As a recent graduate, you may be feeling frustrated and demotivated by the lack of progress in your job search. It’s a challenging time, and it can be discouraging to receive rejection after rejection without any feedback or constructive criticism. However, it’s important to remember that you are not alone in this experience, and there are steps you can take to improve your job search and increase your chances of success.
In this post, we share some of the most frustrating elements of the graduate job search and how to overcome them.
1: Graduate-level jobs ask for experience, but how can I get experience if I don’t have any experience?
For recent graduates, the job search process can be particularly frustrating as many graduate and entry-level job postings require work experience.
This presents a paradox: how can you get work experience if you can’t get a job that requires work experience in the first place? It’s a frustrating Catch-22 that can leave many graduates feeling stuck and hopeless.
What to do if you are in this situation:
- Work on a personal project – this could be making a website, creating an e-commerce store or completing a coding challenge. Doing so will show future employers that you have initiative and the ability to work independently.
- Volunteer – do some volunteering related to the area that you want to work in. For example, if you are interested in becoming a social media manager, volunteer for a charity on their social media platforms.
- Create a portfolio – Create a portfolio of projects related to the area you want to work for. For example, if you are applying to software engineering graduate jobs, compile a selection of coding projects that demonstrate your skills.
- Network – reach out to your network and see if anyone will be able to give you a referral for a job.
- Internship – once you’ve completed some of the above and updated your CV, consider applying for some internships to gain more experience.
The key here is to develop and demonstrate your skills to future employers. Therefore, it is incredibly important that you add your skills and achievements to your CV, to increase your chances of getting an interview.
By taking a proactive approach and exploring different avenues for gaining experience, recent graduates can work towards breaking the cycle of needing work experience to get a job.
2: Recruiters don’t get back to me after interviews
It can be incredibly frustrating to not hear back from recruiters after an interview, especially when you felt you did really well and were a strong fit for the position.
There are a few reasons why recruiters may not get back to you after an interview, ranging from a high volume of applicants to internal changes within the organisation. However, it’s important to note that not hearing back from recruiters doesn’t necessarily mean that you weren’t qualified or that you didn’t make a good impression.
It’s possible that the hiring process is simply taking longer than expected or that the recruiter has been pulled away to focus on other priorities.
What to do if you are in this situation:
- Send a thank you email after every interview. This not only shows your appreciation for their time but also keeps you top of mind.
- Send a follow-up email. If you still haven’t heard back after a week or two, it’s okay to send a polite follow-up email or make a quick phone call to inquire about the status of your application.
- Improve your interview technique. The graduate job market is incredibly competitive. Several other candidates are likely to have also interviewed for the role. Some interview coaching can give you a competitive edge.
- Keep sending out applications. It’s always a good idea to continue your job search and explore other opportunities, rather than waiting around for a response from one specific company. By casting a wider net and staying proactive, you can increase your chances of finding the right job for you.
3: After getting rejected, I don’t get any feedback or a generic message referencing the high volume of applicants
Receiving a generic rejection message can be frustrating and disheartening, especially if you feel that you put a lot of time and effort into your application.
However, it’s important to remember that recruiters and hiring managers really do receive a high volume of applications, and it can be challenging to provide personalised feedback to every candidate. Furthermore, oftentimes recruiters cannot provide in-depth feedback due to company policies.
How to overcome this situation
If you’re looking for feedback on your application, consider reaching out to the recruiter or hiring manager to inquire about specific areas where you could improve. Keep in mind that this feedback may not be immediate or detailed, but even a few pointers can be helpful for future job applications. Additionally, consider seeking feedback from other professionals in your industry, such as mentors, career coaches or colleagues, who can provide a fresh perspective on your application materials and interview performance.
It’s also important to not let generic rejection messages discourage you from continuing your job search. Keep applying to other positions and explore new opportunities, and use each rejection as a learning opportunity to improve your application materials and interview skills. By staying proactive and persistent, you can increase your chances of finding the right job for you.
4: I keep getting rejected despite sending several applications
Constant rejections can be really frustrating. As a graduate, knowing that you worked so hard at university, and seeing your friends seemingly progress with their lives can be really difficult, when you keep getting rejections.
If you’re consistently getting rejected despite sending several applications, take a step back and evaluate your application strategy.
Many graduates get a bit flustered and “panic-apply” for several jobs without tailoring their CV to the role.
Take a short break from sending applications.
Then start by reviewing your CV and cover letter to make sure they are well-written, error-free, and tailored to each job you’re applying for.
Additionally, it’s important to not limit yourself to just one job search strategy. Consider networking with professionals in your industry, attending career fairs, and exploring job opportunities through different channels, such as LinkedIn or graduate job search engines.
If you are really struggling strongly consider getting the help of a graduate career coach for some expert early career advice.
5: I have a good degree from a good university but can’t find a good graduate job
Having a good degree from a reputable university such as a Russell Group University is certainly an accomplishment, but it doesn’t guarantee a good job right after graduation. The grad job market is competitive, and the truth is thousands of other graduates also have a good degree from a good university.
You MUST make your applications stand out without relying on your degree as a differentiator.
One way to increase your chances of finding a good graduate job is to focus on building relevant experience and skills in your field of interest. Consider seeking out internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities that can help you gain practical experience and develop skills that are relevant to your target industry. Additionally, consider taking on freelance projects or starting your own side hustle to demonstrate your entrepreneurial skills and work ethic.
6: Many of the graduate roles I am applying for do not disclose their salary or salary range
It can be frustrating when applying for graduate roles and not having access to information about the salary or salary range. However, there are a few things you can do to get a better understanding of the potential compensation for a graduate job.
First, consider researching the industry standard for compensation in the field you’re interested in. Look at salary surveys, industry reports, and job postings for similar positions to get a sense of what the going rate is for that particular role. You can also use online salary tools such as Glassdoor and calculators to get an estimate of what you might expect to earn based on factors like location, experience level, and job responsibilities.
Second, try to gather more information about the company and the specific role you’re applying for. Reach out to recruiters or hiring managers to inquire about the salary range or benefits package. You can also ask current or former employees about their experience with compensation and benefits at the company, either through online forums or networking events.
Finally, it’s important to consider factors beyond just the salary when evaluating a job especially when applying for your first graduate job. Look at the overall benefits package, including things like retirement plans, and holiday allowance. Consider the company culture, growth potential, and opportunities for professional development. Ultimately, the goal is to find a graduate job that not only pays well but also aligns with your long-term career goals and personal values.
Final Thoughts
The graduate job search can be a frustrating and challenging process. Whether you’re facing rejection, struggling to find relevant experience, or grappling with a lack of information about compensation, it’s important to stay focused on your goals and remain persistent in your job search. By taking a proactive approach, building relevant experience, networking with professionals in your industry, and considering a range of factors beyond just salary, you can increase your chances of finding the right job for you. Remember to stay positive, stay dedicated, and keep refining your approach as you work towards your career goals.
If you are struggling, don’t suffer in silence. There is plenty of support available. Send us your graduate CV, and we will let you know how we can help you.
Featured image Yan Krukau
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