8 Job-Hunting Tips to Help Fresh Graduates Land Their First Jobs

The day that you have been waiting for has FINALLY arrived! But what's next?

For graduates, the concept of “adulting” begins with finding work. Most of us will start looking for employment in an industry that suits your interests. But where and how do you begin your job search?

Job hunting after university can be confusing and stressful. So we hope this serves to help make the process easier.

Discover my career interests

When job hunting, it is important to know yourself and your career interests first. Being adequately self-aware helps you make more informed decisions. It lets you play to your strengths and highlight key skills that are beneficial to companies you apply to.

Paper qualifications are not everything

You can’t rely entirely on your paper qualifications to land a job. Although hiring advertisements may emphasise on qualifications, there are other factors that have substantial influence on your suitability for the job.

(a) Personality Type

If your personality is not suited for the job, there is a high chance that you will not last long in the industry. Some industries believe certain personality types are more suitable for their corporation than others.

(b) Motivations

Rank the factors that motivate your performance — status, salary, passion etc. Determine what motivates you most and steer your job hunt in that direction. If you are motivated by status or other monetary forms, focus on jobs that offer you the salary and career progression that you desire.

Find out who is hiring

Next, make sure you are aware of companies that are hiring and what type of roles and expertise they would require. One way to do so is by visiting career fairs. This helps you gain exposure and knowledge about the hiring market. Seize the opportunity to speak with those manning the booths, and request for their name cards. Chat with them about the company culture and learn about what they do in their industry. Make sure you ask about career progression and ask about the types of paper qualifications and experience they require. You can then drop them an email displaying your keen interest in joining them — this displays proactivity and interest in the job role.

Alternatively, visit social media pages and job portals to gauge the demand. By applying to industries that have a higher demand for workers, you will increase your chances of getting employed. You'll also get a comprehensive idea about the roles and responsibilities, salary, required years of experience and employee benefits, as well as information about the company you're interested in.

Explore my career options

The next step involves enhancing your knowledge of the various industries in the job market. Ensure your skills and personality suit the industry you are keen on, as this would help you market yourself better.

Check your skills

Once you have found a suitable role to apply for, ensure your skillset matches the job requirements. Identify any gaps you may have and take up training courses to bridge that gap. Employers are more likely to hire candidates with skills that are relevant and up-to-date, so take up opportunities to upskill and present yourself as a valuable asset to the workforce.

Plan My Career to Fulfil my Aspirations

The next step involves further thinking about how you ought to market yourself in a professional and effective manner.

Building a career development action plan

Come up with a list of tasks to accomplish that will help bring you closer to securing the job you want. These could include writing your resume and acquiring good interview skills. Then set a timeline for the completion of each task.

Some genenral rules of thumb include keeping your resume to one page, and ensuring you use relevant keywords. Make sure you also include information about your skills, quantifiable achievements and abilities.

Ignore missing work experiences

As a new entrants, you probably do not have the work experience that the employer desires. What you can do is channel your attention towards your unique selling points. Mention something interesting about yourself — leadership roles or participation in overseas exchange programmes. Employers look for candidates with certain characteristics that emulate their company’s culture.

For example, overseas stints may indicate the presence of cross-cultural skills, a trait that is essential for working in an international company. Additionally, some companies prioritise Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). So make sure you mention your involvement in charity and humanitarian programmes, and how it has enhanced your social awareness.

You can also highlight key learning points and describe how you would be able to use the lessons learned.

Know where you are applying to

Conduct research on the industry that you are applying to. Read up on milestone events and the impact it had on the industry. You can also find out what the industry was like before, and where it is heading towards.

Equipping yourself with thorough knowledge about the industry will let employers see you as someone of high calibre beyond your years. You can be seen as someone who can be groomed and trained, securing you the job.

It is highly imperative to be prepared by doing your own research and getting the necessary paperwork ready before embarking on your job search. Keep an open mind, do your homework and be receptive to new ideas when you start your job hunt. Consult a friend to vet through your paperwork or get in touch with a reliable career coach if you need an extra boost.

If you're looking for more career advice, visit MyCareersFuture for articles to help you on your career journey.

Or register your interest to meet with a career coach and our Career Ambassadors will be in touch.