Finding a graduate job

Finding a graduate job

Key Resources

In this section:

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Where to find graduate vacancies

There are several ways to find a graduate job. In addition to using online vacancy sites and directories, being proactive and taking a speculative approach to job hunting can also be successful. Networking and meeting employers can be a great way to develop your contacts and find out about any 'hidden jobs'.

Online

From Newcastle University Careers Service:

  • Vacancies Online – graduate vacancies, placement opportunities and voluntary roles in the North East, UK and overseas. Log-in to sign up for personalised email alerts.
  • Graduate Apprentices - paid graduate placements with small to medium sized employers in the North East.
  • Exploring Occupations - for sources of vacancies in specific sectors.
  • Working in the North East - sources of local vacancies and employers.

Additional sources:

Speculative applications

You can approach employers directly, even when they aren't advertising a vacancy. Identify employers that you are interested in and send them a tailored CV and covering letter, expressing your enthusiasm for the sector and showing that you have researched the company.

Where possible, identify a contact name to address your covering letter to – telephone to find out who is responsible for recruitment within the organisation or a key contact in the department you want to work in.

It’s useful to follow up a speculative application with a phone call a few days afterwards to show you are serious and motivated.

For more tips on taking a creative approach to job searching, watch Finding the hidden jobs (video).

Finding companies:

  • Search for local organisations in the North East Graduate Directory - a database of North East graduate employers searchable by industry sector.
  • Exploring Occupations includes sources of company information in specific sectors.
  • Researching employers contains sources of company profiles and a list of business directories and databases.
  • Graduate Connections - profiles of graduates working in a range of sectors. You can contact the graduates directly to find out more about their role and the organisation.
  • Pick up free graduate directories from the Careers Service, listing graduate employers in the UK. Prospects, TARGETjobs GET directory and the Times Top 100 are available to take away.
Newspapers and magazines

Newspapers and magazines includes links to regional and national publications. For local vacancies, the Evening Chronicle newspaper includes a jobs supplement every Thursday. You can view a copy of the supplement in the Careers Service.

Recruitment agencies

Recruitment agencies can be a useful source of vacancies, particularly in sectors such as science, IT or engineering. See Recruitment agencies for information and tips on using an agency.  

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Meeting employers

Use every opportunity to meet and network with employers at:

Some professional associations offer membership for students and often hold events, which could provide a chance to meet employers and recent graduates. Exploring Occupations includes links to professional bodies for each sector.

A number of companies use social networking for business purposes, including recruiting. Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter can be useful for researching employers.

Just be careful, however, when using these sites, as employers are increasingly searching the internet before selecting candidates. There have been cases where employers have withdrawn job offers to people who have made inappropriate or negative comments about the company or its staff.

Make sure that whatever you write on a public website is something that you would be happy for a potential recruiter to see. Also see the Gradplus article: Graduate Job hunters urged to watch their internet footprint

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How to apply

The usual methods for applying for graduate jobs are completing an online application form or submitting a CV and covering letter.

It’s essential to tailor your application to the job, so read the job description and person specification carefully and try to show evidence of relevant skills and competences, as well as any specific requirements mentioned by the employer. Examples for this could come from your academic background, previous work experience, extracurricular activities or interests.  

You can find more information on how to write CVs, covering letters and application forms in Making applications. This section also includes example CVs and tips on interview techniques.

You can get feedback on your application by visiting the Careers Service; no appointment needed.

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Graduate salary information

For more information, including how to negotiate a salary with an employer, visit handling job offers.

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Information for international students

For advice on working in the UK after your studies, including a link to the UK Border Agency's register of sponsor companies, visit International students.

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Need more help?

  • Attend one of our lunchtime workshops. Topics include: 'How to find the hidden jobs', 'How to write a CV', and 'How to make winning applications'. For dates and times, see Events.
  • Come and talk to us in the Careers Service.

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