When it comes to searching for a job, it’s best not to rely solely on one approach. Using a range of strategies will maximise your chances of bagging the job that you want. Here are our top tips for successfully managing your job search process:
- The Careers Network organises and hosts hundreds of employer events and recruitment fairs on campus. These events are an excellent opportunity for you to meet potential employers.
- Login to (opens in a new window)MyCareer for a full listing of upcoming recruitment events, and watch the '(opens in a new window)College to Career: Recruitment Fairs' video to help you prepare.
- If you are a graduate research student be sure to keep on your UCD email for regular emails from the Careers Network highlighting employment opportunities that might be of interest.
- LinkedIn can be a useful job search tool. Set up a profile and use the alumni search function to find out where graduates of your programme are working now.
- Build your network of people who may be able to help you identify opportunities and support you in your job search. Watch our “(opens in a new window)5 Minutes on Networking” video to find out how!
- Become familiar with the top job search websites. You will find a range of high-quality graduate and internship opportunities advertised on (opens in a new window)MyCareer(opens in a new window) and (opens in a new window)gradireland.com.
- Bear in mind that there may be specific job sites for certain industries/skill areas; for example for social care/psychology/volunteer positions, the (opens in a new window)Activelink website is a good resource, while the (opens in a new window)Engineers Ireland Jobs Desk is useful for engineering roles. If you are a graduate research student you should also check out (opens in a new window)University Vacancies, (opens in a new window)Jobs.ac.uk and (opens in a new window)Euraxess.
- Sometimes it can be worth sending your CV and a cover letter to a company even if no specific job position is advertised. This is called a ‘speculative application’. gradireland has (opens in a new window)advice on how to go about writing speculative applications.