Our Consultant Resourcer, Sian Roberts shares her tips on looking for your first job after graduating. Sian graduated last year so has some really helpful advise on getting on the career ladder.
Stepping on the career ladder can be very challenging as you take a big leap into the as-yet-not-fully defined next stage of your life. Upon graduating last year, I felt somewhat bewildered and unsure of the career path I wanted to take. I compared myself too much to those of my friends who had a clear idea about they wanted to do and had already achieved graduate placements.
The whole process of job hunting can be discouraging and incredibly time consuming; a considerable amount of time is spent scrolling through job boards, with little clue about what you are qualified for or what can be the right fit for you.
As a first jobber, I think it is vital to remember that your first job is not necessarily the defining one; it may not even be within the sector you were aiming for, or the position that you initially aspired to. A key way to approach your first job is to see it as an opportunity to find your feet within the working world.
Identify your key skills:
Know what you are bringing to the table by identifying your key skills and characteristics. I reflected on my degree specifications and past experiences to recognise my strengths and relative weaknesses, allowing me to rule out roles where I wouldn’t be able to utilise my strengths.
Do your research:
In order to stand out from the competition, it is crucial to look into the company and industry, as well as the specific role that you are applying for. There is nothing more fruitless and unhelpful than attending an interview without preparation – you must know what the role will entail. Make sure to research the Employer and find out the core aspects of their company values, the current market, its challenges, competitors, the work culture and even the interviewer themselves. In doing so, you will be able to demonstrate your industry knowledge and come armed with questions.
Speak to a recruiter:
Speaking about yourself and identifying your strengths is one of the biggest challenges. When I registered with Bain and Gray, my consultant really helped me in identify my strengths. I was given excellent advice to elevate my CV, as well as amazing interview tips, which really helped me throughout my job search. The consultants are here to make sure that you find the job which best suits your interests and skillset.
Be open minded:
They say your first job will never be the defining one and I think this is so important to remember. Keep in mind that each job amounts to a sizeable increase in your skills and experience, even if you think the position isn’t what you want to do in the long run. Being a first jobber means getting your foot in the door, all experience is good experience and will help you develop amazing transferable skills.
