DEAR AGONY UNCLE
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6 | NewScientist | 22 October 2011
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��Yes, the job market isn’t easy right now
but don’t lose your enthusiasm – there are
few qualities an employer likes more! Most
graduates get jobs within a year or so of
graduating, so the likelihood is you soon will
too. Let’s see what we can do to bring that
outcome a little closer.
First up, you must tailor each of your job
applications properly. Stop applying for
hundreds – you can’t possibly be giving each
one enough attention. For those you do apply
for, make sure the covering letter addresses
the specific job you are applying for. Think
carefully about what skills you can bring from
your degree and from your temp work.
Tell your prospective employer why you
want this particular job with this particular
company. This will show you have actually
read the job spec and have researched the
company. This might seem obvious but you
would be surprised how many people skip
straight to the bit about why they would be
a great employee.
Don’t do what all science graduates do and
go into great detail about your ace data-
handling skills. It is a bit like a Premiership
footballer emphasising how good they are at
playing football and buying fast cars! What
prospective employers often think when they
see a science graduate is: “Can this person
talk to people? Are they creative? Do they
understand business?” So, after you have
mentioned your science skills, use examples
to explain how great you are with people.
Narrow down your criteria. Apply for jobs
that will give you useful experiences and
good contacts. Don’t worry about getting
your perfect job first time – you are young and
have plenty of time to find your dream job.
A few jobs in your first few years in work are
not unusual, so now is the time to try things.
You are one of the most employable people
on the planet – you have a science degree. Get
out there and put it to work!
All the best,
Agony Uncle
To read more from our Agony Uncle, Charlie
Ball from the Higher Education Careers
Services Unit, visit our blog at bit.ly/nlYr1B
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