The Quest for a Graduate Job

So, as a recent graduate from Bournemouth University's PR course, I am eagerly searching for a graduate PR position. I thought I would write a blog post about my journey so far, what I have found helpful and not so helpful. At this time, I am yet to find a job but have three interviews in the pipeline, so fingers crossed!

I started early, choosing to apply for a number of graduate schemes. I reasoned that I may as well give it a go, although I knew that the schemes attracted a huge number of applications and that marketing schemes often didn't involve PR tasks. The chance to work within large businesses and gain experience in a marketing role would mean I could work my way into their press office department, so I applied for four: BT, Sky, Marks and Spencer, and Sainsburys. A number of the applications involved personality measures, after which, regardless of your CV, they decided that these answers provided enough information to reject or accept you. I understand why it is done - with so many applications, they have to divide you somehow. If you pass that, often there are verbal and numerical tests to determine how smart you are. The numerical tests were somewhat of a challenge! Although I got an A at GCSE Maths, some of the calculations were beyond me and I feel that the need for advanced mathematical skill is not a requirement of a PR position. I failed to secure any interviews from the graduate schemes and although I was disappointed, I was not worried - there were plenty more opportunities to get an entry level position.

I think it is wise here for me to describe what type of job I am looking for. Ideally, I would like to work in-house because I believe that focusing on one 'client' or company means that you can immerse yourself in their targets and requirements, and as part of the company, strive to succeed. In an agency, I feel that the juggling of clients often means there isn't a chance to really understand the company and all jobs seem to merge into one. The type of company I want to work for isn't necessarily that particular. I have a year's experience in a press office for an international television company, and I found that incredibly enjoyable so TV would be great. Working for a retail company is also something I think I would enjoy. As long as I find a company that I want to work for, can believe in and work hard to succeed in, I will be happy.

So far, I have applied for about 20 jobs that fit these criteria and have been for 3 interviews, with 3 more coming up. This is quite a positive statistic and I am confident that my CV is strong enough to gain a good position. I finished up my degree just over 2 weeks ago, and although that doesn't sound like very long, I am getting restless! I am one of those types of people who needs to be doing something and I am eager to get going. Here's to hoping that my wait for a graduate job is not much longer. At the moment, I am in limbo.

Here are a few things that have helped me. I have found twitter to be an invaluable tool in my job-searching quest. In particular, the following users are constantly posting PR jobs:

@voxpopPRcareers (website: www.vox-pop.co.uk)

@UKYoungPR

@PRJobsLondon

And the most useful websites so far:

www.PRWeekJobs.co.uk

www.Jobs.Guardian.co.uk

www.Monster.co.uk

Not so helpful, I am afraid to say, have been recruitment agencies. I wish that more employers chose to post their adverts themselves because having to go through a recruitment agent makes everything a lot more difficult. I applied for a job recently through a recruitment agency advert, and before the agent would send across my details, I was forced to fill in and scan my passport for my registration. By the time I was able to use a scanner and get the details across, it was too late. I understand why they do it - if they didn't, they would not get their commission had I been successful. However, the need to go through a recruitment agency slows everything down and means that often, I miss out on opportunities I feel I am perfect for. 

So, wish me luck! And be prepared for a jubilant update when I succeed! 

Update on Tuesday, June 28, 2011 at 04:54AM by Ellie Stokes

Just a quick update - I got a job! I have been for about 6 interviews and have got used to the line 'We really liked you and you would fit in really well BUT...' Now I don't have to worry about that any more! I have secured a really great job doing something I find incredibly interesting and which gives me the chance to take on more responsibility and develop my career. It just goes to show that perseverance pays off! 

Comments

[Richard Bailey]

Good luck! You certainly seem to be going about this in a professional manner.

In my experience, recruitment consultancies prefer to deal with candidates who have experience rather than new graduates.

I'm sure you'll be successful soon, but would welcome an article for Behind the Spin on finding that first graduate job. Let me know if you'd like to write this, based on this blog post.

[vox-popPRcareers]

This is an insightful post. In my opinion, just by doing the job searches for my careers website & the Twitter feed, I think retail PR is going to be one good area especially with the growth of e-commerce. Retailers are going to need skilled PROs who can promote their brands and help to increase exposure and therefore sales.

Keep applying for jobs but also consider adding cold calling to the mix!

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