Guest blog written by Tessa Morgan, Mobile Account Executive, My Voucher Codes

When coming out of university, I knew I wanted two things out of a career. To work with people, and to be a part of the booming tech industry. I was very lucky to find something that combined both of these things which was working at Monitise Content, specifically with MyVoucherCodes and the release of their new app ‘More’. My job involves managing the top restaurant accounts on our site and app. You have to build relationships, get the best voucher codes and discounts for us to feature, and make sure the account is prosperous to ensure continued growth for our company and most importantly theirs. Even though MyVoucherCodes was only recently taken over by Monitise, our office is still small and has a great culture. We are given free rein to take on new projects and make the job our own. Everyone has  the power to get the job they desire out of university, and that is why I have included below my top tips that I hope will help in the dreaded job hunt.

Top Tips for the job hunt

 

• Be Prepared

The job search is not something to prepare for only once University is over. You must be aware of it throughout your time in education. If you have a clear career goal, then everything you do must work towards that end. Internships, work experience, University societies. If you unsure than it is something you must seriously consider. Book an appointment with York careers  for some good advice.

• Make it your job to find a job

Don’t be fooled, the economy may be getting better, but the job hunt is still hard. You have to be persistent and determined, and not get disheartened with every knock back. 9-5 job hunt doesn’t sound fun, but it will prepare you for the working world and will definitely guarantee you abundant interviews. By the end, you will be an expert at applications and interviews. Practice makes perfect.

• Show initiative

So many graduates come out of university with a really good degree and academic record, but wonder why they fall at the last hurdle of job applications. Having experience and showing initiative is absolute key. You are often competing with hundreds of others for one job. If there is a skill you need for the career you aspire to, learn it yourself, apply to internships, and take on a little project of your own. Interviewers love it when you have used your own initiative to make yourself more successful and employable.

• Be Selfish

It is your career in the end. Do not take something you know you won’t be happy with, and if you have good experience don’t always feel obliged to take the first job offer you get. You need to find the right position for you, and if it doesn’t fit, or your recruiter didn’t advertise it to you properly, then don’t be afraid to look elsewhere. If I hadn’t turned down a Personal Assistant role, then I wouldn’t be in my current job right now. It is a marathon not a sprint.