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Seven questions about applying for a graduate job – answered by experts

<span>Photograph: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images</span>
Photograph: Luis Alvarez/Getty Images

The employment landscape has changed completely since the start of the Covid-19 crisis and the number of graduate jobs advertised dropped by 60% in 2020, according to recent analysis by the CV-Library, representing a drastic overall reduction in the number of graduate jobs available and corresponding applications for those jobs.

Unsurprisingly, given the current circumstances, the average number of applications for those graduate jobs that are advertised has jumped by 47% in the past 12 months. The industries seeing the biggest increase in applications included catering (up 58%), customer service (45%) and social care (43%).

It’s not all doom and gloom though. The CV-Library’s figures also show that the average graduate starting salary is still up 7% from last year at £24,626, which is encouraging.

Where do I start?
Starting your job search can seem pretty daunting and overwhelming at first. There’s so much to think about. What are you good at? Is your degree relevant? Does it need to be? Which sectors are still recruiting anyway?

You also need to think about what sort of impact the pandemic might have had on the company you are applying to, says Gaelle Blake, director for permanent appointments at recruiter Hays UK and Ireland. “This insight will come through in your application and also give you vital context for discussion if you go through to an interview,” she says.

It may also be worth trying to specialise your search and hone in on a specific area, says Ellen Donnelly, founder of The Ask, a career coaching startup. “Don’t be afraid to go for something niche. Pick something that you believe you can do for the next couple of years even if you’re still figuring it out,” she says.

Are many companies using algorithms to filter out unsuitable candidates?
Lots of employers and recruitment agencies now use application tracking software (ATS) to store job seeker information. It’s essentially a database that stores CVs and, with the high volume of applications and hiring to be done, helps make the recruitment process efficient.

But, if you don’t use keywords and highlight your relevant skills and experience, there’s a danger the ATS might automatically filter out your CV. So what can you do to beat the algorithm?

How can I make sure my application stands out?
Firstly, make sure you’re applying for relevant jobs, highlighting the specific skills you’ll bring to that role, says Natasha Woodford, director of recruitment at clockworkTalent, a digital marketing recruitment firm. “Use bullet points to draw attention to your skills and experience,” says Woodford. “Tell us about what technology you can use, where your area of expertise is, what deals you’ve completed, what tools you’ve used and what projects you’ve worked on.”

Working from home, woman meets with colleagues via video conference
Interviews via Zoom and other video apps are now standard for graduates. Photograph: SDI Productions/Getty Images

Are there any other ways I can show off my skills and experience?
Lucy Clarke, co-founder at Get Blogged, which matches bloggers and influencers with brands for sponsored content partnerships, says setting up a blog can also be a great way to get noticed and show off your skills to prospective employers.

Setting up a blog gives graduates a chance to showcase a range of talents, including content creation, photography, editing, social media marketing and graphic design.

“A website can be a fantastic way to show your passion for a particular subject or field and a brilliant tool to help jobseekers stand out in a competitive market,” says Clarke.

Related: Graduate training schemes: four top tips on how to get a place

I live in Leeds but I’ve seen a job I love in London. Should I still apply?
In a word, yes, says Valerie Todd, HR director at Siemens UK and Ireland. “Location is no longer such a huge barrier because many more roles can now be done through remote, mobile or virtual working. Employers like us want to be accessible to talented people whatever their location.”

Are Zoom interviews now ‘the norm’ and how do these compare with meeting face-to-face?
Interviews via Zoom, Microsoft Teams or Webex are now pretty standard and Kevin Parker, chief executive of HireVue, a video interviewing company, says they are really not that different to traditional in-person interviews: “For candidates, virtual interviewing can be more convenient and help relieve some of the nerves and pressure of meeting face-to-face.”

How should I prepare for a video interview?
After doing a basic screen and sound check, making sure you have a professional background and that there is no noise from pets or flatmates, you should prepare for a video interview in much the same way that you would for a real one.

Do your research on the company you are applying to, and be prepared for the usual questions on teamwork, adaptability and, given the fact that many people are now working from home, how you can work independently. Don’t forget it might also be possible to take a virtual tour of a prospective employer’s office online to see what they are like inside.