Try to find a role that matches your skills
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Graduates are increasingly working in jobs for which they are overqualified. This finding — from a recent Nevin Economic Research Institute study — may dim the hopes of some. But it seems less damning when considered alongside the fact that competition between employers to attract and retain the best talent can be intense; particularly given the 4% rate of unemployment here.
There will always be statistics. But whatever they may be, and whichever you choose to quote, some things don’t change. One of those is the fact that year after year graduates emerge onto the job market. Thereafter, chance and luck play a role, as do track-record, skill, confidence and enthusiasm.
Beyond all that, the guidance of a career consultant can help. For this reason, we asked Angela Burke to answer some questions and share some of her wisdom, around negotiating the graduate careers space:
As competition for graduate positions is strong, I’d encourage students to work with a careers professional, either within their college, or externally, so as to develop a solid application and interview strategy. One that will ensure they put their best foot forward and stand out amongst their peers.
When supporting graduates with their applications, I find that many struggle to relate their skills, knowledge and part-time work experience to the stated requirements. The skills and experience gained from a part-time job are very much transferrable. But often, graduates don’t know how to position this on their CV.
Within my job application strategy, I teach them how to communicate to the recruiter that they are equipped to do the job, by linking the skills and experience they gained through part-time work, with each of the requirements of the graduate position.
For example, if a recruiter is looking for someone who has strong problem-solving skills, an applicant could include a line or so on how they developed this skill through solving specific problems related to the part-time job.
Graduates can sometimes be deterred from applying for a position if they don’t match all of the requirements. However, it’s worth remembering that when advertising for a position, an organisation may describe the ‘ideal’ candidate, with the emphasis on ‘ideal.’ In reality, the person who will shine through at the interview will be the one who establishes a relationship with the interviewers, shares great stories, displays competence within their interview answers, oozes confidence and isn’t afraid to show that they really want the opportunity.
It is important to never be afraid at an interview to make it known that you are driven and that you really want to work for the organisation. Early on in my career, it was this that made me stand out and obtain an opportunity that would shape the rest of my career.
Before the interview, inform yourself of the interview style that lies ahead and prepare answers according to the relevant model. If that’s the STAR model, ensure that within each answer, you showcase your various skills, along with your knowledge and experience, so as to continuously prove your suitability and ability to fulfil the job requirements. Finally, at interview, always remember the importance of owning your own story.
Beginning your career with the right mindset is really important. Through my work as a career consultant, I see many graduates approach their first job experiencing immense pressure to hit the ground running. It helps to be aware that this is not what graduate positions are about. They are for learning and growing with a view to eventually reaching lift off.
I encourage graduates to be a sponge, observing and absorbing everything. Despite what many may think, asking questions does not uncover weakness. What it does is portray strength and enthusiasm. Often, it is also what helps someone to stand out from their peers.
As for soft skills, they are just as important as the technical skills required to perform and progress. For this reason, it is worth identifying someone you admire in the workplace and observing how they react to conflict, solve problems and communicate their opinions.
Many organisations have a mentorship programme. But if that is not the case where you are, then seek out your own mentor. People are always flattered to be asked. Finally, say ‘yes’ to as many opportunities as you can. That way you will gain experience and collaborate with people both within and outside of your team or department. As you look to progress in your career, the relationships and experience you build through ad-hoc projects will be invaluable to securing a new opportunity or promotion.
Early on in a career, people seek to learn and to gain experience. As they progress, their needs and priorities change. Often, career dissatisfaction creeps in. Yet people may not be aware why they are suddenly feeling unhappy in their job.
This is when they knock at my virtual door to gain clarity and direction. I help clients to identify what their career dissatisfaction is stemming from, and what they need from their career at the stage they are at. Some may need more flexibility in order to make time for their wellness or for family needs. Others may need a greater financial reward so as to facilitate their application for a mortgage. Or they may realise that they need a better work-life balance so as to reduce the overwhelm and stress that they have been experiencing.
As you progress, it is important to assess the alignment of your career with your lifestyle needs and to make tweaks accordingly. That way you ensure that you are getting out of your career what will ultimately keep you fulfilled, motivated and satisfied.
The graduate recruitment market is at its strongest between September and January every year. This is when organisations recruit for their graduate programmes and entry level positions. For the most part, these organisations are targeting final year students who will commence employment the following summer upon completion of their exams.
Also, penultimate year students who wish to complete an internship. With that being said, organisations will often advertise throughout the year and there are graduate positions currently being advertised across the various job-search platforms. Right now, there are in the region of 200 adverts on there for graduate and entry level positions.