How to network to get a graduate job

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One of the questions I get asked a lot is “how do I get a graduate job?” I’d always suggest that people push themselves and go along to a graduate careers day. Most of the large graduate employers have stands. They put their recruiters and the shiny new graduates of their graduate programs in front of their stands and set the talk button.

I mistakenly thought you could use these fairs for research purposes to get the low down on the company and what to expect from the graduate program.

But there’s more to it than that.

These things can also be major networking events, it seems. For this knowledge I thank two people – Naishadh and Susan.

Let’s start with Susan.  As a mature age graduate she knew that she would struggle on paper to compete with younger graduates who would seem to be a much better “cultural fit.” She knew she needed to get her face in front of people to have a chance to tell her story.

Susan’s aim was to get on the graduate recruiters’ “list”.  She cracked a few jokes, chatted people up, and asked a lot of interested questions. Then she told them her story. She dressed like she was already working at the company. The recruiters lapped it up, and wrote her name down.

The reason they wrote her name down is because they receive hundreds of online applications from people who sound the same on paper. They were looking for other ways to help them make a decision. The “list” told them whom they should look out for amongst the flood, that is who’d made the right personal impression on the day.

For some great tips on how to get on the list visit my friend Naishadh at www.resumesolutions.com.au. He’s written a great little e-book on how to make the most out of careers expos. You can read it here.

K B

Karalyn is the Founder of InterviewIQ and chief champion for all her clients. Get personal coaching to make 2023 your most successful year yet. Check out our job search booster services here>>Give me smarter ways to find a job .

Tagged as: graduate tips, secrets from recruitment consultants