Seeking a new job

Whether you're seeking your first role, or your fifth, job-hunts can be an exciting but challenging process.

Check out our top tips, and learn more about support available to job-seekers.

Securing my first graduate job

Securing your first graduate role can feel tricky at times, so here are some tips to help you navigate the job market and land your dream job:

Define your goals
Clarify what type of role you want and which job sectors interest you the most.
Tailor your applications
Tailor your CV and cover letter to each role to show how your skills align with the specific job requirements. Refer to internships, part-time jobs, or volunteering to highlight relevant experience, skills, and achievements. Remember, you can upload your CV to CareerSet (our AI tool) for instant CV feedback. You can even upload the job description of the role you’re applying for, for feedback on how well you’ve tailored your CV. Remember: you’ll need to register for an alumni email, if you haven’t already, to keep accessing all our resources.
Network, network, network
Networking can open doors to opportunities. Connect with employers on Handshake, attend industry events, reach out to York alumni on York for Life for advice and insights about your chosen industry.
Practise psychometric tests
Many graduate recruiters use numerical testing as part of their recruitment process. By practising these on AssessmentDay, you’ll feel confident if asked to complete these by an employer.
Upskill
Through York for Life, you can access a wide range of training (via LinkedIn Learning), which could help you to secure your first role.
Prepare for interviews
Research the company thoroughly before interviews, as it's important to show genuine enthusiasm to stand out from other candidates. Be ready to discuss your strengths, weaknesses, and how you can contribute to the organisation. Practise common interview questions on Shortlist.Me (accessible using a York alumni email), and if you need further help then book a careers appointment.
Showcase your soft skills
In addition to technical skills, check whether the job description is asking for soft skills like communication, teamwork, and adaptability. Make sure to provide examples of how you've demonstrated these skills during your degree and work experience.
Seek feedback
If you receive rejection emails or don't make it past an interview, consider reaching out for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve and increase your chances of success next time.
Stay focused and positive
Stay dedicated to your goals, and maintain a positive attitude. Rejection is part of the process, and each experience can teach you valuable lessons. If you’re struggling, book an appointment with us, and we can talk through any feedback you’ve been receiving.

Check out some more of our advice:

After completing a graduate scheme

If there is no permanent outcome within the company, thinking about what comes next can feel daunting. It’s almost like you’re back at the beginning, facing a new set of decisions. However, there are other opportunities available, and this stage offers a valuable chance to reflect on your goals and shape your next move with confidence.

It’s also important to review any contractual obligations tied to your graduate scheme. Some programmes require you to remain with the organisation as a permanent employee for a specified period. Leaving before the agreed term may result in financial penalties, so check the terms of your contract before making any decisions; reach out to your management team and HR to clarify any questions about this.

Staying with your current employer - Secure a permanent position within the company if allocated, or apply for another position that may be advertised internally, even if it is an entry level position too. Staying within a company that you are happy with can be a good move.

Fast Track Leadership Training Programmes - Fast-track leadership training programmes for graduates,often initiated immediately upon finishing a standard 1–2 year graduate scheme are designed to accelerate high-potential talent into management and strategic roles within 3–5 years. These programmes typically feature structured mentoring, rotational placements, and high-impact projects.

Some examples:

Graduate entry-level jobs - These are advertised in a variety of places, including general and specialist job sites, and recruitment agencies. For suggested vacancy sources, see the Job sectors and Graduate jobs pages. There are additional job hunting tips in the Early career job seeking section on this page.

Search for employment in different industries - The cross-functional exposure gained during most graduate schemes equips you to adapt to different industries. Moving into a new sector can broaden your experience, strengthen your profile, and open doors to career paths you may not have previously considered.

Part-time work - If your circumstances allow after your graduate scheme, part-time work can be a valuable stepping stone. It enables you to explore areas of interest without committing to a full-time role, while still gaining relevant experience prior to committing to entry in that field.

Part-time positions can also help you enter competitive industries, build key skills, and strengthen your CV in a saturated market. In some cases, they may lead to full-time opportunities in the future or may put you in good stead should another role arise in the company arise.

Also, part-time work can complement further study, allowing you to gain practical experience alongside your course and enhance your employability in your chosen field.

Further Study and Specialised Training - You may consider further study/ or specialised conversion training (postgraduate, vocational or professional qualifications) to enhance your skills, engage with a new area of study, research or change career direction. While it does not guarantee a role at the end, it can develop transferable knowledge and may be required for professional accreditation in specialised areas of work. Completing further study can involve a different variant of routes and training providers, but it is important to research this to ensure that you are completing it through a reputable and recognised provider.

Examples of areas to research for specialised conversion training: teaching, social work, probation officer, law, psychology, counselling, healthcare, journalism, engineering, I.T and technology.

Examples of Professional Skills Development: marketing, business administration, project management, data analytics, HR and accountancy.

Check out further study and Conversion courses.

Skills Bootcamps - These are short, focused training programmes to equip you with industry-specific skills. See the Department for Education for more details.

Internships and volunteering - Good options to gain experience in a new area or deepen your knowledge in a part of your graduate scheme's rotation that you enjoyed. See the Job sector pagesas a starting point.

Freelancing/enterprise - You can use your experience to date by looking at freelance options. Alternatively, if you have a business idea, setting up your own business might be worth exploring. See the Alternative ways of working page.

Early career job-seeking

If you’re in your first or second graduate job, and considering looking for a new role, you are likely to be an early-career seeker (defined by Handshake as someone with less than five years of experience).

Remember, you now have the benefit of having additional experience to show you are qualified for new roles. Make sure to have a thorough think about the skills you’ve gained so you can discuss these in your applications and in interviews.

You will also now have a broader network – this can be beneficial for hearing about opportunities.

