Job searching

Graduate schemes

Graduate schemes are time limited training programmes, usually between twelve and twenty-six months in length, which give you a thorough grounding in an organisation’s business and specialisms.

• They are highly structured, with rotation across departments and training, possibly with qualifications incorporated.
• Applications would traditionally be completed during your final year of university.
• There is often a competitive and rigorous hiring process.
• Benefits include competitive salaries and a fast track to more senior positions.

Graduate jobs and internships

There are a wide range of graduate level jobs available all year round.

• These tend to be less structured than graduate schemes, with progression and training dictated more by your personal strengths and weaknesses.
• The hiring process is less competitive, but still has various stages of recruitment.
• Wages tend to be less competitive than graduate schemes.

Graduate jobs

Some useful sites for searching for graduate level work are:

• Bright Network
• Gradcracker
• Graduate Jobs
• Graduate Recruitment Bureau
• The Guardian jobs
• Indeed
• LinkedIn
• Milkround
• Prospects
• Postgraduate Study Info Sheet
• Postgraduate Research Info Sheet
• Sanctuary Graduates jobs board     

Graduate internships

Graduate internships are short-term periods of work which usually leads to permanent employment, dependent on performance during this period.

• They are a great opportunity to gain experience in a particular field and to gain transferrable skills.
• Doing an internship can help to ease the transition from study into work.
• They can also provide you with useful contacts for the future.

The following websites will help you get started:

• Bright Network
• Gradcracker
• LinkedIn
• Sanctuary Graduates jobs board 
• TargetJobs
• 10,000 Black Interns

The hidden job market

The 'hidden job market' refers to all the job opportunities that are not advertised on company or recruitment websites. Access this market with:

Networking

• Make sure all your social media channels are consistent, professional and up to date.
• Start connecting/following people and companies you admire.
• Look out for events and places where you can meet and network with employers and other jobseekers, such as careers fairs and employer insight events.
• Discuss job postings at organisations where your friends or acquaintances are currently employed.

Speculative applications

Proactively approach an employer to seek opportunities that may not be advertised.

• This can be extremely powerful and shows passion and enthusiasm.
• Fully tailor your letter to the organisation- do your research.
• Approach it as if you were responding to a job ad, take it seriously.
• Be reasonable and respectful and not too pushy.

Other sources

• Check out CareerHub for up-to-date job vacancies
• Wider job platforms such as CV Library     

Top tips

• Build skills while you wait – look to upskilling whilst waiting for those employer responses.
• Let the computer do the work for you – sign up to receive job alerts to be sent directly to you – Six tips on how to set up job alerts.
• Be persistent but be patient!
• Tailor your CV and cover letter to every single position you apply for.

Further support

For more information, advice, and support with job searching, email careersinfo@essex.ac.uk or visit careerhub.essex.ac.uk to book an event or 1–1 appointment,