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How to find a graduate job

We have put together information on this page to help you take control of the graduate job search process, giving you some top tips, relevant resources, and letting you know about the support available. If you’ve already graduated, remember you can use the Careers Service for three years after you finish and we’re open all year round too. Visit our Graduate pages for further information about how to continue to access our services.

Not sure what you want to do?

Without a plan, the graduate jobs market can be bewildering and job-search a bit hit and miss, so it pays to spend a bit of time thinking about your priorities, strengths, values and career interests. You could start with the “Need help deciding” section of our Help by Subject Pages and try out some quizzes such as Prospects planner or Bright Network Career Path Test. You could come and see us in Careers to explore your options. Use our graduate attributes skills assessment tool to find out more about the skills that graduate employers look for, reflect on your strengths and areas for development, and build your skills profile.

Book an appointmentGraduate Attributes toolView current graduate vacancies

Ready to get started?

female student using computer in catalyst

Get clued up

How does the graduate jobs market work and what are the recruitment methods for the sectors that interest you? Prospects Getting a Job gives a good overview and features useful info including grad jobs v grad schemes and practical tips on finding a job.

Use AI searches to find out about companies doing the kind of work that interests you – where are they based and where do they advertise their jobs and when? Bright Network’s Guide to using AI in Job-search is worth a quick read. Our Help By Subject Pages have info and resources tailored to your course area. Target Jobs is a helpful site too and gives info about applying to different sectors.

What is a graduate scheme versus a graduate job?
What is a graduate job? What actually is a graduate scheme and how many students get onto them?
Where are graduate vacancies advertised?
Find relevant job websites
How can I find a job in the North West?
Local job information and relevant vacancy sites
How can I find out more about working abroad?
Websites to help
How can recruitment agencies help me?
How they work, where to find them
How do I know if this job is the right level for me?
How to assess if it’s worth applying
I don’t have any relevant experience can I still get a job?
What are employers looking for?
How can I talk to employers about my disability?
Finding a job if you have a disability

How can I proactively find opportunities?

The “hidden” jobs market

Only applying for advertised vacancies can be quite limiting – anything that gets as far as an advert is going to have strong competition, and it can be frustrating waiting on replies. Some industries hardly need to advertise entry positions and you may find few suitable vacancies online.

If you know what you want to do, being proactive, building your contacts and networking can help you tap into the “hidden jobs market” and significantly increase your chances of finding a position. Organisations are often very impressed with students and graduates who approach them directly and show initiative in the job hunting process. Social media can be really helpful in finding out about opportunities and events.  

Student using computer
Make use of Linkedin
Optimise your Linkedin profile, find opportunities, research Edge Hill alumni
Go along to events
Networking: Find out about opportunities to meet employers – online and in person
Research and apply to companies speculatively
Applying to companies that aren’t advertising a vacancy – being proactive
Interested in starting your own business?
Have a look at the resources we have available to help you

How can I stand out to employers?

interior of Catalyst showing three students using the library facilities.

Boost your CV

Activities demonstrating your motivation for your chosen career area can really help. There are lots of free online course and experience platforms that can elevate your CV. Use the suggestions below to consider how you can add to yours. Also look at our Developing your Skills and Experience pages for more ideas.

In a competitive job market, it’s important to submit enough applications, and to make sure that they are top quality – targeted, relevant and well written. See our Making Applications pages for info.

Get immediate CV feedback from our Careerset program, then get your CV/application forms checked by an adviser – upload them to our Ask a Question e-guidance service. Practise your interview technique with a mock interview appointment. On the Careers portal appointments section select the Mock interview with a Careers adviser option (available to recent graduates too).

CV reviewAsk a QuestionBook a mock interview
Take free online courses
Explore the range of free courses you can access to demonstrate motivation, gain skills and increase knowledge
Explore free virtual experience opportunities
Find out about different career areas, and specific companies and demonstrate your interest
Practise the psychometric tests used by graduate employers
Graduates First program – Learn what tests to expect and improve your scores