Ask the expert: How to find that first job

Q: I am a University of Auckland student, in the process of completing a Master of Commerce in Economics. I'll be finishing my studies this year. Like many other students, I am looking for full-time employment starting next year.

What do you suggest as the best starting point for graduate students such as myself, looking to start work in a corporate environment?

Most of the jobs advertised in the newspapers are for executive roles requiring years of experience, and thus not suitable for most graduates. As such, do you think contacting executive recruitment agencies would be beneficial for my job search? Are you aware of any recruiting agencies that specialise in helping firms recruit graduate students?

A: The on-campus recruitment drives are currently occurring, but this is mostly larger organisations with established graduate programmes. It is worth attending these sessions, to learn about potential employers and see if your profile matches their requirements. Also make use of the services your campus careers centre can offer you in terms of polishing up your CV and interviewing skills, and check their job postings regularly.

Beyond this, however, there are a number of things new graduates can do to increase their chances of gaining that first job. First, use those fresh research skills to identify organisations that you would like to work for, and approach them directly to see if they have openings for you.

You may want to undertake "informational interviewing", which means approaching a senior manager of the firm, not to talk about you, but to enquire about them and their company. In this way, you can learn about their needs and strategies and integrate them into your own planning.

It also allows you to establish enough of a relationship to keep in touch with them regarding career opportunities - including project and temporary work that may allow you to get a foot in the door and demonstrate your capabilities.

You can also use your networks to identify opportunities. If you have friends who already have jobs, ask them to keep an eye out for options for you at their workplace as well as in other organisations.

If you have a good relationship with your university lecturers, see if they know of job options - including project and temporary work - that might suit you. Approach your parents and extended family with the same objective; do they have friends that are in organisations that may be hiring? If so, can they introduce you?

Remember that many jobs are not advertised, and that you have to use informal networks to build up your knowledge of these opportunities.

Continue to make use of all the on-line and print job advertisements. When you do apply for jobs, make sure you follow up for feedback on your application and interview, so that you can continue to make these even more impressive, increasing your chances with the next job opportunity.

Good luck on your job search.