prepare for Interviews

Once you have landed an interview, it’s crucial to prepare thoroughly. Research the company and the role you’re interviewing for, and practice answering common interview questions with friends or family to help build confidence and reduce nerves – that way, you’ll be comfortable and confident answering those questions in the interview. Ensure you have appropriate clothing for the context – even if the interview takes place over Zoom, Teams, or another video-calling app. Finally, make sure you arrive on time for your interview.

Follow Up

After an interview, send the interviewer a thank you email or note. This gesture shows you appreciate their time and reiterates your interest in the role. If you don’t hear back within a week or two, follow up with a polite email to inquire about the status of your application.

Don’t Get Disheartened

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t land your dream job immediately. The job search can be a lengthy process, but persistence is vital. Keep networking, honing your skills, and seeking out opportunities. If you’re unsuccessful at an interview, don’t be afraid to ask the company for feedback – while you might think you know where you went wrong, direct feedback from the interviewer can help you fine-tune your technique for the next time. Remember that every interview and rejection is a learning experience that will help you grow and improve your chances of finding your ideal role in the future.

Finding your first job after graduation can be challenging. However, with early preparation, tailoring your application materials, building your personal brand, networking, being open to entry-level positions, preparing for interviews, and following up, you can increase your chances of landing your dream job. Remember to stay positive, persist, and keep learning and growing professionally.

And finally, if you’d like support and advice to help you secure your first job after university, let us know. Our specialist advisors combine their experience in recruitment with their knowledge of job markets and local conditions to help you land your dream job.