Graduates – how to avoid the post-graduation job hunt pitfalls

The post-graduation period can be strange. The weeks following finishing University are both relieving and terrifying. The upside is celebrating the fact that the dissertation is finally written, that all the hard work has paid off, and you have survived 3 years of gruelling work. However, for those graduates who have no idea what they want to do, that loved their degree subject but don’t want to pursue as a career path, the post-graduation phase can be scary to say the least. Speaking from personal experience! So here are some of our top tips to avoiding the major pitfalls of the post-graduation job hunt.

Don’t be too picky, too full of yourself, or dismissive of roles you believe are beneath you.

This attitude is unproductive. It is unlikely that you are going to land your dream job straight out of University. So be open to hearing about all types of roles in a variety of different sectors, you never know where you might end up!

Don’t think that you are above junior roles. Even if you have very strong academics a lack of work experience on your CV may mean that you have to start near the bottom. It is important to be realistic about your expectations and realise that you won’t be put in a senior position straight away. Making your way up the career ladder is the fun part, and you often learn your biggest lessons about the world of work in a junior position.

Be honest

Firstly, don’t turn down an offer for a job after acting super keen. This is really frustrating for both employers and recruiters. Especially if you are on a final interview. It is much better to be open and honest about the fact that the role perhaps isn’t for you after the first interview, rather than wasting everybody’s time.

Also don’t be scared if you haven’t got the classification you hoped for and leave it off your CV. The chances are it will come up while interviewing and makes for an awkward conversation.

But not too honest…

Don’t overshare while interviewing about your life plans. Your potential employer is not a career advisor. They definitely will not be impressed by your grand plans to move on to a bigger and better company after this role, or how you plan to start up your own business in a few years.

Finally

Really think hard about what you want, and what you think you will be suited to. The most important thing is that that you know you will be enthusiastic and happy in your first job. If you have a good feeling about a role, follow your gut feeling and go for it!