To The Girl Still Hunting For Her Graduate Job...

Photo by Anete Lusina from Pexels

In 2020, I graduated university with a degree in Music Journalism. I spent three years in a city I came to call home, and invested huge amounts of time, energy, and tears in achieving my Bachelor’s degree. Following graduation, I had planned to go travelling and take a break from the structure of education that had narrated my life since the age of five. But then COVID came along and flipped the world as we all knew it upside down. I spent my final term at university locked away in my childhood bedroom, completing coursework and writing my dissertation whilst surrounded by memories of a world truly gone by. Photos of me with friends at festivals or at parties with thirty-odd people started me straight in the eye, as I contemplated what the future held for me beyond my time at university. By June, I’d survived the motions of online learning and had emerged the other side qualified, but ultimately, unemployed. This is the struggle that many recent graduates are facing right now, especially following the news of another nationwide lockdown.

 

For many, myself included, the last six months have been entirely consumed by Linkedin searches, CV amendments, endless follow-up emails, and overwhelming worry and concern about the future. I’m almost convinced I could now recite the rejection email formula better than those who actually (automatically) send them. But whilst many of us continue our battle with the pandemic-stricken job market, others got lucky in finding their feet amongst the craziness of 2020. Below is a collection of open letters written by those who succeeded in entering the job market last year. They wanted to offer advice, guidance, and words of encouragement to those of us still hunting for our first major roles in industry. So, to the girl still hunting for her graduate job, take my advice:

 

 

Charlotte, 22, Studied Geography at University of Nottingham 

 

“Apply for everything, even if you’re not 100% sure. It’s time consuming, and sometimes hard to not be overwhelmed with rejections but you learn from each application. If you get rejected, you haven’t lost much and if you get it? Well, you’re not forced to take it but at least you have the option.  Ask for feedback too! Even if you don’t always get it, it’s good to know how you could have improved. Maybe you weren’t the right fit for the company, and that’s fine. You can’t please everyone. Speak to your friends and colleagues. This can help you consider career paths you might not have thought of before. You never know, they might know someone who knows someone that results in an opportunity for you, sometimes things work more on who you know than merit.” 

 

“Look at your strengths and what you’re interested in. Brainstorm them. It’s sometimes easier to see your skills and interests written down. Have confidence too because, at the end of the day, if you don’t have confidence in yourself no one else will either. Also, if you’re applying for a role and you’re passionate about it don’t be afraid to show it. Ask questions, send emails before sending of your application. You can even ask for a chat about the role.” This makes the recruiter know you’re interested and recognise your name. I used to be so worried about annoying people, but at the end of the day you’re just showing an interest.

Don’t be your own enemy, fake the confidence until you have it for real if you must. Look for the things you’re good at and you that you enjoy and chase them. Life’s too short, there’s something out there for you. Don’t settle.”

 

Remember: “Don’t be dis-heartened by rejection. It’s hard when everything feels like a dead-end but sometimes it’s just a push in the right direction.”

 

 

Lana, 25, Studied Travel and Tourism Management at University of Huddersfield

 

“I would like to start with saying a big well done, simply for surviving being a university student during these 'unprecedented times'. It might be that you've been applying for graduate jobs since the start of your final year, or that you've left it a little later. Perhaps you didn't even consider graduate schemes until the end. I just want to say, there is no right pathway for after university. In these times, a job is a job and that is okay. There has always been a variation in value between the word 'job' and 'career', a notion that comes from old career theory - all written by middle-aged, white men many many years ago. In today's world, especially in the COVID situation, employment is scarce, and you should not discredit straying from your desired field as a 'failure'”

 

“My best piece of advice for all those applying for graduate jobs is to ensure you are personalising your applications for the company you are applying for. Tailor those CV's, write cover letters that highlight your skills match the skills from the job specification, show that you have transferrable skills from modules you've taken in your degree and explain why that would benefit the company. I now handle recruitment for our agency as part of my role and I can say, the more well-thought-out the application, the better. I would also highlight creativity is key for creative industries!” 

 

“Finally, Highlight the importance of being kind to yourself. It's not easy out there at the moment and no one would have expected this to be the case for graduate life. Everything will get better and remember - you've got this.”

 

Remember: “It might feel like you’ve applied for one-hundred jobs and received one-hundred rejections in return, but it could be job one-hundred and one that is the yes you’ve been waiting for.” 

 

 

Aimee, 22, Studied Psychology at University of Exeter

 

“It may seem hopeless, but you could be one application away from an acceptance. When I was applying, I kept thinking of just giving up, as I was convinced that all the other applicants would be better than me. For some jobs I applied for this was definitely true, but every job is looking for somebody different and you’ll be the perfect fit for one of them! One thing I learnt along the way was that if the specification doesn’t fit you, then you probably won’t fit that job. I took time looking into what each job wanted from their applicants and thought whether it described me or not. I then only applied to those that really did suit me. This seems like it limits your options, but in reality, it saves you time writing up applications for jobs that you probably won’t get. Quality over quantity is definitely better.”

