Getting Started

Your Graduate Job Search Roadmap

A clear guide to help you navigate graduate hiring and land your first role

Try the Application Tracker

Hiring Timeline

Know when to apply for maximum success

August – October

Peak season. Big firms open applications. Apply early for rolling deadlines.

November – January

Second wave opens. Assessment centres begin for early applicants.

February – April

Late applications, final assessment centres, offers made.

May – July

Last-minute roles, smaller firms, internship season.

Rolling vs Fixed Deadlines

Rolling deadlines review applications as they arrive – apply immediately. Fixed deadlines review all at once – use the full time to perfect your application.

Common Myths That Hold Graduates Back

Don't let these misconceptions stop you

Myth	Reality	Action
"You need a 2:1 or First"	Many schemes don't have strict grade requirements. Skills and presentation matter more.	Focus on demonstrating skills, not defending grades
"Only Russell Group gets hired"	Most major employers recruit from all universities. Target uni lists exist but aren't absolute.	Emphasise what you've done, not where you studied
"You need relevant work experience"	Retail, hospitality, volunteering all show transferable skills.	Reframe any experience around transferable skills
"The best candidate always wins"	The best-prepared candidate usually wins.	Preparation beats raw talent

Your 30-Day Action Plan

You don't need to do everything at once. Just start with Week 1.

Week 1

Foundation

Audit your CV – is it ATS-friendly?

List 10 companies you'd love to work for

Set up job alerts (LinkedIn, Gradcracker)

Update your LinkedIn profile

Identify 3 role types that interest you

Week 2

Preparation

Rewrite CV for your target roles

Draft a base cover letter you can adapt

Research 5 companies thoroughly

Find and save 10-15 job postings

Identify 5 people to reach out to

Week 3

Active Applying

Submit 5-8 tailored applications

Send 3 LinkedIn connection requests

Practice aptitude tests (SHL, Cubiks)

Record yourself answering questions

Research assessment centre formats

Week 4

Build Momentum

Submit 5-8 more applications

Follow up on networking messages

Prepare 5 STAR stories

Practice video interviews

Track all applications in one place

Ready to simplify your job search?

Join thousands of students who've stopped juggling spreadsheets and started landing interviews.

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Want to chat or get in touch?

If you have a question, want advice on your situation, or just want to chat about applications, feel free to reach out. I read every message and am always happy to help.

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