Graduate Opportunities

Even if your application is unsuccessful, you can benefit from the process and use this to your advantage in future applications. Focusing on your strengths is important when bouncing back from rejection – something that will happen to most of us at various times in our career.

Reviewing your approach

If you are receiving rapid rejections without being offered an interview, recognise that you may need to change to review the type of jobs you are applying for, and the quality of your written application.

Ask yourself:

• Is the position suitable for a recent graduate?
• Do I have the qualifications or academic average required?
• Do I tailor every application to clearly show I meet the job requirements?
• Do I include relevant information that makes me stand out from others?
• Is my application written in professional English and free of spelling and grammatical errors?
• Do I demonstrate an understanding of the organisation and/or industry?
• Have I followed the employer’s instructions about the application process?
• Do I match my terminology and language to the job ad to ensure my application is identified by keyword software?

If you think you are doing all the right things, it might simply be a case of persevering. Few people land their dream job after one attempt. However, if you are unsure about your application style, consult an expert for feedback. This could include a university or private careers consultant, or a recruiter.

If you are being invited to interviews, take that as confirmation that your written application is hitting the mark!

Post-interview

If you do reach the interview stage but do not advance further in the selection process, try to obtain feedback on your performance. Note that some companies have a policy of not providing feedback.

If the organisation will provide feedback, remember:

• Enter the conversation in a positive frame of mind: feedback is being offered to help you, not criticise you.
• Don’t be defensive or try to make excuses.
• Listen to what the employer has to say, take notes, and reflect on it later.
• Thank the employer his or her time. You never know when your paths may cross again!

The graduate job market can be a tough, competitive battleground. You need to know how to add value to an employer over other applicants, and make that message clear at each stage of the process.

Review every rejection, work out what you can do differently next time, and move on. A job journal documenting key details of each application can be a helpful tool in this process. Remember, there is a wealth of information and resources to help you ace the job search process, including online, via your university careers service or professional association, and this book – just to name a few. Follow these steps and though you will still lose some battles, you should win the war!

You’ve got the job!

Finishing full-time study and settling into a professional job can be both exciting and scary. You can expect your first few weeks to be both exhausting and exhilarating.

As well as learning the tasks in your new role, you also need to take the time to get to know the culture, management, clients and colleagues.

Everyone’s experience will be different, but take advantage of the chance to learn as much as possible – there’s a world of opportunity awaiting you in your new role!

This is an edited version of an article by Careers & Employment, University of Melbourne, that previously appeared in Graduate Opportunities 2009.