Graduation Day was a great opportunity for our Careers & Internship team to share a very special celebration with our graduates. But what happens now? Here are some tips from Dr Maria Theodosopoulou, our Careers Support Officer, to help our students and graduates to stand out in a competitive job market.
Build a Strong CV and Cover Letter
- Tailor Applications: Customise your CV and a cover letter for each job application
- Highlight Achievements: Focus on your accomplishments and quantify results where possible
- Professional Format: Ensure documents are well-organised and don’t include any errors
Prepare for Interviews
- Mock Interviews: Practice with friends, family, or with our Careers team
- Research Employers: Learn about the company’s values, culture, and recent developments
- Prepare Questions: Have some thoughtful questions ready to ask the interviewer
Gain Relevant Experience
- Internships: Participate in internships to gain practical experience and make industry connections
- Part-time Jobs: Work in roles related to your field of study
- Volunteering: Volunteer for organisations to develop skills and demonstrate commitment
Develop Marketable Skills
- Soft Skills: Improve your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, and leadership skills
- Technical Skills: Gain proficiency in industry-specific tools and technologies
- Courses: Obtain certifications about virtual workplace simulations in Forage
Network Effectively
- Attend Events: Go to industry conferences, career fairs, and networking events and register in Handshake
- Use LinkedIn: Create a professional LinkedIn profile and connect with industry professionals
- Job Portals: Use career portals to find opportunities
Stay Informed
- Industry Trends: Stay updated on trends and changes in your industry to help prepare you for interviews
- Continued Learning: Be open to learning new skills and adapting to new technologies
- Feedback: Seek and act on feedback from internships, part-time jobs, and networking interactions