 

“Don’t put yourself down if you receive a rejection. As much as it hurts, it’s a good life skill to learn. Rejections happen to everyone, even successful CEOs have had rejections in their career, it’s just part of life. It’s how you deal with the rejection that makes the difference. If you can, get feedback from the company as to why you weren’t successful and use this to help you improve for your next application. Don’t be dissuaded by rejection, let it motivate you. Limit your number of applications but spend time on those you apply for. Research the company. Find a quirky article about them and say how this resonates with you. Ask questions. Curiosity allows you to learn, and knowledge is ultimately power.”

 

Remember: “Don’t give up hope. Use rejection to motivate you and know that you will be the perfect candidate for someone.”

 

 

Beck, 21, Studied Marketing at Bournemouth University

 

“Don’t be disheartened by rejections – it’s easier said than done. If you are fortunate to get feedback, then use this as an opportunity for reflection and keep going! ‘It’s not what you know, it’s who you know’ - grow your professional network. LinkedIn is great– utilise it. Although initially you might not gain much engagement on your posts, keep sharing content. Whether you’ve won an award, hosted or attended an event or a company you are interested have done something cool - say why and share it!  Add your colleagues, keep in touch, you never know when they may change positions and help you land your next role.”

 

Remember: “Stand out from the crowd and tailor your CV. Simply adjusting the skills and competencies to that of the job description and adding the companies name will help make your CV stand out.”

 

 

Aira, 21, Studied Biomedical Science at Cardiff University

 

“Stay resilient and stay strong. 2020 graduates and current students are going through one of the hardest job markets there is but don’t let that stop you. I faced a number of rejection letters and even no answers from jobs I had applied for before I got the role I had now. I promise that your resilience and talent will shine through, and that you will see the light at the end of this long, difficult job hunt tunnel. Make sure to take care of yourself. Your mental health may be taking a toll right now, and understandably so, so make sure to put your health and well-being first. As important as landing that job role is, I promise you that your well-being should always come first.”

 

Remember: “With home working currently the norm, it means that many jobs out there are no longer restricted by your geographical location. I’d also recommend staying open minded about opportunities, even those that you may not have considered before. I’m a science graduate now working in PR, which is completely unrelated! If you are passionate about the job and it sounds right up your alley, there is no harm in sending over an application, even if you don’t meet all the desired skills and criteria - you don’t have to know everything!” 

 

 

Maya, 21, Studied Multimedia Journalism at Bournemouth University

 

“First of all, you’re doing a grand job. Searching for a graduate role is tough at the best of times, but this? This is a completely different kettle of fish. No one has ever faired these stormy waters, there’s no ‘how to get a job in the middle of a pandemic’ handbook, no one to give you first-hand advice. But the beauty of that is, that uncertainty is a strength. There’s no one to tell you what you’re doing is wrong, there’s no one size fits all approach. The only thing you can do is put your best foot forward, be yourself and persevere. Now, I know that’s easier said than done - trust me, I know. But as much as no one can tell you exactly what to do and how to do it, that’s where the magic is. As long as you stay true to yourself, what have you got to lose? The only pivotal and integral thing is that you keep that love, passion and determination for your craft alive. The most rewarding thing when getting stuck into applying for - or even starting - a graduate role, is that you know you got there off your own merit, with your own hard work. So, although there will be people, both friends and family and complete strangers (most probably over the internet) who will be there to support and bolster you on your journey, you’ve got to be that driving force to get yourself there. Oh, and the best part? You CAN do it. By reading this alone, you’re showing that willpower, that determination to succeed. That speaks volumes. Just believe in yourself.”

 

Remember: “Spend time refining the fine line of being what a potential employer desires of you, but also put a bit of a spanner in the works, or throw a curveball, and take them by surprise. Don’t be scared to put your personality into your CV/application, because although your qualifications and experience are important, they’re hiring a person (you!!!) at the end of the day. You are unique, so don’t try to make your application like everyone else’s to get the job. Stay true to yourself, and you’re golden. Good luck!”

 

 

Every graduate’s journey is going to differ from the rest. There is no clear and linear route to employment, especially not in the midst of a global pandemic – try to remember that when firing your fifth application email of the week. Take the time to be sure that the jobs you’re applying for are truly what you want, because there’s no point in applying to something if you’re not passionate about it. But ultimately, remember that you’re not alone in your hunt for employment. There are millions of fellow graduates feeling anxious, miserable, and in the same position as you, so reach out to those around you if you need a little bit of support. Soon, the job you’ve been waiting for will roll around the corner and you’ll be glad that all of those previous applications failed. Just hang in there.

This article was first published in January 2020 for The Graduate Club