A Graduate’s Guide to Finding Employment

The authors offer this book of tips to achieve two purposes. The first purpose is to support graduates who want some encouragement or practical advice on how to find employment. The second purpose grew from discussions with a small group of graduates of the University of Brighton, with whom the first draft was discussed, and with whom we agreed to give all proceeds, from downloading the book, to charity.

In 2009, there were 2.5 million children under age 15 living with HIV. By downloading this book, you will support UNICEF’s Unite for Children, Unite against AIDS campaign raising money and awareness about HIV and AIDS and helping millions of affected children and their families.

By 2015 it is possible that we could have an AIDS free generation. But UNICEF needs your help to get there. The rights of children are being denied because of HIV and AIDS. This is wrong. By downloading this book you will help UNICEF put it right.

• Preface to the second edition
• About the authors
• Introduction

1. While you are still at university
   1. University facilities
   2. Using the web
   3. Considering applications
2. Social Media
   1. The importance of social media
   2. Some tips for social media use
   3. Getting started with LinkedIn
3. About You
   1. Finding your strengths, talents and positive qualities
   2. Reviewing Your Skills so far
   3. Identifying your relevant experience
   4. Clarifying what you want from a graduate job
   5. Try to see things from the perspective of the graduate employer
   6. Getting active
4. Search for employment
   1. Getting out there
   2. What kind of organisation do I want to work for?
   3. Choosing how to search for a job
   4. Power tips for working with LinkedIn
   5. Documenting your work experience
   6. Job ads
   7. Applying for vacancies advertised online
5. Applications
   1. Completing an application form
   2. CV presentation
   3. CV content
   4. Honing your CV
   5. Making the most of your CV
   6. Tailoring your CV for a specific job
   7. Evaluating your CV
   8. Recruitment agencies and job boards
6. Interviews
   1. Preparations before the day
   2. How should you look?
   3. Preparing for the interview process
   4. Questions to ask the interviewers
   5. In the interview
7. Staying Motivated
   1. Staying positive
   2. Resilience when job-searching: staying positive when you get knocked back
8. You’re in your first job, what now?
   1. First or last job?
   2. Your first days in a new job
   3. Getting a higher qualification
9. Miscellaneous tips and other ideas
   1. What if the assessment process is not just an interview?
   2. Work experience: how some charitable organisations can help
   3. Miscellaneous tips
10. A final thought: Myths about graduate employment

• Endnotes