Finding a Job as a Young Graduate...
30 March 2015
Read by 3468 persons
Indeed, young and freshly graduated, these are two excellent reasons for your future employer to think twice... Or not.
It's up to you to make the difference!
1. You still have experience...
Whatever you may think, you do have some experience: consider including your previous internships and summer jobs in your CV. As insignificant as it may seem, it's not nothing, it's not in vain. On the contrary, it shows your willingness and highlights a certain knowledge of the field. However, absolutely avoid endless, rambling lists that would only annoy your recruiter. Define, target, delimit, write! Limit yourself to experiences relevant to the specific position you are applying for.
Also, in your cover letter, elegantly mention that you are enthusiastic, curious and eager to learn, which will undoubtedly counterbalance your current lack of experience.
2. Look for a "suitable" job...
Don't dream, don't expect to get the moon, be realistic, practical, down-to-earth, Cartesian, in harmony with the current realities of the field: many Junior applications are rejected because they are disconnected from the realities of today's business world. Reconsider your expectations, which are too high, based on a professional market that disappeared in the 70s! For example, there's no point in hoping for a company car, a bonus and a professional phone... Revise your student dreams, adapt your expectations and show wisdom and patience. Look further, higher than the tip of your nose and take the time to draw your plans for the future, for your career, without rushing and wanting to reach your final destination immediately.
If your search proves really difficult, consider looking at entry-level jobs, which may correspond less to your ambitions but which can subsequently constitute the useful springboard for your career. Look at traineeships and other training courses and offer your services in the form of an internship. Indeed, many companies will be interested in seeing a good element perform a full function with a remuneration that is not maximal.
Think about asking for recommendations at the end of your internship.
3. Believe in yourself to persuade your recruiter...
Certainly, there is the eternal and famous problem of the snake biting its tail: you don't have much experience and that's often why you don't get the job! And with the economic crisis raging, offers are becoming even scarcer...
But remember that, during interviews, you still have the possibility of convincing the recruiter of your enthusiasm, your good will and your determination, because, when it comes to companies, it remains true that the personality and individual qualities of young graduates largely outweigh technical skills.
Let's quickly recall the key points for a young candidate wishing to succeed in their recruitment:
- Presentation during recruitment interviews,
- Detailed explanations of motivations
- Writing a good CV and a suitable cover letter
- Ease of speaking during the interview
- Self-confidence that inspires confidence!
In the long term, the most sought-after qualities are, according to recruiters:
- Adaptability,
- Ability to communicate and express oneself with ease and clarity
- Team spirit.
4. Dare to ask...
While it is true that, as a beginner, you do not have a built social network, you still have another network that can help you significantly: your loved ones. Never underestimate the power of a recommendation. Use recommendations on your LinkedIn profile, on your CV and in your cover letter. Dare and don't be afraid to ask or become too pushy. That's how it works. Clearly state that you are looking for work and tell your friends and acquaintances that you need a little help.
5. Be original...
Since everyone is trying to find work by sitting down, clicking on applications, have the good idea of being a little different. Look at and respond, sometimes, to some job offers from the newspaper, a relatively disappearing medium according to the new generation, and go to as many events and job fairs as possible to meet recruiters directly. This contact can make all the difference.
The ReKrute.com Team
It's up to you to make the difference!
1. You still have experience...
Whatever you may think, you do have some experience: consider including your previous internships and summer jobs in your CV. As insignificant as it may seem, it's not nothing, it's not in vain. On the contrary, it shows your willingness and highlights a certain knowledge of the field. However, absolutely avoid endless, rambling lists that would only annoy your recruiter. Define, target, delimit, write! Limit yourself to experiences relevant to the specific position you are applying for.
Also, in your cover letter, elegantly mention that you are enthusiastic, curious and eager to learn, which will undoubtedly counterbalance your current lack of experience.
2. Look for a "suitable" job...
Don't dream, don't expect to get the moon, be realistic, practical, down-to-earth, Cartesian, in harmony with the current realities of the field: many Junior applications are rejected because they are disconnected from the realities of today's business world. Reconsider your expectations, which are too high, based on a professional market that disappeared in the 70s! For example, there's no point in hoping for a company car, a bonus and a professional phone... Revise your student dreams, adapt your expectations and show wisdom and patience. Look further, higher than the tip of your nose and take the time to draw your plans for the future, for your career, without rushing and wanting to reach your final destination immediately.
If your search proves really difficult, consider looking at entry-level jobs, which may correspond less to your ambitions but which can subsequently constitute the useful springboard for your career. Look at traineeships and other training courses and offer your services in the form of an internship. Indeed, many companies will be interested in seeing a good element perform a full function with a remuneration that is not maximal.
Think about asking for recommendations at the end of your internship.
3. Believe in yourself to persuade your recruiter...
Certainly, there is the eternal and famous problem of the snake biting its tail: you don't have much experience and that's often why you don't get the job! And with the economic crisis raging, offers are becoming even scarcer...
But remember that, during interviews, you still have the possibility of convincing the recruiter of your enthusiasm, your good will and your determination, because, when it comes to companies, it remains true that the personality and individual qualities of young graduates largely outweigh technical skills.
Let's quickly recall the key points for a young candidate wishing to succeed in their recruitment:
- Presentation during recruitment interviews,
- Detailed explanations of motivations
- Writing a good CV and a suitable cover letter
- Ease of speaking during the interview
- Self-confidence that inspires confidence!
In the long term, the most sought-after qualities are, according to recruiters:
- Adaptability,
- Ability to communicate and express oneself with ease and clarity
- Team spirit.
4. Dare to ask...
While it is true that, as a beginner, you do not have a built social network, you still have another network that can help you significantly: your loved ones. Never underestimate the power of a recommendation. Use recommendations on your LinkedIn profile, on your CV and in your cover letter. Dare and don't be afraid to ask or become too pushy. That's how it works. Clearly state that you are looking for work and tell your friends and acquaintances that you need a little help.
5. Be original...
Since everyone is trying to find work by sitting down, clicking on applications, have the good idea of being a little different. Look at and respond, sometimes, to some job offers from the newspaper, a relatively disappearing medium according to the new generation, and go to as many events and job fairs as possible to meet recruiters directly. This contact can make all the difference.
The ReKrute.com Team
