Navigating the job market can be a difficult business. You may feel afraid and unsure of yourself if you’re a new graduate or you’re one of our alumni who are thinking about taking their career in a different direction.
The best thing you can do is to believe in yourself and treat looking for a job as an actual job. You need to register on different job search websites, get expert advice on your profile and carefully prepare each and every application – all so that you can get that job you really want.
Roberto Higón, a Journalism graduate, decided to sign up for the University’s Career Center service as part of his search for employment. He saw an attractive vacancy advertised on the portal and he’s now the press officer for the professional association for pharmacists in Valencia, the Muy Ilustre Colegio de Farmacéuticos de Valencia.
What’s the story behind you now being the press officer at the Muy Ilustre Colegio de Farmacéuticos de Valencia?
I was unemployed and then I saw a job advertised on the University’s Career Center service. I decided to apply because I could see I was the kind of person they were looking for. I’ve had similar roles throughout my career and it seemed like a good opportunity.
I WAS UNEMPLOYED AND THEN I SAW A JOB ADVERTISED ON THE UNIVERSITY’S CAREER CENTER SERVICE. I DECIDED TO APPLY FOR IT BECAUSE I COULD SEE I WAS THE KIND OF PERSON THEY WERE LOOKING FOR
What was the selection process like?
Surprisingly quick. They called for just one interview on a Tuesday and then I got a call on the Friday to tell me I’d got the job. I started on the following Monday. Nothing like other long and tortuous selection processes.
What skill do you think contributed the most to your success?
I’ve not doubt that it was my self-confidence and the fact that I was sure that I was an ideal candidate for the role.
Career Center, a gateway to employment
How long had you been signed up for the Career Center service?
I think I signed up when I graduated in 2000. But I found a job almost straight after graduating, so I didn’t make much use of this valuable resource. That was probably a mistake, because I think you should always be thinking about what’s on the horizon to find either a better job or one that gives you opportunities for professional development.
What do you think of the Careers Service?
Its incredibly useful for everyone and I received a really great service from the staff, who were so helpful with everything I needed.
What advice would you give to other alumni who have just finished their degrees and are now looking for a job?
To go for it and to persevere. With a solid education behind you and some experience from placements in companies, you should have decent idea of what the world of work is all about, and which jobs you are suitable for and those you aren’t. So, you have to be realistic and go for those opportunities that fit your profile.
I think it’s also important to tailor the way you present your profile according to the kind of role you’re going for.
You should do some research on the company, find out what they need and then think about whether that’s something you can bring to the table.
The more you tailor your CV and your covering letter to address what that company is looking for, the better the chances are of being selected and getting called for an interview. Once you get to that stage, it’s important to be natural, to be yourself. There’s no point pretending to be someone you’re not, because, in the end, the people at the company will see through that and feel like they’ve been tricked.
Of course, you should present certain things in the right way to cause a good impression, but don’t overdo it.
Tips for finding a job
What about someone who’s currently involved in a selection process?
This is already achievement, of course. Don’t get too nervous or let it go to your head. If you’ve got past that first stage, then that means that your profile is appealing and that the company wants to get to know you better.
Be yourself. Don’t hide behind a mask.
They should like you for who you are, not for who you are pretending to be. People doing recruitment are usually very experienced and so they can see through tall tales pretty easily.
If you’re not successful, that doesn’t mean you’re no good. It just means that you don’t have the profile they were looking for. That being the case, it’s better that you weren’t selected: if your profile’s not right, then this will mean that the challenge was either too big or too small for you to take on. There are a lot of jobs out there and the important thing is to show that you fit in the one that’s best for you.
If you’d like to receive the latest information on the job market, sign up for the University’s Career Center via the intranet.