The Iglu Guide | Blog
Work-ready tips every graduate student needs
As your student years draw to a close, it’s time to think about taking that next step. University is great at helping you get the qualifications and experience you need, and opting to live away from home is a perfect stepping stone into independent living. But when the next stage of life approaches and the 9-5 workday looms, your skills will be put to a whole new test. From networking and upskilling, to healthy eating and sleep patterns, here’s everything you will need to know to hit the ground running.
Nailing your perfect job
Now is not the time to be shy. Your resumé needs to sing loudly from the rooftops about everything you have achieved up to this point. Your potential employers want to see well-rounded and multi-dimensional candidates, with plenty to unpack and talk about in an interview situation.
Any extra-curricular activities such as art, drama or music will highlight your creative side and are a good balance to purely academic achievements. Don’t forget to mention any work experience, volunteering or internships you have undertaken. Even if they sit outside your chosen field, it shows you are willing to invest time and energy in making the most of opportunities.
Make sure your tech-skills are up to scratch and take a serious peek at your social media privacy settings. Many employers now use this as an additional tool to dig a little deeper into their candidate selections. Don’t worry if you feel like you’re scratching around for content. Organised a group night out recently? That’s teamwork, networking and innovation right there on a plate.
What are potential employers looking for?
Make sure your resumé clearly demonstrates the traits that you think are important in an employee and will benefit the role. Be sure to include that you:
Work well in a team
Whether it’s project work or simply internal interactions, it’s important to be able to seamlessly connect with colleagues and management in order to collaborate and share ideas.
Are capable of independent action
Demonstrate that you can operate well when left to your own devices. This is additional reassurance that you won’t need constant babysitting or management.
Make complex decisions
Be prepared to share scenarios where decision making has been less than simple. This is a great way to show you can focus on finding the right pathways that will deliver the best outcomes.
Demonstrate adaptable thinking
The work force is changing in front of our eyes and the job you end up doing in 5 years may not even exist right now. Embracing new technology and learnings is a great skill to transfer into your workplace.
Cope with failure
Experiences where you have tried and failed can be a great way to build on future learnings.
Competently network
Joining Facebook groups or community organisations will showcase your ability to interact with relevant people and make connections.
Prepare to adjust to working life
When you’re used to running your own schedule, taking breaks when you fancy, and having plenty of time to hang out with friends, starting work can bring a fairly overwhelming change. The unfamiliar environment, coupled with a brand-new routine, can lead to some anxiety and nervousness. Rest assured, this is all completely normal and expected. The week will feel significantly longer, there’s definitely less time for all your usual social engagements, and you might feel like work is impacting your life in ways you never expected. But on the plus side, you are also having some exciting new experiences, getting professional stimulation and exposure – and most importantly, meeting lots of new people. So even though you don’t quite get to decide when the breaks come around, the perks of earning a regular salary and making new friends mean that you can have a whole lot of new fun along the way.
Starter tips
Unless you are already running your own business or launching a start-up – both scenarios probably a little unlikely at this stage – your everyday life is about to change considerably. And whilst that is incredibly exciting, it can sometimes make for a difficult transition. Integrating some self-care strategies from the outset is a good way to ensure you present your best side to your new colleagues.
- Get enough sleep! Starting the workday feeling tired can really affect your output and mood. Aim for around 7-8 hours every night.
- Eat healthily and resist the temptation to reach for sugary snacks. The highs are great, but they dissipate pretty quickly leaving you in a hungry, grumpy slump.
- Stay active. Exercise is proven to help your brainpower – and the better you feel on the inside, the better you’ll work on the outside.
- Stay engaged by interacting with your workmates and keeping on top of industry developments. This will help you feel more involved with your new company and reinforce your role as a valuable new team member.
- Manage your environment – including your managers. Show willingness to take opportunities, seek solutions and suggest improvements.
- Know what you want to achieve in your new role and ensure that it can expose you to the most beneficial opportunities.
