9 Steps to Land Your Dream Job Right Out of University

University is not only a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but it is an investment that can help you build a steady path towards your future. While there may be some obstacles that try to get in your way after you graduate, it will all be worth it if you can land your dream job and take your career even further.

Even though entering the real world may be scary at first, there are plenty of opportunities waiting for you when you put yourself out there. By networking, building connections, actively learning about your field of expertise, showcasing your skills, creating a seamless resume, and setting goals constantly- you will be able to take the proper steps towards landing your dream job after you graduate.

Don’t settle for less, especially if you want to see your dreams become a reality. Instead, set goals that you can reach and keep working towards them until you succeed, doing whatever it takes to land your dream job and flourish as you grow in your field.

Step 1: Look for Job Sites Curated for Graduates

Recruiters can be found all over job sites, especially if they are geared towards college grads. While this may seem intimidating at first, remember that you have to start somewhere. With opportunities awaiting you on these sites, you can land an entry-level position, continue to move up in your career, eventually reaching your goals successfully.

Step 2: Create a Contact List

To keep track of the connections you’ve made throughout your professional career, it is always a good idea to create and keep a contact list of those you meet along the way. By simply getting their name, number, email, and even their social media, you can keep in touch with people you’ve met in your field, sharing progress reports and success stories.

You never know when these contacts may come in handy, with a job opening or career opportunity that will be a crucial step towards seeing your dreams come true.

Step 3: Showcase Your Skills and Interests

Whether in resumes or online profiles, it is always important to show off your professional skills and interests in your area of expertise. Oftentimes, employers are looking for an employee with reputable hard and soft skills, so be sure to include a combination of both.

By showing potential employers that you have a surplus of skills that you can bring to the workplace, it will be easier to let yourself shine and land a job doing what you love.

Step 4: Write an Effective, Professional CV

CVs are a powerful tool, summarizing your skills, education, background, job history, and expertise into a document that will help you build a brighter future for yourself.

By using strong keywords, letting your skills shine, and sharing a glimpse into what you can bring to the workplace, you will be able to make sure your application is not only noticed but that you are chosen to come back for an interview.

Step 5: Make the Most of Networking

To reach your goals and obtain your dream job, networking will be essential.

By utilizing social media, different job sites, and keeping in touch with professional contacts who share similar interests, you will be able to make connections and use networking to your advantage. You could even attend conventions, speeches, or demonstrations that relate to your field of study to meet new people and see what kinds of opportunities are waiting for you around the corner.

Step 6: Continue Your Studies

Even after you graduate, it is always a good idea to continue studying current events, new information, or interesting stories that relate to your field of expertise. While this may not seem necessary at first, it can make all the difference, especially during an interview. If you can draw in potential employers with your extended knowledge, there's no limit to what you can accomplish after being hired.

Keep in mind, the more knowledge you have, the better off you will be when building your career.

Step 7: Practice Makes Perfect

While the interviewing process can be intimidating and overwhelming at first, it is always in your best interest to practice before an interview, preparing yourself for any kind of question that may come up.

Try finding answers to loaded questions, practice answering questions about yourself, and think of some inquisitive, informative questions to ask towards the end of your interview. You could even search online for questions specific to the company or field you’re going into, making it easier to practice and prepare ahead of time for your interview.

Be confident in yourself and what you’re capable of, letting that shine through during the interview process.

Step 8: Always Follow Up

After you’ve landed an interview and given it your all, it is always a good idea to follow up with the employer. Give a little bit of time after the interview for a decision to be made, then get in touch at the appropriate time to see if a decision has been made regarding the position you were going for.

By following up and checking with an employer, you will be able to show interest in the job, making it easier to find the pathway to success that’s to come.

Step 9: Stay True to Yourself and Your Dreams

No matter how badly you may need or want a job, you must stay true to yourself and the career you want to pursue. Always make sure you are doing the right thing for yourself, by putting yourself first.

Don’t settle for less than you deserve, instead, be patient and trust that in the right timing everything will fall into place to help you land your dream career right out of school.

Landing Your Dream Job

No matter where you are in life, it is never too late to build a career that not only makes you proud of your job role, but the future you’re building for yourself.

If you want to land your dream job right out of University, it will require more than a proper education. It will take the right skills, networking tools, connections, a professional resume, and a standout interview to help you get a leg up in your field.

By taking these 9 steps towards landing your dream job, there’s no reason you won’t be able to create a fruitful future doing what you love and enjoy.

Find your dream job with The UK Careers Fair. We are the leading provider of physical and virtual recruitment events in the United Kingdom. Book a ticket today!