Kickstart Your Graduate Career in 2022

Written by Samantha Oates-Miller, Careers Insights and Graduate Support Assistant at the Careers Service

For many January marks a fresh start, so why not use the motivation of the New Year to kickstart your graduate career?

Whether you have just completed your degree or graduated a while ago, the Careers Service is here for you now and for up to two years after you finish your course. We’ve put together five ways you can boost your employability, refresh your skills, and kickstart your career in 2022.

1. Search for jobs using CareerConnect

If you are looking for a new job in the New Year, CareerConnect is a great place to start. Sign up for vacancy alerts to make sure you don’t miss new opportunities that fit your interests. You can also find more than 200 targeted job search websites by sector on our Graduate Job Search pages. Get in the habit of looking through job alerts regularly so that you have plenty of time to apply for the ones that interest you.

2. Refresh your CV

If you feel that your lack of experience or skills are holding you back, start 2022 by refreshing your CV. Look at job descriptions for roles that interest you and identify any skills or experience you feel are missing. Then go about boosting your skillset! Consider part time work, work shadowing or an online training course.

You can also complete a virtual work experience programme to gain experience in a specific role or sector. Not only will this give you some specific skills related to the role, but also experience and workplace skills that employers want to see.

3. Attend Careers Service events

There is a wide range of events coming up, including fairs, workshops, employer presentations and alumni panels. By attending events, you will be able to network with employers and alumni in sectors that interest you, learn more about different roles and application processes, and gain new skills and insider information that will help you when applying for jobs.

Have a look at the events calendar on CareerConnect to register and use the search function to filter for events relevant to your interests and goals. 

4. Get the support you need

Use our on-demand services to check your CV, cover letter or interview technique, anytime, anywhere. If you are applying for jobs, use CareerSet to score your CV and cover letters, and get tailored suggestions on how to improve before you submit. If you are preparing for interviews, Shortlist.Me is a platform where you can practice virtual interviews, so that you know what to expect and feel less nervous for the real thing. You will also get feedback on your responses to help you improve.

You can also book an application or CV review appointment (unlocked after completing the relevant pathway), to discuss your application, CV or cover letter and get tailored feedback, or sign up for an interview simulation to practice answering questions with one of our Career Consultants posing as the interviewer.

5. Stay connected

If you have a concern or question about your career, get in touch via the Queries button on CareerConnect or join one of our drop-in sessions (register on CareerConnect) to get your questions answered.

If you have a longer question, or are feeling uncertain or confused about your career options, you can also talk to a Careers Consultant, by booking a careers guidance appointment via CareerConnect. You can use this appointment to discuss your career options moving forwards, and get support and advice for possible next steps you can take.

Don’t forget to have a look at our graduate careers pages, for more resources, stories from other graduates and advice on entering the workplace.