So, you have just graduated and you are ready to start looking for a graduate job. You are embarking on a path towards a whole new part of your life. But where to start… Where to look for the graduate jobs you want? When is the best time to apply? What’s the application process? If you’re not sure about any of this, you’re not alone.
A lot of graduates (and even some who are a little older) are unsure about when to apply for graduate jobs, what they should be doing when it comes to applying for jobs, and how to get their foot in the door. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to make your transition into the world of work a little easier and have you well prepared for finding the top graduate jobs.
The best time to apply
The best time to apply for graduate jobs will depend on what type of job it is and what stage of your career you are at. If you have postgraduate qualifications and experience, then there’s no time like the present. You are likely to be able to find a wide variety of jobs that will suit you, as long as you are flexible with your search criteria.
But if you’ve only just been given your degree certificate and are currently at university, then you may want to wait a little longer. If you are still in school, then don’t worry about applying for graduate jobs quite yet. You’ll be able to start applying once you finish school and have some work experience under your belt.
Whether you plan to apply for Graduate Schemes, Graduate Positions, Graduate Internships or other entry-level jobs, it is always a good idea to start applying early to prospective employers. The period of September to January is crucial in the application process, so final year students should apply early, especially to larger organisations with established graduate schemes. Smaller employers will often recruit when a position becomes available.
The recruitment process starts from the summer onwards every year. You’ll find a lot of graduate employers advertised between September and November. However, some companies will recruit all year round.
Where to find graduate schemes
Usually, you will need at least a 2:1 (upper second-class honours) to get a place on a graduate programme. Some will allow a 2:2 (lower second-class honours) if you show potential, have relevant work experience and a good CV. Some companies only recruit recent graduates, others will consider anyone with a degree.
For help finding graduate positions you should check student and graduate websites for vacancies, contact your university careers service, look for employer events or careers fairs at your university, meet the hiring teams and find out more, attend graduate recruitment exhibitions, network and build your professional reputation and always follow companies on social media.
Let us help you secure a graduate job, submit your CV to Cantello Tayler Recruitment here and we’ll be in touch as soon as we can.
How to apply for a graduate job
Applying for a job as a graduate is very similar to applying for a job when you are not a graduate; you have to send off your application which will include your CV and covering letter. Most large companies have online application forms for you to apply to. Do your research beforehand and tailor your application to the position you are applying for.
Read our How to secure a graduate job blog for details of types of graduate jobs, CV preparation advice and more.
The importance of networking
Networking is an extremely effective job-searching technique and will aid you in developing a number of sought-after career skills such as commercial awareness, communication and teambuilding skills. It is not only beneficial for finding out about work opportunities, but for building key industry knowledge too. By networking regularly, you can forge relationships with potential employers and other professionals in your field, building a strong community of reliable contacts that you can reach out to for future opportunities and career advice.
When it comes to networking, there are no strict rules about who you should or shouldn’t be networking with – the more people you network with, the better – so don’t limit yourself!
How Cantello Tayler Recruitment can help
Cantello Tayler Recruitment offer over 140 years’ experience providing permanent, temporary and contract candidates with roles ranging from office work to research roles, across a wide range of industries and sectors.
Our dedicated, friendly and professional team are here to help you every step of the way when applying for graduate jobs, and we take pride in offering an exceptional level of service and thoroughly enjoy working in partnership with our candidates to help launch their graduate careers.
We offer a bespoke service to all of our candidates, offering support and guidance to assist with finding the right graduate job including helping with job applications; in particular how the application process works, advice for interviews and assessments.
Are you embarking on a graduate job hunt? Check out our job search here. Plus, we have comprehensive jobseekers’ advice here for all career paths. Keep up to date with us on social media via our Facebook feed.
