A graduate's guide to job hunting

I took the leap and quit what I thought was my dream role to begin working as a freelancer. Here are the challenges and successes I've faced when navigating the graduate job market and finding my place in itÌý

After handing in my Masters thesis I got my first role as a digital coordinator responsible for social media management, content creation for a website, and contributions to app development. Alongside these core responsibilities, I also handled general administrative duties.Ìý

On paper, this job was perfect. It allowed me to develop my digital skills in a creative way, while learning a lot about the industry. However, the work environment didn’t suit me and so I made the decision to leave after just five months.ÌýÌý

I felt as though I was back to square one. I was anxious about my future and my financial situation. To make things more difficult, my partner received an amazing job opportunity in a different city, due to start in September. With our relocation imminent, I faced another hurdle in my search for employment.ÌýÌý

To ease the process of securing a new job and make myself more employable, I developed a strategy. Here are the steps I followed.Ìý

Start with the basics

Completely rewrite and restructure your CV. To do this, I used the 'STAR' method to showcase my accomplishments. This approach helps you provide clear, concise, and impactful responses by focusing on specific examples of your skills and experiences. Get help and advice with your CV and cover letter.

Next, I looked at my LinkedIn profile and changed my display photo to a high-quality headshot. I included keywords such as 'copywriting', 'social media' and 'content creation' into the headline, about and experience sections. Once this was done, it was time to start networking. I connected with hiring managers and joined online communities in copywriting, marketing and freelancing to interact with other people interested in these fields, sharing key information, tips and tricks.ÌýDiscover how to improve your LinkedIn profile.

Build a portfolio

If you're seeking a creative role, consider creating a portfolio to showcase your work and make your application stand out.ÌýÌý

A portfolio can be physical or digital but it should aim to illustrate your capabilities and potential. Consider the medium of your work and which platform would work best. Some sites to build a free online portfolio include Canva, Clippings or Wix.

I used Canva to create my portfolio since I was already familiar with the software. In it, I included examples of my previous work as well as speculative projects. These are conceptual pieces of work that you can create to show off your abilities, perfect for if you don't have a lot of work experience to showcase. For example, I made social media campaigns for some of my favourite brands, highlighting how I would approach specific briefs if they were given to me.

It allowed me to easily create a website page that I could share with others.ÌýIf you opt for a digital portfolio, you can add a URL to your CV when sending it to employers in PDF format.Ìý

Get advice on putting together a creative portfolio.

Develop your skills

Dedicate a couple of hours a week to developing your skills and knowledge. There are so many free online courses you can access, allowing you to gain certificates that can be added to your CV and LinkedIn profile.ÌýÌý

For example, I chose to develop my skills in digital marketing and copywriting, focusing on areas I knew less about such as SEO and analytics. I also enhanced my soft skills in networking and establishing my personal brand.ÌýÌý

Examples of free career development platforms include:Ìý

• Class CentralÌý
• Google Career CertificatesÌý
• The Open University - OpenLearnÌý
• Semrush AcademyÌý

YouTube is also a fantastic resource for online learning. From personal experiences to step-by-step tutorials, many creators post informative and eye-opening content, all for free.

I used YouTube to enhance my skills in Canva as well as listen to the perspectives of people in the industry, sharing how they landed their first role and progressed through their careers.ÌýÌý

See CPD opportunities for graduates for more tips on how to enhance your employability.Ìý

Track your applications

Create a table or spreadsheet and track all the jobs you apply for, making sure to include the:ÌýÌý

• ÌýdateÌý
• Ìýjob boardÌý
• Ìýstage of your application.ÌýÌý

I utilised the drop-down feature on Google Sheets to easily update my progress, customising labels to monitor the stage of my application. For example, I included 'application sent', 'application received', 'interview', 'rejected' and 'offer made'.ÌýÌý

Job hunting can be overwhelming and confusing, and this helps you stay on top of things when corresponding with potential employers.

Persistence pays off

After a long hard three months, I had completed over 300 applications, nine interviews, had five rejections, three turned-down offers and, finally, one accepted role.ÌýÌý

Turning down certain roles was tough, but I knew they weren't right for me. The job I eventually accepted was a freelance copywriting role, something which offered me total flexibility and the freedom to work remotely.ÌýÌý

Stepping into the working world can be daunting, and it's taken me a long time to fit comfortably within it. If the last few months have taught me anything, it's that it is okay to not know what the future looks like. The best advice I can give is to focus on what you can do in the moment, and the right path will present itself to you.ÌýÌý

Find out more

• Read our graduate job market update: July 2024.
• Discover how to choose a career.Ìý
• Search graduate jobs.