Biggest Mistakes to Avoid as a Graduate Looking for Work

Make your job hunt easier by recognizing the biggest mistakes to avoid as a graduate looking for work in your chosen field.

Biggest Mistakes to Avoid as a Graduate Looking for Work

Being a graduate is tough. You have just spent many years in education, learning everything you possibly can about a subject. You are likely tired and exhausted, but it is time for you to look for a job and enter the working world. 

Many graduates run into the trouble of having the skills and qualifications, but not the working experience. It can also be hard to find motivation when you are exhausted and burnt out from your studies. This leaves graduates in really difficult positions, leading to stress, overwhelm and isolation. 

This is the last thing you want to experience. Graduating should be an exciting time, filled with joy for the opportunities that lie ahead and the career that you can now finally launch. 

​Unfortunately, many graduates make some mistakes at this stage of their journey, which are unhelpful to their future paths and careers. 

To help you on your journey of being a graduate wanting to enter the working world and launch a career, here are some of the biggest mistakes that you need to avoid. 

Not practising basic self-care

While it might not seem relevant to being a graduate or working, it is one of the most important things missing for graduates. Many graduates make the mistake of burning the midnight oil, cramming for tests, writing job applications and volunteering to gain more skills and experience. While these things are great, they are going to burn you out quickly if you are not taking care of yourself at the same time. Make sure you are taking time to wind down by practising yoga or going for regular walks. Fuel your mind and body with nutritious food, and learn how you can better manage your stress and anxiety. This is key to setting yourself up for success. 

Making generic applications 

The job market is a chaotic one in today’s market. It is, therefore, a huge mistake to just put together a generic CV and send it out to anyone and everyone. Your graduate CV should be tailored to your specific skills, personality and job prospects. Make sure you read the job  profiles that are advertised and adapt your cover letter and CV accordingly. While this will be more work, it will be worthwhile when you get the job you applied for because you stood out from all the other generic CVs they were sent.

Not learning basic skills 

There are many basic skills that you are likely not going to be familiar with as a graduate. When you are a student, you rely heavily on teachers and the academic setting for your timetable, time management and acquiring basic skills. When you leave the academic setting, you no longer have anyone telling or advising you on what you need to be doing. It is therefore important that you take the initiative to learn good time management skills, personal finance management, communication, attention to detail and more. 

Being a graduate is a challenge. To help you, avoid these mistakes so you can launch your career.