Graduating soon? Here are our top tips for entering the workforce

Starting a new job is nerve-wracking for anyone, and the transition from university to your first role can be especially daunting. We caught up with Jen O’Donavon from the Student Careers Service in UOW’s Careers and Employability Team, to get her dos and don’ts when it comes to navigating your next job application.  

Do: Make your resume stand out

“Part of the job searching process is thoroughly reading the job description: what are the key skills and experience qualifications that they're after? I often tell students if you've got five to seven out of their wishlist, go for it, but recognise that some of them are hard nos,” says Jen. 

While recruiters don’t expect graduates to have years of professional experience, showcasing your transferable skills is a great way to highlight what you can bring to the role.  

“An example a lot of students have is experience in retail or hospitality, and the skills that you learn in that - problem solving, customer service, decision making, working in a fast-paced environment - they're transferable. That makes up your emotional intelligence and being able to read the room and connect with people.” 

“Someone who doesn't have a lot of paid work experience, but maybe you've always played sport and made it to the captain of the team or gives back to their club by coaching younger teams, that shows great teamwork, leadership and communication skills. You might be applying for a computer science role and could mention that you really love coding in your spare time. That shows me [as an interviewer] more about you.” 

Don't: Rely blindly on AI

The first pass on a resume is quick and happens within the first 60 seconds of a recruiter scanning your CV, and Jen says it’s crucial to make sure your resume is telling the right story. 

“A lot of people think they can just get AI to write them a great resume and then apply for 50 jobs with it. You should be tailoring your resume to the specific job you’re applying for,” she explains.  

“For example, a job may be looking for really specific technical skills, so it’s important to put them in the order that they are asking for them.” 

“We also know any companies that are using AI to identify key words.You might write that you've got excellent teamwork skills, but the term they're looking for is ‘people who can work in a team’, so make sure you tailor the language.”

Do: Prepare for your interview

Doing a mock interview with family and friends helps reduce interview anxiety.

Interview anxiety is very real, says Jen, and one of the most effective ways to tackle the nerves is with ample preparation. Start simple by researching the company’s website, thinking of what to wear, and knowing where the interview will be and how to get there. 

She also recommends mock interviews with friends or family to help you tackle any curly questions.   

“You don’t need to have your resume fully memorised, but make sure you have examples of the things they are asking for in the description. This is where AI can be really useful - you can put the position description in and ask it to provide you with examples of the types of questions a recruiter may ask,” she says.  

“We always recommend the STAR technique in interviews: situation, task, action and result. Think of a few stories using that technique that encompass you as a person.”

Don't: Talk about money too early

“It’s not great to bring up remuneration right off the bat. It can be disheartening as an interviewer if you ask your applicant if they have any questions and the first thing they ask is whether the salary is negotiable,” says Jen.  

“Most job ads will have a range so you would know when you’re applying that it is something you are interested in. A lot of jobs also require two or three rounds of interviews, so I would suggest asking about salary and flexibility further down the interview process.”

Do: Ask the right questions

Interviewers will almost always ask you what questions you have at the end of your interview, so it’s important to have some ready to show your interest and that you’ve researched. 

“I always tell people to think of an interview as a two-way street. Yes, they're interviewing you, but you need to make sure you've got a good feel for the company and that you are aligned with their values,” Jen says.  

“Think about what you want to know about the role. For graduate roles, I suggest asking how many graduates they are taking. What are the professional development opportunities? How does mentoring work? It’s also good to ask panelists how they see the industry changing, especially now with AI.” 

Do: Utilise UOW's resources

UOW has a range of resources to help graduates navigate their career.

The Careers and Employability Team at UOW provides one-on-one support, mentoring and networking opportunities for students and helps alumni navigate their career path up to two years after graduating. 

Located in Academic Skills Centre in the Wollongong Campus library, the team can provide one-off or ongoing support by helping you with your resume and interview preparation.  

“I really encourage students to get involved with everything at UOW that would really help them on their journey, just from careers, but getting involved in groups and societies. That helps you meet a different set of people and do some networking with industry, and taking on some of those club executive roles can give you a whole heap of skills that employers are looking for,” says Jen.  

“I recommend students try out volunteering, giving back in the community, and to jump on in and try different things. Then you can come and see us and we can help you work out how those skills actually align with what employers are after.”