4 Things that will boost your application when applying to graduate jobs
It’s no secret that applying for jobs is HARD! Let alone when you’re a recent graduate who hasn’t been able to acquire as much experience as most companies insist you have by the time you finish university. And don’t get me started on the huge elephant in the room- the global pandemic- which has made the process of applying for jobs that much more gruelling.
Over the course of the past year and a half the coronavirus pandemic has caused employers to postpone or cancel work experience and internships, and according to Prospects survey, 26% of final year students lost out on an internship in 2020 because of COVID-19. This has led to employers being forced to find alternative and innovative ways for students and graduates to carry out work experience. This has had to be done virtually which introduces a whole new dynamic to the application process. Whereas the years preceding COVID-19 were filled with face-to-face interviews and in person assessment days, students and graduates must now additionally adjust to a remote way of communicating and applying for graduate jobs. As if the application process itself isn’t hard enough! One would hope that students were able to improve their digital literacy over the course of the final part of their degrees where learning was transitioned to partial, if not complete, online learning.
While there is nothing that can wholly replace real, on-the-job experience, there are still a number of things you can do to boost your employment.
1) Give yourself plenty of time to write applications
In order to produce a good application that employers will want to read, it is crucial that you allow yourself enough time and concentration to write them. Ensure that you know exactly when the application deadline is and be sure not to leave it to the last minute. This way you will avoid the stresses of last-minute applications that have not been written to the highest possible standard because you’ve panicked about submitting it on time. Find a quiet place where you are undisturbed and have no distractions so you can invest your undivided attention to writing the best possible application.
2) Tailor your application to each employer
Match your skills and competencies to each job and organisation you apply to. It is important that you read the job spec to identify what the company requires of you. This will make it easier to identify whether you are the right candidate for the role and whether your skillset aligns with what the company requires of you. Ensure that you always use examples to support your points and let your personality come through. Highlight your abilities with these examples and be intentional about why your experience will make you a better candidate than the others who are also applying for the same position.
3) Make time for employer research
People love to hear about why you chose their company as opposed to another, and what it is that made them stand out amidst a sea of other leading companies. Be sure to mention aspects of the job that attracted you which are specific to their particular company. In order to help you cope with applying to multiple companies, break down employer research into manageable activities by drawing up lists of the employers you want to investigate. It may be helpful to have your own list of requirements and an idea of what you would like to achieve in terms of career progression. This way it will make it easier to compare different companies on basic categories such as size, culture, location, salary and training to name a few. Once you have shortlisted the employers that meet your criteria you can research them in greater depth. Additionally, it is crucial that you know what employers are looking for in a potential candidate. Always check the minimum degree requirements and what degree disciplines are required before you start applying. It is helpful to check the general competencies such as communication and teamwork, and what specific skills are required of you.
4) Prepare longer responses in a separate document
This will make it much easier to structure responses and to spell check what you write. Using a range of sources for your research will help you prepare longer responses and hopefully guide you in the right direction. Utilise your university’s careers service by looking at the information they hold on employers. To improve your general knowledge of a business sector, follow stories about the companies you’re targeting and be sure to follow them on LinkedIn to keep up to date with what their employees do too.
The application process can be long and gruelling. However, keep persevering and keep applying for jobs where your skillset is highlighted and where your values align with those of the company. Do also be mindful of the fact that the application process is hard! Make sure that you look after your wellbeing throughout the process. Looking for full-time work is almost like a full- time job in itself and rejection is difficult. Along with this it is often the case that feedback is not given to you after an unsuccessful interview, thus, it is extremely important that you look after yourself in this process and be intentional about focusing on your wellbeing. By following these four steps, hopefully you can boost your application when applying for graduate jobs.
