Many recent graduates may find the transition from full-time study into full-time employment somewhat difficult and not as smooth-sailing as may originally have been hoped. The realisation that despite completing numerous applications and assessment days, no job has materialised, can be overwhelming to say the least. However, this process of locating graduate employment needn't be as daunting as one may initially suppose. Currently, the most highly circulated piece of advice that graduate recruitment companies are offering to disheartened graduates is that geographical mobility is crucial to achieving employment.
In the aftermath of failed interviews and unanswered cover letters it is understandably difficult for graduates to comprehend why they are continually being rejected. The advice from the experts is to review what you have written. Have you limited yourself to one geographic location? The likelihood of attaining graduate employment in one specific area of the country is decidedly low in the current economic climate. Therefore graduate recruitment companies are increasingly encouraging graduates to consider the idea of moving location in order to attain the perfect graduate job.
It is reasonable to assume that, should recent graduates have set their mind on working and living in a certain area - whether this be because a specific area of the country presents itself as the most convenient option in order to live with friends, family or simply because it is familiar -the idea of upheaval to a different location would not be warmly welcomed. However though a different location may be undesired, there is always the chance that the perfect opportunity presents itself; an opportunity the graduate would otherwise have been denied due to their place of residence.
It may be difficult to accept that a certain job in a certain area near certain friends and family may, in reality, never materialise. However, the likelihood is that for many recent graduates eager to propel themselves into the world of work, the thought of still being unemployed in a further year (and by this point, now competing with an entire new set of graduates also) but living in their desired location would seem not only illogical but also wasteful.
Rather than reminiscing over how perfect they were for that specific job and that they simply cannot understand how they weren't hired, the graduating class of 2011 need to remember that flexibility is key. There is no use in reminiscing on either missed or failed opportunities. Graduates need to use this period of limbo productively; review CV's, review application notes and, if nothing else, consider the importance of geographic mobility. Reviewing a job location search might just be the prerequisite to acquiring the perfect job.
Elise, GRB Journalist
