WorkFair Experts Share Insider Tips for Navigating the Graduate Job Search
October 18, 2023Throughout the day myGwork have been hosting their annual event, WorkFair, with graduates from around the world joining to kickstart their career. Every year LGBTQ+ graduates join the workforce, often after being out during their university years only to end up back in the closet once they join the professional world. Finding your first job after university can be challenging enough, without having to also consider whether you’ll be accepted for who you are when you start – that’s why WorkFair connects job seekers with inclusive organizations that are ready to hire.
The schedule of events included a panel discussion on Navigating the Graduate Job Search. Sponsored by Fitch Group and GSK this session brought together experts to discuss the essential qualities and skills that recruiters are looking for. Attendees gained a strategic edge in their job search and learnt how to present themselves as the ideal candidate for graduate-level opportunities.
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Hosted by Michelle Raymond, Business Development Director at myGwork, with panel of experts weighing in consisted of Zoe Jenkins, Graduate Recruitment Specialist at Clifford Chance LLP; Tricia Lucas-Clarke, Early Talent Recruitment Diversity Equity & Inclusion Manager; Nancy Bruce, Director, Early Talent Pipeline Lead at Pfizer; and Johan Turcios, Director of Education & Advising at IE Business School. Coming together they shared advice for graduates on how to stand out in their applications.
Johan Turcios made an important point in advising job seekers to make sure they are focusing on the relevant experience and skills in their applications – making each one bespoke and tailored to the specific role as if you are copy and pasting the recruiters can tell!
“When highlighting your skills, please make sure that you’re highlighting skills that are relevant to the role,” he added. “You don't understand how many times people only have one pitch that they use across the board and recruiters can see right through this!”
The topic of AI was mentioned several times, with Nancy Bruce point out that many companies are utilizing AI tools when looking through job applications, so keep this in mind when you put together your application.
“When you're applying for a job, I think it's important for us to remember that most organizations are using AI,” she noted. “They're using technology that is supporting the recruiting teams to screen through thousands of applications. Make sure you meet the qualifications and that they are appropriately captured on your resume because the AI screening mechanisms are reading that.”
Tricia Lucas-Clarke spoke on the importance of advocating for yourself and looking at the bigger picture: “Believe in yourself and learn speak up about your achievements. But also remember, the end goal isn't your first job.”
Throughout the panel the emphasis on researching the company and the role came up many times. Zoe Jenkins also reminded the audience that you should also be taking time to reflect on yourself, what you can bring to the role and what value you add.
On top of this she reminded job seekers of the transferable skills recruiters are likely looking for: “People who are a present, want to learn from others, deal well with setbacks, have resilience, and take ownership of their work make for excellent candidates. All of these skills are transferable and can be illustrated through different types of experiences whether that’s university, school, volunteering, hobbies or work experience.”
The LGBTQ+ community has made significant progress in terms of acceptance and equal rights over the past decades, however, finding the perfect job with an inclusive company can still be a challenge. Thankfully, as this session showed, there are ways in which LGBTQ+ graduates can navigate their job search to find an inclusive and supportive work environment. Everyone deserves to feel accepted and welcomed from their very first day on the job, and by prioritizing companies that actively support LGBTQ+ employees, graduates can increase their chances of finding a work environment that embraces their identity and values their contributions.