Want to be more employable as a graduate? Read our comprehensive guide to set yourself up for success.
Graduating from university is an exciting time, but it can also be a daunting experience, particularly when it comes to finding a job. Overall, graduate employment in the UK is on the rise, with a 2% reduction in unemployment rates among graduates from 2018 to 2020. And, on the one hand, this is excellent news; higher employment rates mean that more of us are earning money and contributing to the economy. However, on the other hand, this also means that the job market is even more competitive as fewer jobs are available.
As such, it’s important to take steps to make yourself as employable as possible. This blog will explore some of the ways you can make yourself stand out from the crowd and improve your chances of landing a job after graduation.
Ways To Make Yourself More Employable
We have put together a list of top tips on how graduates can make themselves more employable while searching for a job.
Work experience
The best way to increase your employability is to get as much experience as possible. Having the opportunity to learn and practice your skills in a work environment is extremely useful when showing potential employers what you can do.
There are plenty of ways you can go about finding work experience, including traineeships, course placements, work shadowing, internships, and many more. Nowadays, many businesses also offer virtual work experience or open days to introduce graduates to their work.
Learn more about Work Experience →
Volunteering
Experience doesn’t always have to be in the form of full-time formal employment. Another fantastic way to gain valuable skills and experience is through volunteering. You may start by volunteering for a charity or helping out in your local school to see if it’s a job you would like to pursue.
You can gain highly sought-after transferable skills while volunteering such as time management, teamwork, organisation, and communication among many more. Including these skills in your CV will give it a boost and help you stand out to potential employers.
Learn more about Volunteering →
Short courses
Countless online courses can help build your skills, many of which are free! Start by looking at a job that interests you, and then research what skills are needed to do that job. If there are any gaps in your CV, try and fill them with a short course. Maybe you need excellent Excel skills for your dream job, or you need to know a second language. Whatever it is, there will be a course for it online. Consider areas such as project management, marketing, or leadership which can help to boost your CV. Taking short courses is also a great way to stay motivated during a period of unemployment.
Use your spare time productively
Experience doesn’t just have to come from a work environment. You can easily practice your skills at home by using your free time productively. Think about what kind of careers interest you, and then consider whether you could be doing anything at home to show employers that you are dedicated. For example, if you want to work in publishing, you could start a book blog at home. Or, if you want to work in theatre, you could research any online productions you could get involved with. This will show employers that you are proactive and committed to the work. All of these things will show how employable you really are.
Streamline your CV
Your CV is often the first thing an employer sees and reads about you. Therefore, you must make a good impression. You can have all the experience and skills you need for the job, but if an employer can’t see it quickly and clearly on your CV, you may not even be called for an interview. Every time you apply for a new job, edit your CV to include the most relevant experience and skills—this way, an employer can see straight away that you have everything you need to be successful.
Before you get in touch with any company with your CV or cover letter, make sure you have done your research. Find out the name of the person you are sending your CV to and what kind of work they do. This can make all the difference when writing your cover letter; show them why you want to work for that company specifically, not just in that role.
For more on this point, check out our CV Writing Tips and Cover Letter Writing Tips.
Ask for help from those around you
Finally, reach out to people who you have worked with or worked for in the past to see if they can help you in any way. Being unemployed after graduating can be challenging, but there will be people who want to give you a helping hand in whatever way they can. Someone might know about a job opening or they may need an extra pair of hands on a project they are involved in. Asking for help is a great way to show that you are actively seeking opportunities, and it may lead to something you wouldn’t have expected.
Additionally, consider reaching out to alumni from your university who are now working in your desired field. They may be able to offer valuable insights and advice on how to make yourself more employable for a specific job. You could also consider joining professional networking groups on LinkedIn or attending industry events to connect with professionals in your field.
Key Takeaways
Making yourself employable as a graduate requires dedication, hard work, and a willingness to learn and improve. By following these top tips you can significantly increase your chances of landing a job after graduation. Remember, it’s important to stay positive and persistent in your job search and to keep honing your skills and experience even after you land your first job.
When you’re ready to begin applying for jobs, visit the Developing a Student jobs board to find a whole range of jobs and opportunities aimed at young graduates.
Feel free to contact our team if you have any questions. And don’t miss a thing from Developing a Student by signing up for our newsletter below.
