Classes are over and we have plenty of free time to do our dissertation and work a little and save for that vacation we deserve in the Mediterranean (wink, wink). Since January I have been applying for jobs in various companies of all kinds, not only those related to my career, but also for other types of work that do not require specific preparation, and thus be able to make a little money while I find the job I want to work in.

I have learned a lot from all this, and it hasn't been easy, but I have been able to correct myself along the way so as not to make the same mistakes in each application. Here I will leave you a little of my experience, the things I have learned when applying for a job, and the tools that have helped me.

Find out more about the Queen's Careers Service

Update your resume regularly

Your resume will be your main tool for applying to any job. It will be your shield and your armour. It is important that you maintain a good relationship with it because it should not be static and you will have to review and update it constantly, your resume must adjust to the requirements of each job, and be careful, I am not saying that you should lie on it.

I am advising that you adjust your CV depending on each job you apply for, use the keywords of each position in your resume, and remember that many times, it is not a human being who reviews it, but a company software, and these are the keywords that the software will review.

Book onto training sessions and workshops offered by the Graduate School (PG students)

The Graduate School has been a great help in adjusting my CV, they are constantly offering workshops on how to write and organise an adequate resume, what verbs to use, and what to prioritise.

Likewise, they offer online tools that help you identify those things on your resume that are probably not appropriate, or that are taking away its potential to be reviewed by company software. One of those tools is https://www.vmock.com/qub and it has been wonderful, I have used it to improve many aspects, and it has allowed me to advance in different stages of job application processes.

Graduate jobs

Applying for a graduate job opens the door to an exciting and well-guided start to your career. These programmes are specifically designed to support you in the transition from academia to the professional world, offering practical training, mentoring, and the possibility of exploring different areas within the company.

Check out the latest job opportunities on MyFuture

It is ideal for us who have little experience in our areas of study and are considered entry-level jobs in large corporate companies. With a structured approach and learning environment, they allow you to develop valuable skills at your own pace while adapting to the pace of work.

Likewise, a great advantage that I find in applying for this type of job is that normally the companies that offer them allow you to start a promotion path, it is not a job to stay stagnant in, but to continue growing professionally.

Networking is valuable

I have always thought that beyond the experience and academic training that the university can give us, it is also important to use this space to build networks of contacts. Connect with alumni, professors, and professionals in your field through LinkedIn and other professional networks to build a valuable network and receive practical advice.

Additionally, attend careers fairs and networking events to meet potential employers, learn more about opportunities in your field, and make connections that could open doors to future job opportunities.

Attitude, persistence and perseverance

Nobody said it was going to be easy. For some it is, for others it takes a little longer. My process has been long, and I have been selected for some temporary jobs that I have accepted, but it is not really what I am looking for, even so, I keep trying tirelessly.

The search process can be long and if you do not approach it with the best attitude, you can easily become discouraged. It is important to continue applying and diversify, expand and improve our search strategies. Many companies have responded to my requests with feedback, and this has been very helpful. Maintaining a receptive attitude is important because we also learn from these processes.

Don't let rejection stop you from your job search

In case of reaching the interview stage

If a company has selected you for an interview, first of all, CONGRATULATIONS!!! Before the interview, it is essential to thoroughly research both the company and the position for which you are applying. It would be interesting for you to understand the company culture, its values ​​and objectives, as well as the specific requirements of the job.

Additionally, it is important to practice answers to common interview questions, which will allow you to feel more confident and prepared during the interview. Go to YouTube or even Google, and look for sample interview questions that are typically asked for your position.

Practice interview questions with friends and family!

From the Graduate School you can also develop skills to prepare for a good interview and look more confident; all the Graduate School programmes are very useful. Take advantage of them while you can!

Find out more

Part-time and casual work

Careers, Employability And Skills

The Graduate School

Information for students from Colombia

Isabella Barros De La Rosa Violence, Terrorism and Security | Postgraduate Student | Colombia Hello, my name is Isabella Barros, I am 24 years old and I am from a beautiful city on the Caribbean coast of Colombia called Barranquilla. I am currently pursuing my master's in Violence, Terrorism and Security at Queen’s. I am very into running and outdoor activities. That's why Belfast is so amazing to live in, because of the landscapes, and the spaces for this kind of hobby. Besides running and studying, you can find me in any bookstore, wandering around the city, or enjoying a pleasant coffee in a cute cafe!