How to find a graduate job

Find your dream graduate job with our CV, application and interview tips.

We've put together some advice to help you with your graduate job search. At Grayce, we process thousands of applications a year for our graduate Development Programme. So we know a thing or two about how to find a graduate job.

If you’ve just finished university, you may be thinking about what to do next and applying for roles to start your career. Take a look at our tips on best practice when it comes to CVs and how to handle interviews:

Preparing your CV

Your CV is your gateway to the company that you’re targeting. Make sure you review and understand the job specification for the role you are applying for. Once you’ve done this you can start to highlight  and organise your CV so that employers can easily pick out complementary skills and experience.

Grammar, spelling and punctuation is really important. Don’t send out your CV without proof reading it first. Ask friends or family to check your CV for any errors.

Join LinkedIn

With millions of members worldwide, LinkedIn is a key networking tool for you to engage with businesses you’re interested in. Roles are also advertised on LinkedIn so you can find the latest graduate opportunities. Recruiters use LinkedIn to connect with candidates too. So you can start to build up your network to help you in your job search. Sign up for LinkedIn here.

Make sure your profile matches the information you have on your CV. Businesses use both tools to select potential candidates so it all needs to tally up.

Application forms

Some organisations ask you to complete application forms. Make sure the information you submit matches what you have on your CV and on LinkedIn. Employers will notice even the slightest differences, such as work experience dates. Take the time to proofread your application and ensure your information adds up!

Interview preparation

Interviews can be in a range of different formats - telephone, face-to-face or Skype. Interviews are your opportunity to show the best of yourself. We’d recommend prepping appropriately for your interview format. Make sure your journey is mapped out, test your Wi-Fi for Skype, or arrange a quiet place for a telephone interview.

Be prepared to answer the who, what, why, when and how questions in the interview. You need to know what the business does. Why you want to work there. When you can start. What the role is. How you can add value to the business. And demonstrate how well you can communicate.

Review the job description. Review your CV. Check out the website. Find out the latest news on the business. This will impress employers at interview stage and demonstrates your interest in them.

If you are asked prepare documents or presentations, don’t leave it until the last minute. Make sure you know your subject and go in to the interview with confidence.

If you have a competency based interview, it helps to use the STAR method for explaining how you have dealt with certain situations.

Questions

Great interviews that we’ve conducted have good rapport between us and the candidates. Candidates are prepared, inquisitive and knowledgeable about the business.

Preparing a list of questions you want to ask the interviewer is important. It shows you are interested in the role and have already started to visualise how you can add value to the business.

It’s worthwhile preparing a mixture of questions about the role, the business and progression. It’s your opportunity to get a sense of culture, the day-to-day and ambition of the company. Remember, the job has to be right for you!

Good luck in finding your perfect graduate role!

Find out more about the Grayce graduate Development Programme