You just completed your diploma/degree course and it’s time to start your job hunt and begin a career in your chosen field.
However, you suddenly realise that you are not only competing with all your classmates but also people from other similar courses for a limited number of graduate roles.
Junior and graduate roles are quite competitive across most sectors, with only a finite number of roles available.
How to stand out from the crowd
- Do your research and pinpoint the jobs, companies and sectors that interest you.
- Do some research on LinkedIn and follow up your CV applications by messaging or emailing HR, the Recruitment team or anyone else who may be involved in hiring for entry level/graduate/intern type roles.
- When writing your LinkedIn message or email, I would suggest keeping it short (less is more!) and it’s good to mention some of their products or services as it shows you have done your research. Personalise your message by using the persons name, the name of the company and their specific products/services to have a much better chance of getting a response. Be sure to talk about how you've heard great things about their company, everyone likes a bit of flattery!
- It’s better to ask for a phone call as opposed to a face to face meeting initially.
- Give it a week and follow up again as this shows tenacity.
A good template to use for your initial reach out message should look like this:
“Hi (HR Contact/Potential Hiring Manager)
I hope you are well. My name is (insert name) and I am currently completing (insert course and university)
I have heard great things about (insert name of company) and have been researching your products/services on-line such as (mention specific products/services) and would love the opportunity to work in your organisation.
I am very keen to kick start my (insert sector) career and I wanted to check if you have any upcoming intern/entry level/graduate roles that might fit my profile?
I’m a very hardworking person (have completed my studies while continuing to work full time) with a real passion for (list passions) with lots to contribute to my next employer and I’d love to have a quick chat with you to discuss this further if you had 5/10 minutes to take a phone call.”
Please find attached a copy of my CV and I look forward to hearing from you.
Ready to kick start your career? Check out our job vacancies HERE
Are you a recent Engineering Graduate? Drop me an email on [email protected]
Feargus Young
Feargus joined FRS in 2016 and is an experienced Technical Recruiter with over 16 years recruitment experience both in-house and agency covering a range of different sectors including Food, Electronics, Life Sciences, Engineering, General Manufacturing, Cloud Computing & Construction.
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