University of Manchester Careers Blog

Written by Jenny Sloan, Careers Consultant (Graduate Transitions)

There’s a lot of pressure to start your dream job straight after graduation. But the reality is, that’s not the case for everyone.

Some graduates are still deciding what they want to do, others are considering their next steps. Some are thinking about further study, others are thinking about changing sectors.

Whatever position you’re in, all graduates can continue to use the Careers Service for up to two years after completing their course. Read on for our top five ways to reconnect with us and get the careers support you need.

1. Take stock of where you are now

Now could be a good time to think about the skills, knowledge, and experiences you already have. Reflect on the range of transferable skills you have already developed, both during and after university. Then, consider the ones you need to strengthen through activities like volunteering, online courses, or virtual work experience. Our Employability Audit can help you get started.

Are you looking for graduate work in a particular sector? Have a look through our Which Career? pages to find out more about a range of industries, including lots of useful resources on what graduate recruiters are looking for in these sectors, and where to look for the latest vacancies. Use LinkedIn to connect with alumni working in these areas, and attend relevant employer events. You can also sign up for alerts on CareerConnect. If you haven’t already, you can find out more about creating your free graduate CareerConnect account here.

Not sure where to start? We have a handy ‘I don’t know what I want to do’ guide, with information on how to work out what you enjoy, what you’re good at, and your next steps.

2. Get application advice

There are lots of on-demand resources to help you get application-ready. Access personalised CV and Cover Letter feedback using CareerSet. Aim for a score of 70 or above. You can also learn more about all things applications, assessments, and interviews via our Pathways modules on CareerConnect.  

To get one-to-one advice on your CV, Cover Letter, application form, or LinkedIn profile, you can book a 20 minute application advice appointment on CareerConnect.

3. Practice your interview technique

Whether you’ve got a video, telephone, or face-to-face interview coming up, we have you covered. Check out our interview pages for more information on how to prepare for different kinds of interviews, and before/during/after tips. Practice your online video technique using ShortList.Me and get instant feedback on your answers.

You can also book a 30 minute interview simulation with a Careers Consultant, to practice and get personalised feedback before the real thing.

4. Talk to a Careers Consultant

During a careers guidance appointment, offered through Zoom, a Careers Consultant can help you explore your options, figure out your next steps, and assist you in developing an action plan to get you to where you want to be. Appointments can be booked through CareerConnect, and are 30 minutes in length, or 60 minutes if you have a disability or health concern.

5. Stay connected

All graduates receive a fortnightly alumni newsletter packed with the latest University news, Careers Service updates, and information about alumni events and opportunities. Make sure your personal contact details are up to date to ensure you stay connected.

You can also keep in touch with the Careers Service by following our social media channels, including  Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, and our brand-new Instagram. 

If you have any questions, you can not only contact us via social media, but also via the Queries button on CareerConnect or via our live webchat, which is staffed every weekday (excluding University closure periods), 10am-4pm.