There are a number of paths you can explore when looking for a job as a graduate. Undoubtedly, one of the most common methods is through the Internet. Regardless, you shouldn’t confine yourself to just the jobs available online. Instead, make use of the other options available and don’t place limits on your search.
Go online
There are a multitude of career portals online. Ensure that the ones you join and subscribe to are the most suited to what you are looking for. For instance, gradsingapore.com curates both jobs and internships, and is thus considered a beneficial and holistic resource for those who are in the early stages of their career or are fresh graduates.
Alternatively, employers may post available positions and vacancies on their websites and social media pages. If there’s an employer you have your eye on, you should consider following them on social media. Not only will you be immediately informed of upcoming hiring opportunities and news, but these pages also offer a peek into their work culture as well.
It’s equally important to remain up-to-date on the current hiring trends around the world. They may give you an idea of a more alternative job search route and prepare you for what to expect as you hunt for a job.
Going old school
Don’t underestimate the relevance of offline or traditional media. Some employers still place job advertisements in newspapers and magazines, and even announce career fairs over the radio. On top of that, graduate hiring schemes are also occasionally featured in these publications.
Consider looking at specialised publications — such as gradsingapore’s STEM and Finance guides — which feature internship programmes and the type of job roles available in the market that are specific to an industry or sector.
Career services on campus
It might be daunting to approach your career centre on campus; however, these centres boast a wide range of contacts and resources you’ll be able to leverage. These resources may be more specific and targeted to your course of study, and might also connect to employers in these areas.
When speaking to your career counsellors, make your aspirations and career goals clear and known so they have a better idea of how to help you. If you’re facing any challenges concerning your job hunt, they can offer you the guidance you need. Some career service centres even offer networking sessions, virtual or otherwise, for graduates to get to know employers, as well as find a mentor.
Career fairs
Whether they are held virtually or in-person, career fairs are beneficial to a graduate’s job hunt as well as an overall experience. Turn up for such events with a strategy in mind, find out which employers are going to be attending prior to the fair itself, and prepare some questions you’d like to ask them.
Bring copies of your resume to hand out to prospective employers, as well as name cards, if you have any. As for virtual fairs, you’ll still be able to send over a softcopy of your resume, so make sure it has been prepared and updated. After the event ends, follow up with an email to your new contacts to establish your connection with them.
In the note, include any interesting points of conversation you might have had to help the recruiter remember you out of the many faces they’ve met that day. Send your resume one more time over the email, and add the links to your online portfolio or LinkedIn profile as well.
Recruitment services
Another way to get suitable job offers is to engage in recruitment consultation services. Although you’ll have to fork out some cash, you’ll be able to meet up with them for consultations to discuss your professional goals and use their connections to potential employers.
Moreover, you can use them as a source of information to prepare for prospective assessments and interviews.
Networking and internships
Many young job seekers and graduates benefit from networks; both personal and professional, when looking for their first job. It’s not just about what you know, it’s also about who you know. Keep in touch with old contacts, make new ones, avoid burning bridges, and never turn down a chance to network, whether it’s in a professional or personal setting.
Work placements and internships can also lead to full-time positions, especially if you have proven to be a good fit for the company, and you get along well with your co-workers.
Apply speculatively
Writing to prospective employers to enquire about available job opportunities — even if they aren’t advertising vacancies — is known as applying speculatively. This potentially demonstrates your interest in a company.
However, you’ll also need to impress them with your understanding of their field and why you’re exactly what they’re looking for. Although there might not be available vacancies at the moment, they may keep your file and consider you for suitable job roles in the future.
