Once again, we have come to the time of year when university students have completed their final exams. With graduation and walking across the stage to collect the big shiny parchment in sight, it’s an exciting time for graduates. But it’s also a time when the reality of gaining a full-time job in your field of study is dawning on you. After years of studying, you are left with the looming big question, "How do I secure my first professional job?"
If you're feeling overwhelmed, don’t worry! Landing your first job post-graduation can be challenging to navigate, but it’s achievable with the right strategies, mindset, and preparation. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the transition from student to professional, land your first full-time job and launch your career after graduation.
1. Define Your Career Goals and Interests
Before you start applying to every job that comes your way, take a moment to reflect on what you want. Think about your strengths, passions, and long-term career goals. Ask yourself:
What industry or field do I want to work in?
What subjects or parts of my degree did I enjoy the most? Likewise, what parts of your degree did you dislike?
What types of roles align with my skills and education?
What type of work environment do I thrive in? (e.g., startup, corporate, remote, etc.)
Defining these aspects will help you focus your job search and avoid wasting time on positions that aren’t a good fit or ultimately won’t lead you down the career pathway you want.
2. Get your Resume Up to Scratch
Your resume is often the first impression an employer will have of you, so it’s essential to make it stand out. Here’s how to craft a resume that showcases your potential:
Tailor Your Resume to Each Job: Although this takes more time than a one-size-fits-all resume, you will find that the quality of your applications improves immensely. To customise your resume for each position, read the job advertisement or description, highlight the keywords and phrases and weave them into your resume. This will assist you in getting through the first round of sorting resumes as it will catch the attention of recruiters and hiring managers and pass through any Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) they may be using.
Include Transferable Skills: While you may not have much direct job experience as a graduate, you’ve likely gained transferable skills such as communication, problem-solving, and teamwork from school projects, part-time work, sports, or extracurricular activities. Don’t be shy about adding these skills to your resume.
Highlight Relevant Education: Don’t forget to list that shiny new qualification you have spent years earning. List your degree, institution, and any honours or awards received. If your degree is directly related to the job you want, make sure to emphasise it.
Showcase Internships and Volunteer Work: Even if you haven’t had a full-time job yet, internships, volunteer work, and part-time roles are great indicators of work ethic and skills. Make sure to list them, focusing on what you achieved and how it relates to the job you’re applying for.
If you’re unsure how to write a resume, use our FREE Resume Template tool.
3. Create a Strong LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn is a powerful networking and job search tool, and having a well-crafted profile is necessary. Here's what to focus on:
Professional Photo: A clear, friendly, and professional-looking photo is crucial to making a positive first impression.
Headline and Summary: Write a headline that reflects your current career aspirations (e.g., “Recent Marketing Graduate Seeking Full-Time Role in Digital Marketing”). Your summary should showcase your skills, what you’ve studied, and what you're looking for in a job.
Skills and Endorsements: Add relevant skills to your profile (e.g., "Data Analysis," "Graphic Design," or "Project Management"). Encourage classmates, professors, or colleagues to endorse you for these skills.
Networking: Connect with industry professionals, alumni, and potential employers. Don’t hesitate to send a personalised message, introducing yourself and expressing interest in learning more about their career path or organisation.
Click here for more tips on creating a professional read How your LinkedIn profile could help you get a job.
4. Leverage Job Boards and Career Fairs
Start actively searching for relevant graduate jobs on websites such as:
SEEK
LinkedIn Jobs
Indeed
University Job Board (many universities have their own job board where organisations list jobs specifically seeking undergraduates or graduates)
Industry-specific job boards
In addition to online job boards, attend virtual and in-person career fairs hosted by your university or professional organisations. These events offer a chance to meet recruiters, learn about job openings, and sometimes even have on-the-spot interviews. Another tip for final-year undergraduates/graduates is to listen out for any opportunities spoken about in lectures or tutorials by your professionals and tutors.
5. Network, network, and you guessed it, network!
Networking is one of the most effective ways to secure a job, especially for recent graduates, as organisations aren’t hiring you for your experience but more for your personality and your willingness to learn and grow in your chosen field of study. Here are some strategies to connect with others in your field:
Alumni Network: Reach out and join your university's alumni to access event and networking opportunities to meet and interact with professionals who are willing to offer guidance and sometimes job opportunities.
LinkedIn: As mentioned earlier, LinkedIn is a great way to connect with professionals in your industry. Send polite and personalised messages asking for informational interviews or advice about entering the field. We recommend also following organisations that are of interest to you as many organisations will advise on their LinkedIn when they are hiring.
Industry Events and Conferences: Attend industry-related events, both in-person and virtual. Even if you’re not job hunting immediately, building connections early can lead to future opportunities.
6. Prepare for Interviews
Once you start landing interviews, you need to be prepared. Follow these tips to ace your first professional job interviews:
Research the Company: Understand the company’s mission, culture, products, and recent news. This shows your genuine interest in the position.
Know Your Resume: Be ready to discuss everything you’ve listed on your resume. Practice talking about your previous work experience and the transferable skills you have gained that are relevant to this job, as well as your academic experiences, projects, and internships, with confidence.
Prepare STAR Stories: Interviewers often use behavioural questions to assess how you handle specific situations. Prepare answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to communicate your problem-solving abilities.
Ask Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions about the company culture, team dynamics, and growth opportunities. This demonstrates your interest in the role and the organisation.
For more tips on how to prepare for an interview, read How to prepare for an interview.
7. Be Open to Internships or Temporary Roles
If landing a full-time job immediately is challenging, consider applying for internships or temporary/contract positions that align with your field. These roles can help you gain experience, build connections, and often lead to permanent positions once you’ve proven your value.
The key tip here is not to get caught up in the contract cycle; instead, use it as an opportunity to work in the industry while you find the right permanent long-term position.
The job search process can be long and stressful, but persistence is key. Don’t get discouraged by rejections—view each interview as a learning experience. Keep refining your resume, expanding your network, and applying to relevant positions.
Securing your first professional job after graduation is no easy feat, but with the right approach and mindset, you’ll make it happen. Take it step by step—define your goals, build a strong resume and LinkedIn profile, network actively, and prepare thoroughly for interviews. Most importantly, stay persistent, and remember that your first job is just the beginning of your career journey. Good luck!
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