How to find a job after graduating

While graduate programs are very high profile, they are not the only opportunity to get into a position in your field. During your final year of studies it is essential to get involved in activities, work experience and student clubs related to your area of interest to build both your industry networks and your resume. Set aside some time each week to research the field and the employers in which you might be interested.

Preparation: The more research you do to find out about employers, their recruitment process and the industry, the better prepared you'll be to make the choices affecting the next 5 to 10 years of your life.

Understanding employers: You need to understand what the employer is looking for and show them up front that you have it. In a pile of hundreds of applications, they are going to pass by vague or general ones, and head toward the ones that clearly have what they seek. The goal of every employer is simply to find the candidate that will be the best fit for their particular situation.

In every job application, the aim is to show the employer how you are a good fit for the role. Graduate positions are competitive, so it is essential to research thoroughly, understand what they want in an employee, what they are offering employees, and why you are interested. At first glance it might seem like all the organisations you are interested in have the same selection criteria. Of course in one industry, there are similarities. But your research will reveal the differences, and this is what shows the employer you really do understand what they seek.

1. Read their advertisement and website thoroughly. What do they emphasise? Customer service? Team work? Initiative?
2. Keep notes on everything you learn for your research. If you make it past the initial application, you will need it a starting point for your pre-interview research.
3. Industry information: What is their specialisation? Who are their competitors? How are they/the market performing?
4. Understand what you have to offer and why you are interested

Now it is time to start matching examples of your experiences to what matters to the employer. You can use examples from part-time work, extra-curricular activities, volunteer work, or university projects to demonstrate that you have what they value in an employee.

Tailoring applications: Sending a generic application to 50 companies might get you 5 interviews, but there's also a good chance it will get you zero. Doing thorough research and using it to determine your resume and cover letter content will increase your chances of getting to the interview stage. Keep records of your research as it will also be a starting point for pre-interview research if you are invited to the next stage.

Online applications: It might be tempting to treat an online application like filling out any other online form because it seems convenient and quick, but employers regard them as seriously as they do other methods of application. It is the first impression you make, so ensure it represents you well.

The organisation has put each question there for a reason, and often also a word limit, so don't make the mistake of skipping questions or rushing off an answer because it doesn't seem like an important question.

Well structured and relevant responses improve your chances of making it to the next step in the selection process. So, to prepare:

• Copy the questions from the online form to draft your responses
• Check for any word or character limits
• Make a record of all the documentation required, closing dates etc.

Take your time when answering, preferably, get the questions, and go away from the computer. Then:

• take the time to work out what the employer is trying to learn about you
• use your strongest example of that competency
• do NOT write 'refer to my resume' as it shows a lack of enthusiasm
• be specific in your answers - use Situation, Task, Action and Result
• type your answers into a Word document
• spell check them
• have someone else check again for spelling and grammatical errors BEFORE returning to the online form.

Once you are satisfied you have prepared your application thoroughly, re-enter the online system:

• copying and pasting the answers into the online form
• review and proof read responses again as you enter them
• attach all the required documents
• print off a copy of what you have submitted so you can review what you wrote before attending an interview