Brought to you by Bank of Ireland.
How can you hit the ground running?
Coming out of college can be a bit of a shock to the system. Everything has been leading up to this point, taking you on a clearly structured path that you could easily follow. Then you graduate and you’re asked to take control of your own destiny.
Suddenly, you’re blinking in the daylight and staring at the infinite possibilities that lie ahead. Sure, it’s exciting but it can also be pretty daunting. Take a breath and don’t panic!
Here are a few simple ways to make yourself more employable.
Refresh your CV
Rewrite your CV when you graduate, making sure that you’ve put your best foot forward in terms of your education and employment history. If you had a part-time job or worked as an intern during the summer holidays, it all counts.
Tailor your CV for each job that you apply for and think about how you can demonstrate skills that they may be looking for. Just don’t get too creative! Your CV should be a cross between your best friend and your mother – it should tell an employer why you’re a great person to have around and make them think that you’re the best candidate ever.
Get some work experience
We’re not saying that you need to find your dream job straight away but you don’t want to have a huge blank where your employment record should be.
Even part-time work will show that you can carry yourself in a professional environment, that you can work with other people and that you have a work ethic. Unpaid internships may not be the most inviting option but they can offer you invaluable practical experience.
Don’t be afraid to approach brands or companies in your industry directly or to call in with a CV. Volunteering is another option that could help you get a few contacts. You’d be amazed at the opportunities that can crop up once you put yourself out there.
Go where the work is
Being flexible will give you a lot more options when it comes to work. It may be that you need to go further afield to find work.
If you’re studying the effects of global warming on the North Pole, you may need to leave Dublin to get practical work experience. If you do need to travel abroad for work, try and embrace it as a chance to experience another culture.
Think about your online presence
One of the first things that any prospective employer will do is Google you. So have a quick look and see what they will find.
Your online presence may have been unimportant when you were a student but it’s going to count in the real world. Trawl back through your social accounts to weed out any embarrassing pics.
Having a LinkedIn account is a must these days. Twitter can also be a good way to connect with professionals in your industry and some employers will only advertise jobs or opportunities on their social media accounts.
Having a strong social presence can also impress employers, especially if you have more followers than they do!
Keep learning
It may be that doing a post-graduate course is the best way to get ahead and make you a desirable employee. Research your options so you know what qualifications you need and make applications early if you think it’s something you want to do. At least that leaves the door open.
Even if you don’t go back to college, try to constantly top up your knowledge or qualifications. Stay up to date with developments in your industry and do short courses or add-ons to extend your skill base.
It could be something as simple as learning to drive. Anything that can give you an edge will improve your employment opportunities.
Bank of Ireland has graduate offers that can help you on the next stage of your journey, from a graduate account to a post grad loan. Whether you are planning to start your career, invest in your future with a post-graduate or chase new experiences. No matter what you decide, they can help you on the next stage of your journey.
You can find out more here.
Brought to you by Bank of Ireland.
Bank of Ireland is regulated by the Central Bank of Ireland.
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