What Employers are Looking For
Just because you have a degree doesn’t mean you’re guaranteed
a job. In fact, academic qualifications are not the first thing
many employers look at. Of course, it’s important you know your stuff,
but employers say it’s other skills and qualities – not necessarily
taught at university - that make certain graduates stand out from
the pack.
Employers are looking for graduates who can get the job
done, who will fit into their workplace and get along with their
co-workers
Communication skills are essential, both written and
verbal, and a strong work ethic is a must. Although ambition is
a good thing, employers warn that graduates who want to climb the
ladder overnight are not usually the ones called back for second
interviews.
And don’t underestimate the value of work
experience, volunteering, community service, and internships. If an employer
sees you have the initiative to go out and get some on-the-job experience and
you’re willing to give up a little
of your time for the community, it goes a long way in showing them what type
of person you are.
Do Your Research
Getting the facts and figures about the type of job you’re
looking for can help you narrow down the types of positions for
which you apply. And it shouldn’t just be a quick surf of
the internet. More employers are likely to take notice of you if
you have some idea of what is happening in the industry in which
you want to work, who the ‘players’ are, and what career
paths are available.
Having all this information is not just of
benefit in regards to job interviews. It can also help you create
your own network of contacts, and become aware of the opportunities
that exist. Once again the My Future website www.myfuture.edu.au can
give you lots of information about the labour market.
Seek and You
Shall Find
Some work experience placements are organised as part of the curriculum
for your degree which can help you in developing a network of potential
employers.
But there are plenty of other ways to try and get your foot in the door.
Talk to careers services staff and find a mentor who can give you
advice about where and when to seek work experience opportunities, or contact
organisations you’re interested in working for to see if they have
internship programs.
Alternatively you can go online at www.graduateopportunities.com or
on various employment sites like www.mycareer.com.au which
have graduate advice pages. Your university’s website
also has a wide range of careers and employment advice.
Vacation Vocations
University breaks can be an ideal time to get some work experience,
and often the companies that offer vacation programs will also
pay for your time. Vacation work is degree-related and undertaken
by students at the end of their second-last year of study.
Besides
an income, one of the benefits of vacation work programs is they
can often lead to a graduate position. It can also help you decide
if that career and work environment meets your expectations.
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