Looking for a new role can be a difficult process, so here are some tips to help:

Tailor your applications
Avoid mass-applying for jobs. Tailor each application to the specific company and role you're applying for. Read the job description carefully and highlight how your skills match their needs.
Refine your online presence
Employers often research candidates online. Ensure your social media profiles are professional and present you in a positive light. Update your LinkedIn profile, to showcase the skills and experiences you gained during your time at York and in your previous roles.
Network, network, network
Networking can open doors to opportunities. Reach out to employers on Handshake, attend industry events, and reach out to York alumni on York for Life for advice and insights about your chosen industry.
Use York’s resources
We can help you with CV reviews, interview preparation, and connecting with employers. Check out our new alumni offer York for Life too, where you can find training in a wide range of topics.
Practise interview skills
Prepare thoroughly by researching the company, understanding the role you're applying for, and practising common interview questions on Shortlist.Me. This can help you to gain confidence and improve your communication.
Stay positive and develop a growth mindset
The job search process can be challenging, and rejections are common. Don't be disheartened; instead, learn from each experience and stay focussed.
Seek feedback
If you receive rejection emails or don't make it past an interview, consider reaching out for feedback. Constructive criticism can help you improve and increase your chances of success next time.
Use your experience
Your previous roles can be very beneficial in your job search. For example, you can reflect on your experience and draw out your key achievements, to use in applications and interviews. You’ll also have a range of contacts who may since have joined other organisations and be able to provide some insights.

Check out some more of our advice:

Mid-career job-seeking

Seeking a new role when you already have experience puts you in a great position. You can reflect on your values and the work which energised you, and use this to consider the types of roles you are interested in. You will also have built up a network, which you can use to hear about new roles.

Online presence
Polish your LinkedIn profile to highlight your key experience, skills, and endorsements. Engage by sharing industry insights and networking with relevant connections.
Decide your non-negotiables
Reflect on your previous experience to refine your non-negotiables – such as work culture, flexibility, location, or growth opportunities. Use this to narrow down your job search, focussing on companies that align with your values and career aspirations.
Target strong matches
Focus on opportunities which align with your skills and interests - where you can contribute significantly and continue to learn and grow. If you are looking to make a career change, read our tips on changing direction.
Upskill with York for Life
Check out York for Life for access to Linkedin Learning, and equip yourself with new skills to help you stand out.
Meet recruiters
Reach out to recruiters, such as REC, Hays and Michael Page. They can provide insights, offer job opportunities, and help you to tailor your application for specific roles.
Grow your network
Attend industry events, workshops, and webinars to expand your network. Networking can open doors to hidden job opportunities and provide valuable industry insights.
Be selective on your CV
Tailor your CV to each application, emphasising experiences and skills that align with the job requirements. Be concise and focus on achievements which demonstrate your impact in previous roles, and what you could bring to the organisation. Your years of experience bring a wealth of knowledge so make sure to emphasise your most relevant skills and achievements.
Be confident and aim high
Believe in your abilities. Your previous career experience means you can bring a range of skills and in-depth knowledge. Don't shy away from applying for roles that might seem ambitious – you have valuable expertise to offer.
Interview preparation
Practise your interview skills on Shortlist.Me, to ensure you present your experience clearly and confidently. Use the CAR method below, to articulate how you've overcome challenges and made a positive impact.

CAR stands for:

Context - Set the scene: what, where and when.

Actions - What action did you take?

Results - What was the outcome?

Other support available to job seekers

Job-hunting can be a tricky process, and it’s a good idea to reach out for help. As well as booking a Careers appointment with us, here are some other types of support you can benefit from.

Supported Career Planning:

Supported Career Planning provides personalised guidance, helping you to identify your strengths, define your career goals, and develop effective job search strategies.

If you were a UK home student and graduated within the past 12 months, you may be eligible for Supported Career Planning from the University of York (subject to specific eligibility requirements).

“The support felt very personalised; it was always tailored towards achieving my specific goals. Overall ... a wholly positive experience. It has really demystified the job application process for me and given me a blueprint for how to succeed.” (Martha, 2023 Graduate)

Learn more about Supported Career Planning and register your interest.

Graduates West Yorkshire

A graduate development programme available for unemployed or under-employed recent graduates living in West Yorkshire: Graduates West Yorkshire. Please visit the relevant web page to find out more and apply to join the programme.

Professional bodies

Many professional bodies have dedicated job search pages on their websites, where you can find relevant vacancies, networking opportunities, and industry-specific advice. These include the British Medical Association (BMA) for healthcare professionals, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) for engineers, and the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM) for marketing professionals. Most industries have professional bodies - find those within your chosen sector.

Smart Works

Smart Works is a UK-based charity which provides support to unemployed and vulnerable women. They offer interview coaching and workwear to boost the confidence of women seeking employment.

Mental health and wellbeing support:

Mind provides articles and blogs, and shares coping strategies for a range of mental health concerns. They also run helplines and host support groups.

The NHS suggests ‘Five Steps to Mental Wellbeing’ which include: connecting with others, being physically active, learning new skills, giving to others, and paying attention to the present moment (mindfulness). This guide promotes a holistic approach to mental health, with steps to include day-to-day.

Financial support

Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA):

The UK government provides financial support to job seekers, which is designed to provide assistance to those seeking employment.

The amount of Job Seeker’s Allowance you may receive can vary based on your income and employment history.

To apply for JSA, you generally need to provide information about your job search and attend regular appointments at the Jobcentre.

Universal Credit:

Universal Credit combines various forms of support, including housing costs and child-related financial help, into a single payment. It's available to those on low incomes or without a job.

Government policies can change over time, so we recommend visiting the official government website for the most up-to-date information on how to apply, and eligibility requirements.