3 Key Ingredients for Graduate Job Search Success

By Katie

About Me 

A selfie of Katie in her role as an ECA! 🤳

 I’m Katie, an Employability & Careers Adviser at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) and an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA). With a background in international recruitment, talent acquisition, and HR, I support students and graduates; whether they’re entering the job market for the first time or changing careers. Helping people unlock their potential and thrive is what motivates me every day. 

3 Key Ingredients for Graduate Job Search Success 

A degree is a great foundation but as many students know, in today’s job market, it’s not the only thing employers look for – they want to see a well-rounded candidate profile with practical experiences that complement relevant academic qualifications. Building your employability through skills, networks, and a strong personal brand is key. The good news is that students have powerful tools at your fingertips. Let’s explore 3 key ingredients for job search success: mentorship, LinkedIn, and your CV. 

1. Mentorship: Guidance That Makes a Difference 

Mentorship isn’t just about getting advice or answers from someone in the know. It’s about building a relationship that helps you to grow. Typically, a mentor is someone with more experience who can offer guidance, share insights, and support your development. Whether you’re looking to improve a specific skill (like public speaking) or understand a particular industry (like banking), a mentor can help you find your direction. 

At ARU, we offer a structured mentoring programme that connects students with professionals who have been where you are. They can help you set goals, prepare for the workplace, and build confidence. Many universities offer similar schemes or will be able to recommend some, so check with your careers team or student services to see what’s available at your university. 

Top Tip: Don’t wait until your final year to find a mentor. Starting early gives you more time to build a meaningful connection and benefit from their experience. 

2. LinkedIn: Your Professional Online Presence 

Your online presence matters, and LinkedIn is the place to start. A strong profile can help you find internships, graduate roles, and connect with people in your field. Some employers even recruit exclusively through LinkedIn, so it’s worth investing time in your profile. 

At ARU, we run regular LinkedIn workshops to help our students feel confident using the platform. Many universities offer similar support, so reach out to your careers team to see what’s on offer. 

To get started with your LinkedIn profile, create a clear headline and summary that reflect your goals. Use a professional photo, list your education and experience, and highlight your skills. LinkedIn is more than just a digital CV. It’s a networking tool. Follow companies, connect with alumni and professionals, and engage with posts in your area of interest. 

Top Tip: Share your achievements. Post about projects, comment on industry news, and show your enthusiasm. It’s a great way to build your visibility and credibility. 

3. Your CV: Make It Work for You 

Your CV is your personal marketing tool. It should be clear, focused, and tailored to each job you apply for. Start with a short personal profile, include your university studies, highlight your key skills, and list your experience in reverse chronological order. 

A great CV does more than record what you’ve done. It shows the impact you’ve made. Think about what you achieved in part-time jobs, volunteering, or university projects. Use action words and, where possible, include numbers or statistics to show results. 

At ARU, we offer online resources, workshops, and one-to-one appointments to help our students build strong CVs. Your university likely offers similar support, so find out what help is available and make the most of it. 

Top Tip: Keep your CV to two pages, proofread carefully, and use a clean, simple layout. Avoid fancy fonts or cluttered designs, as they can distract from your message.  

Bringing It All Together 

Employability is not built overnight. It’s a journey of learning, reflection, and connection. By finding a mentor, building a strong LinkedIn profile, and creating a standout CV, you are setting yourself up for long-term success. 

At ARU, we’re here to support our students every step of the way. Whether you’re exploring your options or ready to apply for roles; remember that your university’s student services are there to support you too – so take advantage of all the help provided! 

Katie Johnson, Employability & Careers Adviser at ARU