St Mary's Careers Service: Top Five Job Hunting Tips

With many students set to graduate this summer, now is the perfect time to start considering your career options. Here's the top five tips from the St Mary's Careers Service: Before you graduate, visit the Careers Service in room J3 and make a 15 minute appointment to see a Careers Consultant. The trained consultants will be able to help you understand your options and how to access the best opportunities to suit your situation and expectations. They will also advise you on how best to sell yourself and your skills to potential employers. Set aside time to research your options. It’s important to choose the job that’s right for you and research industries that you are interested in working in. There are lots of information sources available to graduates. Your Careers Consultant will be able to guide you through some of these sources and show you how to do all the research necessary to impress recruiters. Prepare yourself. “Failure to prepare is preparing to fail”. Your Careers Consultant will help you to understand your strengths, weaknesses and skills. They will show you how to update your CV and your online profiles such as Facebook and Linkedin. Many employers look for candidates through social networks so it is important to show yourself as a professional, rather than a student. Use different job search options. Sign up to JobOnline, attend Careers Fairs, start talking to your contacts and networks and your St Mary’s Alumni Association. Be a ‘professional’ by applying early, always doing high quality applications and staying positive! For two years of continued careers service support after graduating, don’t forget to join Gradclub.