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You may feel frustrated with your job search at times. Keep in mind that no one is successful with every job application - learn from each experience and move on. It is important to stay positive, especially when dealing with potential employers. Confidence and enthusiasm help make a good impression, both in writing and in person. A period of transitionLife after graduation is a big change. Initially, freedom from assignments and exams feels like being on holiday. However, you may feel differently once the novelty wears off. If your job applications are unsuccessful it is all too easy to overlook your achievements and how much you have to offer. Talk to family, friends and professionals. They may help you to consider your options, and work positively towards your goals. Job seeking is a full-time activity and an opportunity to review your situation and plan for your future. For many people, work is an important component of self-esteem. The roles we take on during our career affect how others see us too. Organise your activities and structure your time When you are studying or working, most of your week is filled with activities you have to do. While you are job seeking you need to create structure. Set short and long-term goals for contacting employers and keep records of all the approaches you make and replies you receive. Develop plans for other activities, including some that will enhance your skills and experience, as well as pure fun. Making a schedule for your week will help you keep things in perspective and allow you to measure your progress. Each task you tick off your list represents another step towards your ideal job. Just be sure you devote enough time to your job search while you are enjoying yourself. back to top Social supportIf you aren’t able to maintain your student lifestyle, you will have to seek other ways of making and maintaining contacts while job hunting. Being around positive people keeps you buoyant: - Volunteer some time to a local cause.
- Join a club or society.
- Follow up those interests you had no time for between your assignments.
- Take a short course - perhaps you could learn a language or improve your IT skills.
Talk to graduates online - share experiences, ideas, and make new friends and contacts at the same time. There may be resource centres for unemployed people of any background in your area. Try your local Jobcentre Plus, and Citizens Advice (CAB), to find out more. back to top Financial supportYour local CAB is a good source for information about benefit entitlements. Most benefits for people of working age are dealt with through Jobcentre Plus. Visit their website for more information. You should register as unemployed with your local Jobcentre Plus as soon as you are eligible, usually at the end of the official academic year. You can also make a claim for Jobseeker's Allowance online through a service provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP). You can boost your finances, as well as skills and contacts, by getting casual or part-time work, but this is likely to affect any benefits. back to top Living at homeMany graduates have the option to return to the family home on graduation. There are pros and cons to this, as both you and your parents have changed while you have been living independently at university. Parents may provide practical and emotional support, even if their worry on your behalf may create extra pressure. They may have useful networking contacts, be willing to check written applications, help you prepare for interviews and act as a sounding board. back to top Getting feedbackAlways try to obtain feedback from the employer or agency when you make an application. It really is a win-win situation, even if you hear bad news. While it may not be fun hearing about weaknesses in your application, this information helps you improve for next time. Employers also easily find things to compliment about your performance that you may not realise. This gives you a solid foundation to build on for future applications. back to top Case studyRussell (postgraduate student) attended career planning workshops and talked with his careers adviser to discuss what his best job seeking strategies might be. I believe that the workshops helped me clarify my career ideas and provided me with useful tools to start my job hunting. I also think that talking one-to-one with a careers adviser in person was important because it made me feel more confident. However, people should remember that at the end of the day, it is up to them to build their plans and start looking for jobs - the best experience is gained when going through real interviews. I would advise everyone to start looking for jobs a little early, rather than after they have finished their exams!
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