Graduate job search guide
If you're in your final year or a recent graduate, you should be considering your next steps, including securing a professional role. The graduate job market can feel overwhelming - but don't worry! Here we provide tips and advice for tackling your job search effectively to help you secure a graduate job.
Graduate jobs vs graduate schemes
There are two main paths to getting into graduate employment - graduate jobs and graduate schemes. Each has its advantages and our Advisers can help you choose the right one for you. Remember, we offer support for graduates for up to 5 years after graduation.
Here are the key differences between graduate jobs and schemes.
A “Graduate job” refers to any entry-level role with the requirement for at least an undergraduate level education.
When to apply for a graduate job
You should start looking out for these vacancies a couple of months before the end of your course. Vacancies are advertised when the need arises and employers will normally want someone in post within a couple of months.
Where to find graduate jobs
- MyCareer
- Prospects
- Target Jobs
- Indeed
- Milkround
- Glass Door
- Graduate Jobs
Graduate schemes are training programmes that are typically offered by large employers and last between 12 months and three years.
The defined time frame of the scheme is the main thing that sets these opportunities apart from the wider definition of a ‘graduate job’. Graduate schemes are typically offered industries including:
- Banking
- Finance
- Accounting
- Technology
- Engineering
- Business
Employers often consider candidates from any subject background.
An advantage of a graduate schemes is that employees have the opportunity to rotate between different departments of the business over the course of their training. Graduates may choose to work with the employer permanently, or apply to other roles once their training is complete.
When to apply for a graduate scheme
The typical application and recruitment window for graduate schemes is from September onwards, with a start date of the following summer and/or September. Some organisations will have a more flexible approach and some will have rolling application deadlines.
Where to find graduate schemes
Explore more information about graduate schemes using the links below:
- GradTouch - What’s the difference between a grad job and a grad scheme?
- TARGETjobs - Graduate schemes and graduate training
- TARGETjobs - Search for graduate schemes
- Prospects - Graduate schemes
- Bright Network - Application deadlines for graduate schemes
Where to search for graduate jobs
General job sites
These are a great place to start your job search. You can filter searches by opportunity type, location and industry. You can also sign up for alerts when a role matches your interests.
Some online job boards include:
Industry-specific opportunities
General job boards are useful for finding a range of roles. However, some industries may not advertise there. We have more than 40 Career Guides which provide tailored advice for specific industries. As well as information about specific employers and job boards, you can also learn the various pathways into these industries.
Here are other places to look for opportunities specific to your faculty.
Many jobs in Business and Law will be advertised through the large, general jobs boards. You can find specific job sites relevant to your industry through the Career Guides below:
Creative careers may be harder to find through traditional job sites, however the skills and experience can be applied to a wide variety of roles. Research shows that freelance and small businesses make up most of the creative industries, so our Student StartUp team will be able to support you if this is the area you wish to pursue.
You can find specific job sites and further guidance relevant to your industry through the Career Guides below:
Humanities students have a wide breadth of skills and knowledge which are excellent for a range of roles. Traditional job search sites will advertise suitable roles, but you can also find more tailored information through our career guides:
Sites like GradCracker are excellent for searching for STEM roles. You can also find more tailored information through our career guides:
Sites like GradCracker are excellent for searching for STEM roles. You can also find more tailored information through our career guides:
Events and networking
Each year, we host events and networking opportunities to connect you with employers. Our annual careers fairs let you meet employers hiring students for graduate roles.
We also run skills sessions throughout the year, led by career advisers and industry professionals.
Learn more about our Careers Events
Speculative applications
If you have a company in mind that isn't advertising a role, you can still apply by sending a speculative application. These work well for:
- Smaller companies that don’t regularly advertise jobs
- Industries where jobs are often filled through networking (such as media, law, or consulting)
- Gaining work experience or internships
Learn more about Speculative Applications
Recruitment Consultancies
Recruitment consultants work with individuals to help them find suitable work to match their skills. Agency Central is the UK's leading recruitment agency directory. An advanced search and filter system finds the agencies which match your needs.
Are you looking for a role in Hampshire? Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy can help!
