If you’ve recently completed your college or university education, you may be feeling overwhelmed when it comes to embarking on your first job search. After spending several years in a structured educational environment, the prospect of finding employment can be quite daunting.
At V7 Recruitment, we have a team of dedicated employment experts who handle live job vacancies and work closely with clients and candidates across various industries. In our most recent blog post, we sought their advice on important considerations when starting a job search. These include crafting an effective CV, harnessing the power of LinkedIn, and managing feelings of rejection.
Initiating Your Job Search
When you commence your job search, it’s crucial to have a clear understanding of what you’re seeking. Do you aspire to enter a graduate scheme that offers long-term training and advancement within a single company? Are you interested in a year-long internship or apprenticeship to gain practical experience? Defining your objectives will help streamline your search and simplify the recruitment process.
Online recruitment platforms like CV Library, Indeed, and LinkedIn host numerous job postings. To ensure you find relevant vacancies, it’s important to utilise appropriate keywords, salary ranges, and location filters.
Engaging with recruitment agencies is an excellent strategy to have professionals review your CV and connect you with companies actively seeking candidates.
Remember that not all job openings are advertised externally, so it’s worthwhile to visit the websites of companies you’re interested in working for. Research the appropriate contact person within those organisations to express your interest in potential opportunities. Taking the initiative to reach out directly demonstrates your proactive approach and allows you to establish industry connections.
Leveraging Your Skills and Experience
If you’re looking to gain additional work experience or develop specific skills for a particular role, consider contacting companies directly to inquire about volunteer or project-based opportunities.
Many colleges and universities maintain existing partnerships with companies and business owners, often collaborating on specific modules, hosting visiting tutors, or undertaking case study projects. Reach out to your tutors for recommendations of companies or individuals who may offer work opportunities. Engaging in conversations with professionals from companies you’re interested in will provide valuable insights into their hiring criteria, helping you refine your skills accordingly.
Crafting Your CV
When creating your CV, tailor it to each job role you’re applying for. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that align with the specific company’s requirements. Keep in mind that certain skills may be more relevant to one company than to another. Consider the amount of information you need to include and ensure that your CV remains concise—typically, two pages are sufficient for a graduate application. Additionally, consider claiming a unique URL for your LinkedIn profile to make it easily accessible for recruiters reviewing your CV.
Address any gaps in your work experience, including part-time jobs, travel experiences, volunteer work, or extracurricular activities. Listing key achievements within each role allows prospective employers to identify standout qualities among other applicants.
When including your educational background, provide details about specific modules you’ve completed during your studies. This information helps employers understand your academic journey and the qualifications you’ve obtained.
Don’t hesitate to seek advice and feedback from your recruiter regarding your CV. They possess expertise in reviewing CVs on a daily basis and have valuable insights into what employers are looking for.
Harnessing the Power of LinkedIn
Did you know that LinkedIn has become one of the most popular platforms for employers to post job openings? Social media accounts, especially LinkedIn, provide recruiters with an opportunity to conduct background checks and validate applicants’ credentials against their CVs.
To enhance your visibility on LinkedIn, make sure to actively post content, engage with others’ posts, and build your network. Sharing industry news and commenting on posts by relevant companies are effective ways to expand your connections and engage with the right individuals.
Ensure that your LinkedIn profile photo appears professional, and complete your profile in its entirety to avoid any missing information that recruiters may be specifically looking for. Follow the companies and organisations you’re applying to and include your LinkedIn profile URL in your CV.
Managing Expectations
Job searching is an exciting time, signaling new beginnings and the prospect of financial independence. However, it’s crucial to manage your expectations regarding the time it may take to receive a job offer and the associated salary. This mindset will help you navigate your job search effectively.
Finding employment typically takes an average of three to six months, so don’t become discouraged if you don’t receive job offers immediately. Connect with friends who are also job hunting, as they are likely experiencing similar challenges and emotions. Sharing your experiences can help you maintain confidence and patience throughout the process.
Feedback is a valuable tool, so don’t hesitate to request constructive feedback from interviewers. This feedback can shed light on areas where you excelled, areas for improvement, and any additional experiences that may be beneficial.
While you’re applying and reaching out to companies, continue building your professional network and save contact information. Stay in touch with individuals by checking in regularly, and be on the lookout for networking events or recruitment gatherings in your area.
Taking a proactive approach and maintaining a positive attitude will ultimately lead you to success in finding the right job for you.
Get in touch with a member of our team today and have one of our experts help you navigate your job search, or better yet, why not join V7? We’re a fantastic organisation on the lookout for exceptional talent and individuals wanting to progress and grow their career. Find out more here.
Your Job Search Checklist:
- Decide what you’re looking for and register with job boards and recruitment agencies.
- Reach out to companies to gain specific knowledge and experience.
- Speak to an expert when crafting your CV to ensure it’s the best it can be.
- Keep your LinkedIn up-to-date and make it accessible to potential employers.
- Stay positive in your search, manage expectations and keep trying!
