Career Advice for Graduates

What graduates should know before job hunting

Recently graduated and looking to get into the food and drink manufacturing industry? Read on to see how we can help you narrow your search and find the career that’s right for you.

Ignore the headlines – there are still jobs out there

It can be daunting to go for a job when you know there are 80 other graduates pursuing it as well. The truth is, big graduate schemes may be over-subscribed, but a major F&D manufacturer might have only received  just six applications fora production line assistant. Instead of focusing on the big grad schemes, take some time to shop around. There are always opportunities for the person that looks for them. Blakeney Points great for helping you find an entry job that fits your experiences.

The perfect CV is a myth

Graduates obsess about crafting the perfect CV, but there's no such thing. If yours is clear and concise, stop fiddling. What you can do is look through your previous experiences and relate it as best you canto the food and drinks manufacturing industry.

Also, make a point of checking your online footprint. Employers will be looking at this, so make sure you've done it first. LinkedIn is a great social platform to start being active on. It's perfect for hearing about jobs on the grapevine. Try and add new training and skills you pick up, so it's always up to date.

Don't forget the little guys

For many university leavers, the big graduate schemes seem like the holy grail – and missing out is a cause for despair. But are they all that? Or are graduates just attracted by the structure that feels so familiar after years of full-time education?

Blakeney Point can work with you through the job hunt process and assist you every step of the way. We wouldn’t want you to miss your chance at a great company because you were too scared to ask for help! Thousands of SMEs are eager to hire bright young graduates – but they may not advertise in the obvious places as it's expensive, so speak to one of our colleagues at Blakeney Point so we can fit you with the best job.

All the experience you have gained is good experience

It is important to remember, however lame you think your experience sounds, anything is better than nothing. What you want to do is make your experience relevant to the F&D manufacturing industry. Think back and see the job through the eyes of an employer. What challenges did you face and how did you overcome them? What skills did you develop? What training did you have? This is all great stuff for applications and interviews.

‍