New graduate: How to get started with your job search

Your first job is a starting point

When you graduate, you will probably experience a mix of emotions.

Excitement. Happiness. Nervousness. Relief. And perhaps a little worry.

The big question is: What happens next?

Perhaps you already know exactly what kind of job you want. Perhaps you have no idea. Both are completely normal.

Your first job does not have to determine the rest of your career. Think of it as a starting point. It is an opportunity to gain experience, develop new skills and discover what you enjoy.

It can therefore be useful to keep an open mind in your job search. Consider temporary positions, project-based roles and jobs related to your preferred field. A position does not have to be your dream job to be a good first step.

Start with your interests

You do not need a complete career plan before you start applying for jobs. Instead, explore the tasks, professional areas and working environments that interest you.

Perhaps a student job has inspired you to pursue a particular field. Maybe you especially enjoyed certain subjects during your studies. Or perhaps you mostly know what you do not want to do.

All of this can help you find your direction.

For example, ask yourself:

• Which tasks give me energy?

• Which professional areas am I curious about?

• Which skills would I like to develop?

• What type of workplace could I see myself in?

You do not need to find one definitive answer. Use the questions to identify opportunities you would like to explore further.

Show your potential

As a new graduate, you naturally do not have years of professional experience on your CV. So do not focus only on what you can already do. Show what you can contribute and how you can develop.

Highlight your motivation, willingness to learn and ability to work with others. Be as specific as possible.

Use examples from your studies, thesis, internship or student job. You can also draw on voluntary work and other activities if they demonstrate relevant skills and experience.

Instead of simply saying that you work well with others or learn quickly, demonstrate it with a specific example. What did you do? What did you learn? And how can you use that experience in the job?

You may not have done the job before, but you can still show the employer why you have the potential to succeed.

Your job search can take time

Finding your first job can take time. Competition for positions can be tough, and one rejection – or ten – can make it difficult to stay motivated.

Try to remember that a rejection does not tell the full story about your professional abilities or opportunities.

Instead, create a routine for your job search. Set aside time to find relevant positions, write applications, work on your network and research companies.

Ask for feedback when possible. Adjust your approach along the way if you are not getting the response you hoped for.

And remember to take time off.

Looking for a job takes energy, and you do not need to be job hunting from morning to night. Structure and breaks can make it easier to keep going, even if finding your first job takes time.

Get support and join a community

You do not have to manage your job search alone.

We can support you with your job search and career. You can book a career consultation with one of our career advisers, who have in-depth knowledge of the Life Science industry.

You can also join one of our job search workshops or career days. Here, you can work on your motivation and skills and get practical tools for your CV and applications.

Our other events are also a good opportunity to meet new graduates in the same situation. You might find someone to share the job search with, including both the successes and the challenges.

For example, you can review each other’s applications, practise job interviews, share relevant job ads or simply talk about how things are going.

A community of other jobseekers can provide structure, feedback and support. It can also make it easier to stay motivated if your job search takes longer than expected.