Top 5 Graduate Job Search Tips for 2025 (That Actually Work)
Graduates attending an exciting lecture on Graduate Job Search :)
Just graduating in 2025? How are you feeling? Can’t wait? All those essays - yay to those ending at last. Or maybe you’re a bit nervous - real life is going to start. God forbid, you may even need to start paying rent to the parentals, if you return to base camp this summer.
So for most, after 3 years on bread, butter and beer, it marks the start of the challenging journey into a competitive job market. With so many graduate applicants and limited entry-level roles, starting out a newbie graduate is naturally going to feel pretty overwhelming. But don’t worry, with the right strategies, you can and will find a job that launches your career and helps you head back to living independently (and deciding when you want to get up at the weekend, thanks mum).
Here are five practical tips to help you land your first graduate job
1. Start Early, Be Proactive
Get going now! Just handed in that epic dissertation and finished exams? Great - enjoy a few nights out celebrating, but then crack on! Can you spot which employers still have graduate recruitment scheme and summer internship opportunities? And which SME’s local to your home town might be recruiting grads in the summer or for September? How to find these gems?
· Set up alerts for internships and graduate roles on graduate sites and top job boards. These reduce hours of scrolling and enable you to jump on new jobs first: https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/ https://www.ratemyplacement.co.uk/search-jobs/internship https://www.indeed.co.uk https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/ https://targetjobs.co.uk
· Use Indeed articles on how to update your CV/LinkedIn - get your self marketing tools ready.
· Seek out bigger city Job Fairs and Business Expos to attend - with your CV saved as a QR code.
2. Tailor Every Application
You will know by now that generic CVs and cover letters won’t get you far. And AI created CV and cover letters will be spotted a mile off. So what do you do? You go old school and put in the work. Employers want to see you’ve taken the time to understand the role, the company, the sector and why you’re a good fit. So apply for fewer, but better. When you see an interesting role do the following:
· Mirror keywords, tasks and skills from the job description in your CV where possible.
· Research each company’s values, goals and CSR (Google it!) & tailor your cover letter accordingly. Make sure you talk about THEM and not just YOU.
· Ensure to use the vocabulary for that industry across your cover letter and CV - show you are starting to learn about the sector and standard processes/software.
3. Use Graduate Recruitment Agencies
Graduate agencies sometimes provide coaching and CV help to graduates. And all will have insider knowledge of what their client employers are really looking for. So just relying on your own energy and output doesn’t make sense. Reach out, be polite & if you can, be memorable in some way - phone in each week for example. Stand out!
Top agencies & websites to check out:
· Graduate Recruitment Bureau (GRB): https://www.grb.uk.com/
· Milkround: https://www.milkround.com/
· Prospects.ac.uk: https://www.prospects.ac.uk/
· Give A Grad A Go: https://www.giveagradago.com/
· Bright Network: https://www.brightnetwork.co.uk/
4. Network (Yes, it will feel awkward to start with.)
Networking isn’t just for seasoned professionals—it’s one of the most effective ways for graduates to uncover opportunities. Find the professional body for sectors of interest. Do they have any free webinars or in person conferences coming up?
Find out what an Elevator Pitch is and have one prepared for informal moments when you are explaining to family, friends, employers what you are looking for and why.
Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry.
Reach out to alumni from your university working in your ideal sectors.
Attend virtual or in-person events, webinars, and alumni career meetups.
Find out what an Elevator Pitch is and have one prepared for informal moments when you are explaining to family, friends, employers what you are looking for and why.
5. Stay Organised and Resilient
Job hunting is tough and rejection is part of the process. Keep track of applications, follow up when needed, and maintain a daily routine including exercise each day to stay motivated.
· Use a spreadsheet to track roles, deadlines and outcomes.
· Set weekly goals (e.g., apply to 5 jobs this week, attend 1 webinar. Also exercise daily.
· Ask for feedback from interviews or applications- they may or may not oblige, but ask.
Final Thoughts
Your first job doesn’t have to be your dream job—it’s a stepping stone. Focus on gaining experience, building skills, and growing your network. With persistence and a smart strategy, you’ll find the right opportunity to kick-start your career.
Good luck, you’ve got this! If you need help with any of the above steps just get in touch - melanie@mycareerstutor.co.uk and we can get you into a grad job together.
