graduate jobs

Digi-devils this one’s for you. At a time when it’s not uncommon to see career paths and industries disappear altogether, there seems to be a growth in innovative career paths of a digital nature allowing for a blossom in opportunities for the computer literature, socially savvy graduates of today. Not only are we seeing a rise in opportunities, but there’s been a significant increase in support and funding for the digital sector. With estimates of more than 1.2 million new science, technology, maths and engineering jobs by 2018 as a result of rapid advancements in technology; careers in digital will continue to rise. The other promising factor lies within the range of potential jobs that exist under the digital umbrella from marketing and advertising to digital account handling, and social media. The ever changing and emerging job titles that 5 years ago were unheard of, only serves to demonstrate the increasing demand for digital skills.

It can be a daunting prospect thinking about life after University. In amongst all the other pressures of university life, particularly the hard study of third year, focusing on graduate jobs tends to drop quite far down the pecking order

But it needn't be so stressful. There's plenty of small and medium commitments you can integrate into your university life to prepare yourself for the big wide world. You may even find that you're doing plenty already!

What's important is that you know how to position your activities to put yourself in the most favourable light. Let's get under way with...

Get a part time job

It may be that you have more pressing financial concerns for starting the job search early. While you may feel like a coffee shop job or spending weekends pulling pints isn't embellishing your CV at all, it can actually be a huge boost provided you know how to spin it.

You’ve got interviews for graduate jobs, fantastic! Now you need to make sure you make the most of it. These top 10 interview tips will help you excel.

1. Prepare, prepare, prepare

Doing research is key to succeeding in your interview. Before you can sell to the interviewer how your personality and skills fit with the company and the role you need to understand a number of things: what the company does; what the position you are interviewing for entails; and who your interviewer is.

If you’re reading this you’re probably at the stage where you’re on the lookout for graduate jobs and are firing out CVs left, right and centre. Here are a few things to consider from the eyes of a recruiter.

1. You didn’t sell yourself

A CV shouldn’t just be a piece of paper with a few stats and contact details, you need to sell yourself. Boast about where you believe you really stand out. It doesn’t have to be charity work or public speaking; think about instances from your course. Did you consistently get work in early? Were you top of your class? Include it.

2. You overused the business mumbo-jumbo

Knowing what you’re talking about is always an advantage if it’s relevant to the job you’re applying for, but knowing when to hold back is another skill entirely. Don’t encumber your CV with phrases like: ‘command and leverage the businesses personnel to meaningfully navigate a pressing company project’. What does that even mean?

3. You were too generic

Working in London is a great experience, culturally and professionally. But it’s not always easy to land a job, so here are our top tips to help you in your graduate job hunt.

Visa and NI number

The first and most important thing you need before you apply for a graduate job is eligibility to work in the UK. If you are a British or EU citizen you are eligible as long as you are able to provide your passport or ID. However if you do not have a British/EU country passport or Dual Citizenship you must get a work visa or permit before you arrive in London.

The second essential thing that you need to work in the UK is a National Insurance number. Apply for this on the first day of your job by calling Job Plus and arranging a time.

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