Graduate tips: sparing some thoughts for your future career

Act smart and plan ahead!

Most employers undertake what is commonly known as Pre-Employment Screening (PES) on any prospective individuals they are looking to hire be it an experienced professional or a recent graduate. Below are a few "top tips" to consider whilst at university and will be beneficial to you once you embark on the search for employment having just completed your degree.

1. Take note of your personal addresses throughout University

Make sure you know the address of each house or the halls that you lived in whilst away studying, perhaps retaining a bank statement or utility bill from each address. Remember that by the end of university you may have had up to three addresses, and so keeping documents specific to these properties will assist in covering gaps where you were unemployed or seeking work.

2. Be mindful of your online representation and digital footprint

Facebook now shows your first profile picture automatically and you cannot make it private. So, ensure you have a presentable image displayed as employers will sometimes scour social media to examine potential employees. The same goes for your ‘cover photos’ on Facebook, so do not upload anything you would object to any employers viewing.

Additionally, it may be prudent to review your active email address. An address such as  ‘cheekyboi123@hotmail.com’ may be a bit of fun amongst your friends however it probably won’t create a good first impression to your prospective employers. Why not just keep it simple and create an address that just incorporates your name?

3. Maintain your CV

Keeping your CV updated is important and developing it as and when you finish each role will eliminate gaps between dates. This will help to reduce the stress of having to perfect your resume on the eve of the application process and ensures your CV is relevant and streamlined. Be sure to record how long you worked at each place too.

4. Keep a hold of those all important certificates

Keep all, and we mean all, of your certificates from school, college and university handy in a folder so that they are readily available and collated. Some employers may demand that all grades listed on your CV are accounted for so it’s best to have each and every one, ranging from GCSE right up to degree level, on hand. If you have lost or misplaced these documents a new copy can be obtained from the institution you achieved them at initially - just drop them an email or phone call.

5. Arrange a free consultation

Get in touch with one of our trusted graduate consultants today by calling (01534) 875444 or simply email jobs@1strecruit.co.uk and take the first step in your career with support from our expert team.