How to secure a role as a Graduate
Each year, on average, there are around 2.5 million students in the UK in higher education institutions.
The unemployment rate for recent graduates in England aged 21 to 30 reached 6.3% in 2020, after it had gradually fallen over nearly a decade since a peak of 6.5% in 2012, in the middle of the coalition government's austerity drive.
Reed.co.uk recently reported that graduate roles were down 81% in June 2020, in comparison to the same period in 2019. And, although they’ve increased again this year, they still haven’t reached the levels seen two years ago.
The most recent data from the U.K's Institute of Student Employers (ISE) is that there are an average of 51 graduate applicants per graduate job in the U.K. this year but the good news is that salaries are rising!
So, what can you do to ensure you secure the job of your dreams?
We have compiled some tips for graduates looking to find employment in 2021:
1. Work experience.
Once you've decided on the type of role you're aiming for, gaining some relevant experience will not only introduce you to the skills you'll need and help you to develop them, you'll also be proving your commitment to working in the area and making contacts as you go. Work on building contacts with industry professionals. This can be done through paid work experience, attending networking events such as careers fairs and through your social media channels. Ensure you fill your time (and your CV) with industry specific internships, volunteering, part-time work or a stint of work shadowing.
2. CV/Cover Letter
All jobs will require you to submit a CV and some, a cover letter, and this is your first chance to impress an employer and ultimately what progressing to the next stage of a job depends on. Ensure that your cover letter isn’t generic and is specific to the job you are applying for. Spend some time building a CV that sells yourself in the best way possible, if you’re applying to more creative roles, also be sure to spend some time making your CV look attractive, there are plenty of free CV templates to download online and if you’re unsure where to start, the team at Purple Panda Recruitment offer CV writing services.
3. Prepare!
In the UK & Ireland, employers will interview an average of 6 candidates for every job vacancy they advertise so you need to be prepared for the job. Collate some personal or professional references, understand the job you are going for and outline what you have done in the past tangible to this position either in employment, placements or education. Dress appropriately for the interview and finally, research, research, research!
Purple Panda Recruitment are looking for graduate sales executives, marketing executives and finance administrators for clients across the South. If you have recently graduated and are looking for a new position, then contact us today for more information on 01722 448 448.