The ideal time to start hunting for a graduate scheme is at least a year before you graduate. It is the most boring and time consuming activity on earth but it’s not tough if you know how to do it right. If you start the job hunt while you are at the University you’ll have the advantage of taking guidance from your peers and the Uni career office.
The notice boards will have posters about career fairs and other recruitment drives. Also it’s quite common for the employers to use the students’ magazines and newspapers to advertise upcoming opportunities, so take a look at these as well. The career office at your university will have a surfeit of information about companies, the type of job works, the application details and the academic requirements.
The newspaper advertisements and the internet are a good way to keep you updated on the job front. Watch out for the size of the advertisement, the bigger the company, the bolder and colourful the advert will be. Internet is a storehouse of information; all the top recruiters and companies have their websites here.
The job fairs are another great way to interact with various companies and know about the schemes on offer. Sometimes dropping a CV here can get you the much desired call. Private recruiters are perfect for graduates who are not very sure about their careers. The agencies try and guide you through the process and some of them will even help you prepare your CVs and give tips on the interview process.
Your travails don’t end with job hunting; in fact the whole game of getting the job begins now. You should first keep your eyes peeled for the deadlines; bigger organizations stop taking in applications by December end. Some smaller companies may continue their drive till May but would have fewer positions on offer.
Once you have identified the company, the merry go round of applications submissions, CVs and interviews begins. Application submission isn’t rocket science and yet graduates dread it the most. Each company can have its own application format and is used to gauge the applicant’s educational skills and aptitude. Make sure you answer the questions honestly, keep it error free and provide the relevant information as demanded. Reread it with a critical eye from an employer’s point of view and only then submit the application.
Your resume should be relevant to the industry you are applying to. It’s always advisable to tailor the CVs to suit the advertised vacancy. Most companies aren’t really interested in your basic educational skills but are keen on other skills that make you stand apart from the crowd. Do highlight all your soft skills and the relevant job experience. Use power words and make sure your CV mentions your social skills as well. Companies prefer people who are team players and have the potential to lead.
Last but not the least is the interview process. Remember if you’ve been called for the interview then you defiantly match the requisite skills, all you need to do is be confident about your abilities and let them know how you’ll add value to their organization by joining them. Dress formally, wear a smile, keep your wits about you while answering and you many end up with the job of your dreams.
