How do you find a great graduate position?
Will you get the grade for a graduate job?
With 800,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students leaving UK higher education every year, winning a place on a coveted graduate program could give you an edge in the job market.
However, with around 40 people applying for each place in the graduate programme, it can be very difficult to secure a place.
If you are unable to get into a graduate program – or there is no suitable program in the sector you want to work in – the next step is to look for a graduate position.
Although these types of jobs are not official graduate training programs, they are only open to candidates with relevant degrees and are thus still considered high-status work. Many also offer top quality training.
There are around 50,000 graduate jobs available in Britain at any one time – around one in 18 of all vacancies. So if you have a degree, here’s how you can move up in your career.
Show that you are serious about the sector
Relevant work experience is the most important addition to your CV. If you don’t have one, buy some.
Use your network: everyone you’ve ever met and all their contacts.
Make a few calls, send a few emails, get on LinkedIn and approach companies coolly, even if they aren’t advertising a structured work experience program.
Make your diploma relevant
Show how what you have learned can be applied in practice. If you studied a completely different degree, don’t worry.
Showcase the transferable skills you have learned, such as being able to work independently, understanding and acting on complex information and timekeeping.
Practice makes perfect
Some companies use tests to pre-screen the huge pool of applicants. If you are invited to take a psychometric or numerical test, you can practice it online in advance.
Prepare as if it were your final
If you reach an interview stage, prepare with thorough research.
Make sure you know the names of the CEO and leadership team, read the company’s website and follow all its social media channels.
Read press coverage, industry publications and newsletters to get a broader picture and identify and learn about their top competitors.
Always include questions in a job interview
Many recruiters know graduates who have lost a job because they didn’t ask questions, and the interviewer interpreted that as a lack of interest.
Rise to the top of the class with these great graduation assignments from Sun Jobs this week.
Sports Graduate, Tradewind Recruitment, Liverpool
Inspire children with a love for sports in this role as a teaching assistant.
The job: Tradewind Recruitment is looking for Sports graduates to work as a teaching assistant at a primary school in Bootle.
What you will do: As a teaching assistant, you will work with experienced teachers to support the learning experiences of primary school students, using your sports skills to inspire children to be active and healthy.
You need: The ideal candidate is enthusiastic and reliable, with a great interest in working with children. A sports-related degree or qualification is essential, along with excellent communication skills and a willingness to learn and develop your teaching skills.
Apply now: See further details of this rolealong with other options of Tradewind recruitment.
Graduate Recruiter, Foster Lawson, Billericay
Help others get hired as a graduate recruiter.
The job: Foster Lawson takes on three Graduate recruiters to join the hardworking team.
What you will do: This role involves negotiating business terms and contracts for successful clients, liaising regularly with senior executives via telephone and video calls. You will source and interview exceptional candidates on behalf of clients, present relevant search solutions to meet client requirements and manage the application process.
You need: To qualify for this position you will need a bachelor’s degree and permission to work in the UK. You will be someone who thrives in a competitive environment, with excellent communication skills and a good understanding of the UK labor market.
Apply now: Find out moreor discover more options with Foster Lawson.
Graduate Assistant, Engage Education, Enfield
You’ve benefited from a great education – now help others do the same.
The job: Engage Education is hiring Graduate Teaching Assistants to work in schools in and around Enfield.
What you will do: As a teaching assistant you provide extra support to students in the classroom: assisting with effective teaching, individually or in small groups; assisting with planning and teaching lessons; supporting students in their educational and behavioral development; preparing teaching materials; and assisting with extracurricular activities.
You need: The ideal candidate will have a degree in any subject, with good numeracy and reading skills. A passion for helping children achieve their academic potential, along with the ability to build excellent relationships and rapport with students, is essential.
Apply now: Apply for this positionalong with other options with Involve education.
Discover thousands of open vacancies for jobs across the UK now on The Sun Job Board.