if you havent done time dont talk like you have

Sometimes you need to think outside the box. And then, when your applications begin to pay off, ensure that you're prepared for interviews. Make an effort to improve your CV and cover letters so that they show off your qualities and experience. Laura Bromley, careers and employment adviser at Lancaster University has this advice, 'When looking for a graduate role after graduation, remain positive and schedule time into your week to do regular job searches.' Short term graduates could consider using recruitment agencies if they're a bit stuck, but caution and understanding on how these work is key.' 'A lot of opportunity is serendipitous and if you wait passively for doors to open, they may not.

When looking for a graduate role, Jason suggests that you try to be proactive without being pushy. While many large employers insist on a 2:1 from graduates joining their graduate schemes, many organisations now accept 2:2 grades. If you leave university with a 2:2 there are plenty of options open to you. If you're struggling to find a job straight after graduation, fill your time with internships, volunteering, part-time work or a stint of work shadowing. 'Networks are important and LinkedIn is a good resource, also try connecting with alumni from your university,' adds Jason. This can be done through work experience, attending networking events such as careers fairs and through your social media channels. Work on building contacts with industry professionals. Also, remember that your first job doesn't tie you to a particular career forever, so think about widening your search for graduate jobs. If you haven't yet decided on the career you want to pursue, take a look at what can I do with my degree? and explore the job sectors for inspiration. Being a small fish in a big pond isn't right for everyone and you can still get good training, development and prospects in smaller companies. Those 'other options' may include small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) - while they might not have been your first choice, they shouldn't be discounted. Graduates may also have to be more flexible in their choices and perhaps consider an option that they wouldn't have pre-pandemic,' says Jason. 'Graduates should fully review the labour market and sectors they are interested in, as some are bouncing back quicker than others. While the pandemic may have changed the face of the job market you were intending to join, there are still opportunities available. 'It's useful to remind recent graduates that career services generally support students after they graduate - at Imperial we provide this support for up to three years,' explains Jason Yarrow, director of the careers service at Imperial College London. In this instance, your first port of call should be your university careers service. The majority of graduates look for a job. If you'd like to gain more experience before making a decision you could volunteer, intern or travel the world on a gap year. You could search for a graduate job, enrol on a postgraduate course or set up your own business. There are a number of routes you can take after university - and everyone's journey will be different.

While graduation signifies the end of an era many students can be left wondering, 'what's next?' To help you decide on your next move, take a look at some of your post-graduation options If you haven't figured out what you want to do after university, don't panic - as the chances are a lot of your peers haven't either.

If you havent done time dont talk like you have