Securing a Job Before Graduating: Our Top Tips

Graduating in the coming months? The pressure to secure a job can overwhelm many students. The job market is highly competitive, making it crucial to take proactive steps long before the final semester.

To stand out and land the ideal position, you need to begin your job search early, not only to give yourself ample time but also to develop the necessary skills, experience, and connections that will set you apart from other candidates before graduation arrives.

With this in mind, here are a few top tips you may want to keep in mind to help you land a job before graduating:

Start planning early

Finding a job isn’t something that happens overnight. To make sure you’re in a strong position by the time you graduate, it’s important to start planning as early as possible— even if you have just a few months to go. This gives you a huge advantage, by allowing you to take your time to explore your options and figure out what career path you really want to take.

Start by digging into the industry that excites you. Look into what’s happening in your chosen field—are there any new trends, or is the industry evolving in a way that might impact job opportunities? From there, identify companies that align with your interests, values, and long-term goals. Maybe there’s a particular company you’ve always dreamed of working for, or maybe you discover new ones through your research. Either way, start building a list of these target companies.

It’s not just about knowing where you want to work, though—it’s also important to figure out what you want to do. Look into specific roles that match your skills and interests, and start thinking about where you could see yourself. Plus, it gives you the chance to evaluate what qualifications or experience you might need.

By starting early, you’ll also have time to fill any gaps in your CV that you have become aware of. Maybe you need to take on a few extra courses to develop key skills, or a part-time job in your chosen field would give you hands-on experience that makes your application stand out.

Make the most of your campus careers service

Most universities offer a dedicated careers service on campus, and it’s essential to take full advantage of it. These professionals are there to guide you in exploring industries that align with your skills and interests, as well as uncover local opportunities in your chosen field.

From CV reviews to mock interviews, career services teams are focused on helping students successfully transition into the job market. Additionally, many universities host exclusive job boards tailored to their students, often featuring internships and entry-level roles that aren’t widely advertised – such as the roles offered by Inspiring Interns!

Register with Inspiring Interns

Before graduating, a valuable resource for securing internships and entry-level positions is through us – Inspiring Interns. Our platform is specifically designed to connect graduates with companies seeking fresh talent. By registering, you’ll gain access to a wide range of job vacancies across various industries—many of which aren’t available on other popular job boards.

We have a firm focus on matching your skills, qualifications, and experience with ideal job roles, taking much of the stress out of the job search process. When you sign up, you’ll create a Video CV, which will be shared with a network of employers looking for emerging talent. In turn, this can significantly accelerate your path to landing a job before graduation, so why not sign up today to get the ball rolling?

Apply for an internship

Internships are an invaluable stepping stone in your career journey, offering practical experience, building a professional network, and getting a foot in the door of your chosen industry. If you have the opportunity, aim to pursue multiple internships throughout your university degree. Each experience not only enhances your CV, but also equips you with the skills and insights that will set you apart from other candidates before graduating.

So, why are internships so valuable? Firstly, they allow you to apply classroom knowledge to real-world situations, helping you to develop both hard and soft skills essential for success in the workplace. They also provide the chance to learn industry-specific tools and practices, making you more marketable to employers. You can browse for both long-term and temporary internships via our graduate jobs board.