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Graduated, Not Yet Hired? Here’s How to Fix That
Hi Reader,
Keeping your calm and motivation up when your inbox is full of “Thank you for your application, unfortunately…” is tough. If you’ve recently graduated or have been in the job search for a while, this issue is for you.
In this issue, you’ll read about:
Why readiness is an illusion and uncertainty leads to confusion
The mindset shift from student to professional
Why experience isn’t just what’s on your CV
You’ve crossed the stage, thrown the cap, and suddenly realised — what now? How do you present what you have to offer? Where do you even start? I know. I’ve been there.
You no longer have classes, feedback, or the community that shared your concerns. You’re now on your own to shape your future — and that can feel unclear.
If you’ve just graduated, you might be dealing with uncertainty, confusion, and doubt, wishing someone could give you clear steps to follow.
At the end of this issue, I’ll share a way to get that support.
Readiness Is an Illusion, Uncertainty Causes Confusion
Remember your first week at school or your first month in a new job — when everything felt unfamiliar, and you had endless questions? What got you through them?
One important lesson I learned when I started looking for jobs after graduation was that feeling ready is an illusion. You’ll never be fully ready. Yes, you heard that right. Because to feel ready for a challenge, means you’ve already overcome it.
Waiting to feel prepared before applying, interviewing, or starting your job search only wastes time. Someone else, less “ready” but already in motion, will get ahead.
So, start today. Send one application, write one message. You’ll adjust and improve as you go — that’s how readiness is built.
Take a look at this issue:
The Identity and Mindset Shift from Student to Professional
You might also be unsure where to start — or where to aim your effort. Not having a clear target will only add to the confusion. Here’s a short, practical way to focus:
List your key skills, qualities, and experiences.
Research roles that genuinely align with what you listed.
Choose the top three that fit best — and focus on those.
Never cast a wide net. You’ll lose focus. Aim right, hold tight, and take your shot.
The student mindset waits for instructions. The professional mindset acts with initiative. The first helps you learn — the second helps you grow. You’ll need to build:
A structured daily routine
Professional communication and appearance
Long-term thinking and strategic awareness
An easy way to speed this up is to spend time around professionals who already embody these habits. Observe them closely — you’ll learn more from exposure than from reading about it.
Experience Isn’t Just What’s on Your CV
One major concern for most graduates is: “I don’t have the experience they’re asking for.” But experience isn’t limited to job titles. Look at everything you’ve done — coursework, projects, volunteering, internships. Each one reflects skills like planning, teamwork, execution, and problem-solving.
That term project you delivered wasn’t just an assignment — it was a real demonstration of responsibility and follow-through. Extract the lessons, name the skills, and use them as proof of what you bring. Those are what you need to put on your CV, those experiences have made you who you are today.
And if you feel your experience is still limited, start creating more. Volunteer, join workshops, attend networking events, or apply for short-term roles. Every step builds momentum — and that’s what employers look for.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone
If you’re new to the job hunt — or have been at it for a while — you might feel like you need real guidance. Not another list of online tips, but insights from people on the hiring side who can tell you what’s missing, what’s working, and how to fix it.
That’s why I’m starting a graduate community. This space is designed for you to connect with experienced managers, get actionable guidance from them and receive step by step guidance that fits your situation.
If that sounds like what you need, register your interest through the link below.
