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.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1197" data-end="1253">1. You’re Not “Unqualified” — You’re Just Unpackaged</h3>One of the most common things we hear from graduates is:<blockquote data-start="1314" data-end="1346">“I don’t have any experience.”</blockquote>But here’s the truth: you do — you just haven’t learned how to talk about it yet.✅ Use examples like:<ul data-start="1456" data-end="1644"><li class="" data-start="1456" data-end="1494">Coursework and university projects</li><li class="" data-start="1495" data-end="1528">Part-time jobs or retail work</li><li class="" data-start="1529" data-end="1563">Volunteering, clubs, or sports</li><li class="" data-start="1564" data-end="1603">Running a blog or social media page</li><li class="" data-start="1604" data-end="1644">Group presentations or team projects</li></ul>These show real skills — communication, time management, leadership — that matter to employers.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="1748" data-end="1796">2. Don’t Apply to Everything — Apply Smarter</h3>We get it: applying to 200 jobs in one night feels productive. But that’s not how you land interviews.✅ Instead, try this:<ul data-start="1925" data-end="2069"><li class="" data-start="1925" data-end="1972">Choose 5–10 jobs that actually interest you</li><li class="" data-start="1973" data-end="2012">Tailor your CV to each one slightly</li><li class="" data-start="2013" data-end="2069">Write a short, real cover letter (yes, it helps)</li></ul>It takes a bit more time — but the results are 10x better.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2136" data-end="2187">3. LinkedIn Isn’t Cringe — It’s a Secret Weapon</h3>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:<blockquote data-start="2365" data-end="2457">“Recent English grad looking for entry-level roles in publishing, marketing, or research.”</blockquote>✅ List your key skills (Excel, Canva, teamwork, public speaking). ✅ And don’t be afraid to message recruiters — many are actively looking for grads.<hr><h3 class="" data-start="2620" data-end="2668">4. Your First Job Won’t Define You (Promise)</h3>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.<hr><h2 class="" data-start="2973" data-end="2989">Final Thought</h2>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.<hr>👉 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Start your career strong! Browse graduate and entry-level job advice, tips for recent graduates, and find your first big opportunity.

Graduate and Entry-Level Jobs

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