Building your resources

As we steam ahead into 2011 some headlines go unchanged... It can be off-putting to hear the bad news, so we are here to share some good!

Whilst you are sifting job sites, writing cover letters and refining your CV it would be wise to consider some of the ways you can build further on the resources you have at hand...

People
Simply put: People, buy from people! Not only do you have to position yourself properly, but you should make use of your contacts to help them position you too.

Have you created a blog recently? Put your CV online? Share it with those people you consider valuable contacts, even if it is your group of mates you spend a Friday night with, your neighbour or your relatives... Get yourself and your CV out there.

Websites/blogs
To help you keep up to date on movements within the job market; keep a log of all the websites you have found most useful, inspiring, motivational over the last few months (we hope this is one of them!). Visit them regularly and get involved in topics and conversations.

Importantly it is wise to engage yourself with your target industry blogs, and websites. Who are the key commentators? What can you add to the conversation? Start connecting!

Companies
Who do you want to work for? Which companies offer a grad scheme (if this is of course what you are looking for)? Is location important to you? Research the company culture, is it what you imagined?

Knowing what your ideals are, and matching them against the reality of the workplace, will enable you to determine whether you would be a good fit in that particular organisation, help target your application more specifically, and stop you potentially wasting time on places and roles that aren't that suited to you... or you to them.

Don't let the competition stand in your way... Whilst job availability is increasing, and David Cameron encourages small and medium sized businesses to open more vacancies, you will still find yourself up against other graduates plus the experience of those who have lost their jobs through redundancy. How do you stand out from the crowd?

By building on these resources you have you give yourself a competitive edge; stay up-to-date on current trends, get creative, share what you know...

For more information on preparing you CV and for an for an interview, contact us for a FREE copy of the GradGuide2010.