5 Things You Can Do Today To Boost Your Employability

If you’ve just or nearly finished uni, you’re probably ready for a break. Unfortunately, you’ve inherited yet another problem: the rest of your life. What are you going to do for work? How will you best put your degree to use, and how will you navigate the real world when you’ve spent the last few years in lecture halls, libraries, and budget pubs?

Fear not—your panic is only partially warranted. Getting a good job is no easy feat, but it’s not impossible if you’re willing to put aside the time to brush up on a few things. Becoming a top job candidate takes one small step at a time – and we’re here to help you start!

Format your CV properly

Did you know that, on average, employers only spend 5 – 7 seconds looking at your CV? And that’s only if it passes through the CV scanning software or Applicant Tracking Systems most companies and recruiters use these days. So if your portfolio doesn’t match certain specifications, there’s a chance it won’t even be seen by a human.

That’s why you need to make sure the file you submit is properly filled, formatted and named. Monster.com have a great template to help your CV pass through most software without problems. It’s a great place to begin.

Get restructuring, reformatting and ready to see a lot more responses to your applications.

Upload your CV to job databases

Recruiters will constantly be scouring these for talent. There’s no reason not to have your CV up on these and portfolio accounts made for sites that allow it.

This also means you need to make sure your contact details are easily visible on your CV—ideally at the top, just below your name.

Good places to upload your CV are Reed, Indeed, WorkinStartups, Monster, and Gorkana, but there are loads more. Have a look around!

Get to know a recruiter

Have you ever heard the phrase: keep your friends close… but keep your recruiters closer? Probably not, because it’s not really a phrase people use, and that’s a shame.

What ought to be common knowledge is that getting in touch with a recruiter about a role you’re interested in could lead to your next job. Recruiters can tell you a lot about how you currently appear to employers, where you’re going wrong and how to present yourself better. They can even connect you to people who can get you the work you’re after.

The bottom line is this: you’re trying to get hired, and their job is to find the right candidates for a role. You’re doing each other a huge favour!

Learn a language

With so many large companies seeking candidates fluent in a second language, this is a great way to make you a stronger employee candidate. It will take a bit of dedication and regularity on your part—but you could do it in only twenty minutes a day!

University’s a great time to learn a language—your schedule’s the most lenient it will probably be in your life. But that doesn’t mean you can’t learn one before or after! Set aside the time and get to work.

Duolingo and Memrise are two great apps to help you learn a new language and boost your employability. Best of all, they’re completely free!

Start an internship

An internship is the perfect way to dip your toes into the working life before you dive in. Completing a relevant one can demonstrate expertise and make you a more desirable candidate in your field. They’re also excellent ways to test the waters and answer some important questions: is this line of work for you? Are you ready for full-time employment?

Sadly, many internships are unpaid or promise only to reimburse your travel or lunch. But you should treat them as time investments for your future. Anywhere between 3 – 6 months is ideal for work experience, and should prepare you nicely for your first day at a paid job. You’ll know what to expect, what you’re doing, and where you’re expected to go!

Good luck.

Mostafa is a writer based in London. You can find more of his work here.

Inspiring Interns is a graduate recruitment agency which specialises in sourcing candidates for internships and giving out graduate careers advice. To hire graduates or browse graduate jobs, visit their website.