Make a plan – get a job
With
study period five well underway, final year students are starting to think
seriously about finding the perfect graduate job.
Unless you are one of the lucky few who have already secured a graduate position, UniSA manager Career
Services, Ann Lee advises that it’s time to develop a targeted job search strategy.
"If your strategy involves browsing Seek and CareerOne every once in a while, or
flipping through the weekend newspapers, think again," Lee said.
"Your chances of finding a job that you really want will increase if you develop a plan of action that involves a more targeted approach to job seeking.
"You need to get yourself organised – until you actually accept a position, think of your job seeking activity as your job. Set aside specific times each week to research potential employers, write job applications, and undertake networking activities."
She said it was important to target both the visible and hidden job markets.
"Professional recruiters
estimate that between 60 and 80 per cent of positions are never advertised," Lee said. The best way to access this hidden job market is through networking. This might be as simple as letting your friends and family know that you’re interested in working in a particular industry, or it might involve joining a professional association or industry group."
The visible job market includes the 20 to 40 per cent of jobs that are advertised on the internet, in print media and through recruitment agencies. Lee’s advice is to start with
internet sites, including preferred employers, industry specific and government sites and UniSA’s MyCareerPlan. Another tip is to scour industry specific newspapers or journals and recruitment companies.
"A well researched job search strategy will provide you with the best opportunity of finding a job you love," Lee said.
Career Services holds lunchtime workshops on every campus covering a range of topics, including job seeking. Check out the MyCareerPlan part of the Careers website at https://mycareerplan.unisa.edu.au to find out more.