On-campus
Some employers, especially those in the engineering sector, prefer recruiting straight from campus. Don’t be shy to approach your career advisor and ask them which employers are looking to hire someone with your background and skills. Then ask them what is the best way to apply for a job and follow up with them on ways to improve your resume, cover letter and job interview skills.
In print
Although you may have little interaction with print mediums, they sometimes do have a section for job advertisements, especially for local employers. Don’t forget to pick up some of these resources from corporate events, career fairs and even bookstores!
Online
Before you register with the first online job portal you come across, make sure it’s reputable first! If it is, sign up for an account and begin going through their database.
Job hunting online doesn’t end there, though! If you want to work for a specific company, look for it across various platforms, such as LinkedIn and Facebook. Don’t forget the company website too!
Recruitment consultants
If the company or role you’re looking at is in a niche area, they might hire through recruitment consultants. Try meeting up with consultants to get a better idea about career prospects, which position might be best for you, and what they can do for you if you take on their services. Don’t worry, the fees should not come from you!
Careers fairs
Look up careers fairs, both organised by your campus and others. Take note whether they’re physical or virtual, and make sure you’ve noted them in your calendar! After that, look through the list of employers that will be there and which ones you’re interested in, so you can start coming up with questions to ask them.
On the day itself, dress in smart casual attire (even if the event’s virtual!) and network! Make sure to get recruiter names and contacts so you can follow up with them later with thank-you emails and your resume. A useful tip is to remember specific details of discussions as you can use them later to help job recruiters’ memories about you!
Bonus: Tracking down hidden jobs
The current economic climate means that there’re likely a higher number of available roles that aren’t advertised, so be proactive in your search! Here are some of the most effective methods you can use to snuff out hidden jobs.
Networking
Opportunities can be found through contacts you’ve made, like friends, lecturers, ex-colleagues from your internship(s), alumni and even relatives and people met through interest groups like voluntary work, jogging groups and the part-time job you held over semester break.
Develop an industry network too! These are people who are already in the sector you want to enter, so they can best advise you.
Speculative applications
Applying speculatively means writing in or contacting prospective employers to ask about job openings, even if there are no job postings.
Internships
Graduate internships or not, work placements are a viable way in to your dream company! If you work well and maintain a consistent quality of work, impressed employers may convert you to a full-time position!
Other strategies
- Find a mentor: Develop a relationship with someone who can advise and support you and on your job search.
- Voluntary work: This can help your chances of breaking into your chosen career! For example, graduates wanting to work in the pet-care industry can start by volunteering at the local SPCA, or other animal welfare associations.
- Temporary jobs: Take a temporary job in the sector that interests you. If you decide it’s the place for you, you already have a foot in the door!
- Join professional bodies and organisations: Attending appropriate events will help you meet people in your chosen field and give you more chances to network.
- Meet alumni: Alumni already in sectors you want to join will be able to advise you, and even give you help and support.
- Use social networks: Find out who you should write to in the companies you’re interested in. LinkedIn is the best for promoting a professional image.
- Word-of-mouth: The oldest method in the book! Tell everyone that you’re looking for work – the more people that are looking on your behalf, the better.
