Graduate Employment: How to boost your employability

Here at The Candidate, many of our clients are increasingly seeking out fresh talent from new graduates. With the graduate job market so competitive today, it's vital you do all you can to help yourself stand out from the crowd. With this in mind, this week's blog will look at what you can do to boost your career prospects during your time at university and how The Candidate can help you to find your first job after graduating.


What do employers look for in new graduates?

References from academics: Remember, your future employer will need to gain references from academics who you worked with during your time at university, particularly if you have not yet had any industry experience. They will look at the modules you studied, the breakdown of your grades, your attendance and whether your performance was consistent.


Work ready candidates: As discussed in last month's graduate blog post, work experience and placements during your time at university can be greatly beneficial in enhancing your opportunities after graduation. If you have the chance to take a sandwich year, look into the benefits and consider how the experience could help you to gain a job after graduation. If a sandwich year isn't an option on your course, try to arrange volunteer work or placements in your area of interest between study days or out of term time.


Get Networking: Make sure you take up any opportunities to network with people in your field of interest. Look out for conferences and events that invite students to meet with local companies or other potential future employers. You can even network from home, online, using social media such as Twitter and Linkedin. In addition, career workshops organised by your university are a great chance to network with potential employers as well as get help with your CV. The Candidate has taken part in a number of successful CV Workshops at local universities, which have helped students just like you.
 
Show interest in the industry: employers will look for an interest and background knowledge of the industry. Ensure that you keep up to date with industry news, and follow companies you admire on social media platforms. Take any opportunities you are given to gain skills and knowledge in your subject area. For example, your university may offer your free courses and training with companies such as E-consultancy and alike. Any extra training on top of your university studies shows initiative, motivation and a desire to learn.
 
A Global perspective: Studying abroad can be a great CV booster. If you do not have the chance to take a sandwich year on your course or decide against it, studying abroad for an academic semester or even a full year could enhance your chances of getting a job after graduation. Presenting employers with your multi-cultural learning and experience is a bonus on any CV, and at the very least it often allows for interesting conversation during interviews, which will make you a memorable candidate.
 
How can The Candidate can help you find your first job?

Looking for your first job after university can be a daunting notion but The Candidate could be your lifeline throughout the whole process. Unlike some other digital recruitment agencies, we speak to you on a one-to-one basis to get to know you as a person and to identify your unique skillset to see what role will be best for you.
Our specialism in the digital sector puts our candidates at an advantage against those of other recruitment agencies as we have a greater insight and understanding of this unique marketplace. We know exactly what our clients are looking for in a candidate so we can match you to the most suitable company and help you prepare for the best outcome.
Our team will be there to support you every step of the way, and are a point of call for any questions you may have throughout the recruitment process as well as helping to boost your confidence before interviews.

 
Attend Manchester Digital Talent Day
Wednesday 20^th February, Manchester Town Hall, 11:00am - 04:00pm

Click here for more information on this event and to book your place.

If you're a new graduate, looking to find your first job in the industry, please don't hesitate to contact any of The Candidate recruitment team on [email protected] or call 07718190271.