Landing Your First Job: What Every Graduate Needs to Know (But No One Told You)

A young recent graduate standing on a busy city street holding a rolled-up CV or folder, looking slightly overwhelmed but hopeful.

Graduation is exciting — but let’s be real, it’s also kind of terrifying.

You’ve spent years studying, passed your exams, maybe completed a placement or two... and now you're suddenly expected to know how to get a job?

Yeah. It’s a lot.

At Spotajob, we’ve seen thousands of grads go through the same thing — and we’re here to help you figure it out, without the fluff or fancy buzzwords.

Here’s how to start your graduate job search with clarity and confidence.


1. You’re Not “Unqualified” — You’re Just Unpackaged

One of the most common things we hear from graduates is:

“I don’t have any experience.”

But here’s the truth: you do — you just haven’t learned how to talk about it yet.

✅ Use examples like:

  • Coursework and university projects

  • Part-time jobs or retail work

  • Volunteering, clubs, or sports

  • Running a blog or social media page

  • Group presentations or team projects

These show real skills — communication, time management, leadership — that matter to employers.


2. Don’t Apply to Everything — Apply Smarter

We get it: applying to 200 jobs in one night feels productive.
But that’s not how you land interviews.

✅ Instead, try this:

  • Choose 5–10 jobs that actually interest you

  • Tailor your CV to each one slightly

  • Write a short, real cover letter (yes, it helps)

It takes a bit more time — but the results are 10x better.


3. LinkedIn Isn’t Cringe — It’s a Secret Weapon

You don’t have to turn into a thought leader.
But a strong LinkedIn profile can help recruiters find you — especially for entry-level jobs.

✅ Add a headline like:

“Recent English grad looking for entry-level roles in publishing, marketing, or research.”

✅ List your key skills (Excel, Canva, teamwork, public speaking).
✅ And don’t be afraid to message recruiters — many are actively looking for grads.


4. Your First Job Won’t Define You (Promise)

It’s easy to feel pressure to land your “dream job” right away. But the truth?

Most people change jobs — and even industries — in their first few years.

✅ Focus on getting experience, building confidence, and learning what you don’t like.
That’s just as valuable as finding what you do.


Final Thought

There’s no manual for how to get your first job after university.
Everyone's winging it a little — and that’s okay.

Start small. Keep learning.
And remember: the job market wants you — you just need to show them what you’ve got.


👉 Spotajob was built for grads and first-time job seekers.
Browse real, relevant jobs, with no spam and no black holes.

🔍 Start your job search today and find your first role — faster.