The Ultimate Guide to Working After Your Graduation
Congratulations, Graduate! Now What? Your Essential Guide to Landing That First Job
Graduating from university is a massive achievement. After years of lectures, assignments, and exams, you finally have your degree. But as exciting as this milestone is, stepping into the job market can feel daunting. At Prestige Recruitment Group, we work closely with new graduates like you every day to help navigate this important transition.
This guide is packed with practical advice to boost your confidence and set you on the right path.
Mental Health Matters
Your mindset is your foundation. Graduation can bring both relief and uncertainty—so taking care of your mental health is crucial.
If you’re struggling, reach out to professionals like Mind or the NHS Mental Health Services.
For a motivational boost, check out our podcasts with Sandra Marston, a qualified counsellor and life coach. We cover everything from sleep to breathing techniques.
🎧 Listen: Regaining Your Mojo with Motivation.
Sharpen Your Job Search Strategy
Be Selective, Not Scattergun
Instead of applying to every job you see, focus on roles that align with your strengths, interests, and values.
Reflect: What roles energise you? What skills do you enjoy using?
Research: What companies align with your values or interests?
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter
Generic applications don’t work anymore. Each CV and cover letter should:
Match keywords from the job description
Highlight measurable achievements
Reflect enthusiasm and culture-fit
🔗 Check out our CV writing guide here
Master the Modern Interview
With virtual interviews now the norm, you need to be prepared for all formats.
Video Interviews: Dress professionally, check your lighting and background, and make eye contact with the camera.
In-person Interviews: Research the company, prep answers using the STAR method, and prepare thoughtful questions.
Craft Your Story
Every role you’ve had, blog you’ve written, or society you’ve joined is part of your unique career narrative.
No experience? Start a blog or share industry insights on LinkedIn.
Link part-time jobs or volunteering to transferable skills (e.g., teamwork, time management).
Your story should make it obvious why you’re a great fit.
Build Your Network (Yes, Even Now!)
Like joining societies at uni, networking is about creating opportunities.
Attend virtual or in-person networking events in your industry.
Engage with professionals and companies on LinkedIn.
📘 Get started with our LinkedIn Networking Guide
Digital Awareness Is a Must
Every company values a digitally aware graduate.
Familiarise yourself with tools like Slack, Trello, Notion, Zoom.
Understand the basics of social media marketing and online branding.
Clean Up Your Digital Footprint
According to recent studies, over 36% of employers have rejected candidates because of what they found online.
Google yourself
Set profiles to private or professional
Remove inappropriate content
📘 Read our guide on cleaning up your social presence
Core Soft Skills Employers Love
Teamwork: You’ll be working with people of different ages and backgrounds—adaptability is key.
Communication: Be clear, professional, and approachable.
Self-Motivation: Remote and hybrid work is here to stay. Show you can manage your own time.
Willingness to Learn: Employers want to see curiosity and adaptability.
Let Your Personality Shine
Your degree gets your foot in the door, but your personality gets you the job.
Be authentic in interviews
Share your passions and interests where appropriate
Let your unique energy come through
Your First Job Won’t Be Your Last
Don’t stress if your first role doesn’t perfectly align with your degree.
Temporary or part-time roles help build experience
You’ll learn something in every job you take
Each role is a stepping stone to something bigger
The Power Is in Your Hands
Like university, the working world rewards proactivity. Seek feedback, take initiative, and never stop learning.
Remember: you’re not just looking for a job—you’re starting a career.
Final Word: Invest in Yourself
We’ve created a library of blogs and guides specifically to help graduates like you.
📘 Take a day, dive into our resources, and you’ll come out more focused, more confident, and more career-ready.
Good luck—you’ve got this!
From all of us at Prestige Recruitment Group
More Resources
If you want to invest in yourself to get the best results, make sure you look at our other blog posts and articles to help you. Start with these two and you will not go wrong! How to Find a Job and our Ultimate Guide to Getting Your Dream Job! Then we have some great shorter blogs on interview techniques below. Have a look at all these and you will be set for any interview! Remember, 'Luck favours the prepared! We wish you all the luck and success with your future!
The Top 10 Interview Questions You Should ALWAYS Prepare For!
Research You Should Consider Before An Interview
Ultimate Guide to Preparing your CV
How To Completely Nail Your Zoom, Skype or any other Video Conferencing Interview!
What questions should you never ask in an interview?
How to Answer the Question: What are your Strengths?
How to Answer the Question: What motivates you at work?
Finding a New Job? - It's Time To Clean Up Your Social Media Presence
Also, remember if you are attending interviews you may get rejected, do not take this personally! A lot of things in life are a numbers game, meaning the more you get rejected the closer you will come to getting the job. It is simple maths, the more you do the better the chance of success. It is a healthy part of the process so read the article below and don't let rejection slow you down!
10 Top Tips for Coping With Those Soul-Destroying Job Rejections!