If you're in the final year of your degree, you can register for support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy. They work with over 3,000 employers in the local area to place our students into fantastic graduate careers.
Practical tips for your job search
- Use relevant keywords when searching for jobs online to improve search results.
- Search for industry-specific skills or terms (e.g., "Python" for computing jobs).
- If you have a preferred employer, search directly by company name.
- You don’t need to meet every requirement in the job description. Highlight how you match key requirements with clear examples.
- Job titles can vary—use our Job Titles Glossary to understand different terms.
How to apply for graduate jobs
Our Careers Essentials section provides step-by-step guidance on graduate job applications.
Find expert advice on CVs, cover letters, and applications, with tips on tailoring them to showcase your skills. Learn how to prepare for online assessments, psychometric tests, and interviews, including video and competency-based formats. Get insights into assessment centres, from group exercises to case studies.
The Portsmouth Award
Completing The Portsmouth Award is a fantastic way to help you develop an understanding of your skills and interests, prepare for recruitment activities and stand out from the crowd with employers.
Get started with The Portsmouth Award
Managing job offers
Job offers should be provided in writing, even if given verbally. Check all details before signing, including salary, benefits, notice period, and start date. If anything is unclear, contact the employer for clarification.
Deciding Whether to Accept
You don't need to accept a job offer when it is made. Take your time before accepting—employers expect candidates to consider their options. Thank them for the offer, express enthusiasm, and request a deadline for your decision. Be clear about when you will respond.
Key questions to ask yourself include:
- Do you understand the role, responsibilities, and progression opportunities?
- Does the location and commute work for you?
- Is the contract permanent or fixed-term?
- Does the salary align with the cost of living?
- Are flexible working options available?
If you decide to decline the offer, do so politely and professionally to maintain good relationships for future opportunities.
Handling Multiple Offers
If you receive multiple offers, compare them carefully. You can inform employers about other offers and ask for more time to decide. Always respond to offers rather than leaving employers waiting.
If you are waiting for other responses, acknowledge the offer and provide a timeline for your decision.
Salary Expectations & Negotiation
Graduate salaries vary based on industry, qualifications, experience, and sector. Access the following resources you can expect based on the type and level of the role you are applying to:
- Prospects Job Profiles - have typical/average salaries for each role
- UK Salary and Benefits Guide - Totaljobs also provides an annual offering benchmarking information for recruiters, indicating what you can expect across different sectors
- The Pay Index - accessed through your MyCareer account, enables you to accurately assess compensation data against different job titles, functions and geographies
For more advice, explore resources such as TARGETjobs, Prospects, and Citizens Advice.
Staying motivated
Job searching can be challenging, but there are small and easy things you can do to stay motivated:
- Set small, achievable goals e.g. identifying 3 top jobs from a jobs board.
- Reward yourself for progress—whether that’s spending time with friends, enjoying a hobby, or taking a break to recharge.
- Keep an achievements record to track your successes, build confidence, and provide strong examples for applications and interviews.
- Stay connected with friends, family, and professional networks for job search tips, industry insights, and emotional support.
Dealing with Rejection
Getting rejected from a job can be disheartening - especially if it is a long recruitment process. This feeling is completely reasonable and is something that everyone will encounter at some point in their career. Just remember:
- You’re not alone—most candidates face rejections before securing a role.
- Success might be next time—every company and job is different, and persistence pays off.
- Learn and reflect—request feedback where possible and use it to improve your future applications and interviews.
- It might be a blessing in disguise—the right job for you is still out there.
Building Resilience
You can find further resources on staying resilient during your job search through:
- TARGETjobs - Getting feedback from graduate recruiters after rejection
- TARGETjobs - Resilience: the ability to cope with setbacks
- Prospects - 7 ways to improve graduate employability
- LinkedIn - 5 strategies to stay resilient when faced with job search rejection
- Save the Student - How to get a graduate job
Explore more in Career Support
Our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy
Find out about our on-campus graduate recruitment service run exclusively for those of you entering your final year of study and graduates of the University.
Working globally
Get experience working abroad during your vacations or when you graduate with our international job-hunting resources.
