More people than ever are staying on after school to study for a degree. In 2002 the Labour government announced that within a decade, over half UK young people would go on to study a higher education course. Due to the astronomical hike in tuition fees since then, this target hasn’t been attainable. But, that doesn’t mean that it’s failed. Many more people are studying degrees, and due to the rise in courses on offer and online study programs, even those students from less affluent backgrounds and those that are less academically gifted are getting the chance to continue their education.
This is, of course, fantastic. But, it does mean that the competition for graduate jobs is at an all-time high. Many graduates are struggling to find work, leading to high unemployment figures among the younger generations and graduates of highly skilled degrees taking menial jobs to earn a living. Many of these people feel depressed and like they have wasted years of their lives, not to mention tens of thousands of pounds, on a degree that offers them no real chance of getting a better job.
If you want to avoid becoming another unemployed or underutilised graduate, read these tips to ensure you can get your CV to the top of the recruiter’s pile.
Keep Studying
Yes, more people are gaining a degree, but, many of those people rush off at the end of it to make their mark in the world. Bored of education. Keep studying to raise your chances of getting a great job. A master’s degree is a fantastic option, but training courses can also make a good choice as they offer relevant experience in the workplace. Courses such as Prison Officer Training can provide education, experience and workplace skills, giving you the chance to start a rewarding career ASAP.
Gain Experience
Education is rarely enough in today’s world. You also need experience, even for entry-level jobs. Start looking for part-time work while you study, or volunteer over your summer breaks. Look online and offer your services where ever you can.
Add Key Skills
If you graduate with a lack of experience or at least a lack of relevant experience, you need to add key skills to your CV. Make sure these are close to the top, so they are spotted straight away. You can turn almost anything into a relevant key skill. Read the description of the job you are applying for to find out what they are looking for. Then, list key skills and experience that shows you’ve got it. Think about your hobbies and interests as well as subjects you enjoyed at school and any extracurricular activities. What personality traits do these show? Or what skills did you pick up? Remember, key skills and experience don’t only come from work.
Network
An excellent way to get to the top of the pile is through networking. Look at your Facebook friends list. Does anyone work in the field you are interested in? Ask for an introduction, or attend a staff day with them. Alternatively, email the company to inquire about positions or comment on their social media feeds. Get talking to the right people.
Keep it Short
Long CVs are one of the biggest turn-offs for potential employers. Especially when someone hasn’t got much experience and is obviously trying to bulk it out. They won’t read it. Aim to keep it under two sides of A4 and keep to the point.
Presentation
Another common mistake is presentation. Don’t try to be clever. You shouldn’t put a photograph on your CV unless it’s in some way necessary or the recruiters have asked for it. You don’t need fancy fonts or headings either. Keep it clear and make sure it is easy to read. Then, print it on good quality, crisp white paper and keep it in a folder to avoid creasing.
You should also check your own presentation. It’s important that you look smart, and like someone they would want to work with. Remember this every time you meet with the company or have any contact with them at all, not just interviews and official meetings.
Apply in Person
Many people today post CVs or apply online. While this is fast and convenient, it means you are completely relying on your CV to sell your skills. Handing it in, or enquiring about jobs in person gives you a much better chance of getting yourself remembered. Without being forceful, try to make polite conversation and ask relevant questions about the company. Make sure you seem interested and engaged.
Applying for jobs can be tough, especially the first time. Let us know how you have found it so far?
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