Graduated and can't find a job?

I've had an e-mail come in this week from a friend. Her son has recently graduated at University and he did really well, he got a 2:1 so congratulations! Well done. And in fact, well done to everyone out there reading this who has graduated this year as it's a super big achievement and I know it's been more challenging this year with Covid-19.

Her son has like many has a real hard time finding a job. It's so disheartening because, now, landing your first job is... for some people they land on their feet and for others...  it feels like a losing battle. And sometimes it CAN be just about being in the right place at the right time. One of my friend’s daughter left Uni during the 2008 'credit crunch' and she, along with quite a few of her classmates, ended up with jobs they were way over-qualified for but then 3 or 4 years later when the economy started to pick up...she kept her eye out for better jobs and kept applying and she landed herself a great job at a marketing company doing what she had studied.

So it's a really good example of how it can feel like all that studying at Uni, or at college, was for nothing...that your career is never going to take off, but please remember that things WILL pick up. Things will get better, and the jobs market will recover.

Of course, there are still some opportunities out there and job hunting is a life skill that takes practice and patience. Think about your approach to job hunting...where are you looking for jobs? Are there alternative job boards or places where you could be missing out on some potential opportunities?

Perhaps there are other roles you could be applying for that are slightly different to what you have studied but that you have the right skillset for. Many skills are transferrable - and there may be jobs you would be well suited for that you haven't even thought of.

Could you tighten up your CV or prepare yourself better for those interviews? Think through the questions that an employer may be likely to ask you, and prepare your answers. Really think about what YOU can offer a company...what are your strengths? What are your achievements, and what have you performed really well at in your studies?

And THE MOST important question is, are you doing something every day to improve your knowledge and your skills to distinguish yourself from everyone else?

If you need help with career advice, job search and getting your foot on the ladder then I can help with tailored advice that will give you the edge over your competition.