#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1
#1 in the world for sport science2
#1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction3
#1 Victorian uni for graduate employment1
#1 in the world for sport science2
#1 Victorian uni for course satisfaction3
NEXT UP ON this.
You’ve finally reached the end of your degree — congratulations! Now the search for your first grad job begins.
You might feel like a small fish in a large pond competing with your peers as you swim toward your dream role.
In association with DeakinTALENT we break down the best way to get a step ahead when it comes to designing your resume for your first grad job to secure that elusive first role.
A graduate job is an entry-level position that provides experience in a specific area.
The purpose of a grad role is to equip you with the skills and knowledge you need to secure a permanent role within the business or a similar organisation.
Graduate programs are usually advertised in February and March each year, with employers often recruiting up to 12 months in advance. However, graduate jobs can appear anytime throughout the year depending on the needs of the business.
This is why it’s important to prepare your resume for your first grad job prior to the completion of your course.
Applications for your first grad job will often require both a cover letter and a resume. These showcase your abilities and unique skills and help employers determine whether you’re the right fit for the role you’ve applied for.
In a competitive job market, it is essential to nail these steps — especially when you’re a graduate trying to get your foot in the door.
Often, recruiters will receive many resumes for the same position and will spend under ten seconds going through each one. So, it’s crucial to ensure that yours stands out.
Much like the resume you’re preparing for your first grad job, your cover letter should provide the employer with key details (your name, email address and phone number), a snapshot summary of who your professional skillset, and a section on why you believe you’re the perfect fit for the role.
Match your cover letter to the style and format of your resume so that you present a cohesive package to the employer.
For each role you apply for, it’s essential to change the format of the cover letter; it’s important to avoid simply adjusting names and dates. You want the employer to see you’ve invested time into the application for the role, so they know you’re serious about it.
Think of the cover letter as the employer asking you the question, ‘why should we hire you?’
In terms of the structure of the cover letter, be sure to include your contact details at the top of the document. You should then address the letter to the hiring manager, if you have their name.
The first paragraph should note the role you’re applying for. As a graduate, it’s also important to include the degree you’ve just completed. You can then touch on experiences and challenges you’ve faced while studying, and how you’ve overcome these challenges.
The next paragraph can then reference personal qualities that would greatly assist you in the role. This is a way to ‘sell yourself’ to the hiring manager. For instance, you may make note of your excellent written and verbal communication skills, or your ability to respond well in crisis situations.
Finally, you should finish off the cover letter explaining why you want to work with the company and thank them for considering your application.
There are three types of resumes: the master copy, the general copy and the tailored copy.
The master copy is a complete record of everything you’ve done. It will include all your qualifications and professional experience, as well as any relevant extracurricular activities. It is something you can draw upon for each job you apply for.
Next is the general copy. A general resume is a well-organised document that highlights your qualifications and experience. It’s useful for similar roles within the same industry.
Finally, there’s the tailored copy. This is a personalised resume that is specific to the job you’re applying for. Your tailored resume will focus on the skills and qualifications required for the specific job you’re applying for.
It’s a good idea to design all three resumes for your first grad job before you start applying; this way, you’ll be set with everything you need to apply for various roles quickly and efficiently.
It’s critical to tailor your resume to fit the specific requirements listed in the job description.
DeakinTALENT suggests the best way to do this is by being selective about what you include. It’s important to add information that is relevant to the role and removing information that isn’t.
Try to avoid sending the exact same resume to multiple employers. The bones of the document are going to be much the same, but this is where the three-copy approach we mentioned above comes into play — that tailored copy will be essential!
It’s also important to focus on quality over quantity when designing the resume for your first grad jo. Remember, they’re likely mulling over many resumes, so it’s vital to stand out.
If you’re wondering what skills to include for your first grad job resume, we’ve got you covered. These skills could include:
Most employers are looking for these qualities, so it’s important to strengthen these skills as much as possible.
Be sure to include professional references on your resume for your first grad job, even if you don’t have any within the industry yet.
If you’re light on professional experience, you could include an academic or character reference.
An academic reference could be a former teacher, tutor or professor that has worked closely with you during your course.
A character reference might be a family friend, neighbour or someone close to you. A character reference can provide an insight into your personality and mention qualities you can bring to the job.
A great way to start scouting is to utilise websites that promote early career opportunities. GradConnection, Prosple, and the DeakinTALENT job board are excellent resources.
A strong resume and cover letter is the key to getting the whole process rolling.
Don’t be discouraged if you don’t find something straight away; the job market is highly competitive. However, these tips should have you well-placed to secure your first grad job!
