Don’t Panic! The Unemployed Graduate’s Guide To Keeping Your Cool After Uni

Graduation marks a big turning point in your life. Whether you’re a final year student or a recent graduate, you’ll probably be familiar with the dreaded question of “what comes next?” A Master’s? Grad job lined up? Maybe a gap year?

Coming to terms with the fact that you don’t know what your next move is doesn’t mean that you’re indecisive or in some way disappointing. In fact, admitting it can be a smart move. Even if you are ready to dive straight into a your career of choice, taking your time to find a position that suits you shouldn’t be a high-pressure exercise.

Here are some ways to save up, get experience and plan your next move that might you might never have heard about at uni

Getting experience

The period of time between finishing university and starting your career might seem like a bit of a dead-end. Not so! There is no reason why it shouldn’t be a time where you can get voluntary or paid experience that will stand you in good stead for future interviews and applications.

Useful and relevant career experience can come in all shapes and sizes. It is important to remember the old cliché that if you don’t ask, you don’t get. Successful graduates will tell you that coming by relevant work experience is all about being pro-active.

Whether you’re passionate about the career that you want to go into or you’re still considering your next move, there are businesses that want to hear from you. There’s absolutely nothing to lose from getting on the phone to local firms or pinging an email to organisations to offer your services. Make the most of work experience!

Going into an interview with two weeks’ experience at a start-up will give you a massive advantage. Often smaller companies don’t have the resources to advertise at careers fairs or events at university, but combined they outweigh the biggest firms in the market. Furthermore, as they have a smaller workforce, the tasks you’ll be handed down won’t comprise of just photocopying or making the tea; you’ll get the opportunity to make a difference.

Getting paid

The end of university doesn’t necessarily mark the end of your education, and not jumping straight into a masters or a ‘forever-job’ doesn’t mean you should stop learning. Chances are, you have the skills to get paid for your services immediately. You just have to find someone who needs those services.

This is where freelancing websites such as Freelancer and UpWork can be invaluable. For example, students of graphic design or visual media can find businesses literally queuing up to have logos or brochures designed. Anyone with knowledge of coding is likely to find they can be paid for various services. Aspiring digital marketers will find an abundance of companies who need advice with Facebook or Instagram advertising.

Most importantly, whatever your discipline, you should be able to find work blogging – whether visually or literarily. Potential clients in a wealth of different niches need people to research, edit and write material for their blogs, offering you a chance to share your expertise and potentially plug some gaps in your knowledge while getting paid.

Bringing a portfolio of blogs that you’ve written about your vocation will likely put a glint in the eye of prospective interviewers. What’s more, if the thought of getting your extra cash through Deliveroo terrifies you, this is a great alternative. Many clients offer ongoing work and pay well.

Getting your foot in the door

Whatever your next move is, applications are inescapable. Whether you are offering a freelance project, proposing terms for an internship, applying for a grad job or looking for part-time bar work, getting your foot in the door is all about standing out. Regardless of the position you’re going for, it’s more than likely that hundreds of others are doing the same; in the 21^st century, a common or garden cover letter simply doesn’t do the trick.

So the question is: how are you going to stand out? There’s a wealth of advice out there on writing an outstanding cover letter, but the key is creativity. Being personal goes a long way. This doesn’t just mean learning who the CEO is on Wikipedia. It means being creative – using their Instagram pictures to tell a story of why you want to work there.

As well as this, applications are a chance to show off your skills. If you’ve got the ability to create interesting videos or graphics in your locker, use it! Successful job hunting isn’t a case of throwing out as much bait as you can and waiting for a bite. It’s more like spear fishing. If you find the right application and throw the kitchen sink at it, you’re likely to see results.

Don’t panic!

Regardless of your next move, taking your time and putting in the right amount of effort is an invaluable strategy. Not knowing your plan is an opportunity to gain experience, test out ideas and be productive; for the proactive graduate, it should be embraced. If you can learn and earn before you even start your career, you should be well on your way once you do!

Inspiring Interns is an internship and graduate recruitment agency. To browse graduate jobs, click here. For senior digital and mobile jobs, please see Inspiring Search.