Your first job after graduation takes time – here’s how to get there faster
It’s common to be unemployed after graduation
Many graduates worry about being unemployed after graduation. The reality is that it’s very common – and most find their first job within a few months.
That said, the time it takes can vary. The good news is that there are concrete steps you can take to speed up the process and improve your chances of landing a job faster.
How long it typically takes to find your first job
Regardless of how sought-after your degree is, or the strength of demand is in your future industry, there is generally some unemployment in the first year after graduation.
Specifically for engineers, unemployment in the first year is around 23 %, while it’s 28 % for natural science graduates and 26 % for IT graduates.
The numbers drop to around 4 % for all IDA member groups after the first year, so most of you are looking at short periods of unemployment. And there are many ressources you have at hand, when you use your trade union.
How to get your first job faster
There’s a lot you can do to shorten the time it takes to land your first job. A focused and proactive approach can make a significant difference.
- Start your job search before graduation
- Tailor your CV and applications to each position
- Use your network – many jobs are filled through connections
- Apply broadly in the beginning to build momentum
From student grants to unemployment benefits or salary
Four months pass quickly from the time you finish your education until you start your first job. Time that passes quickly with interviews, salary negotiations and contract reviews. But it is also time without SU and salary.
That is why many new graduates get through the period with unemployment benefits. This is completely normal and a great help. Unemployment benefits can cover rent, food and mobile phone, so you do not have to use your savings where it is not necessary. Unemployment benefits are what give you peace of mind to focus on the next interview instead of the next bill.
If you have registered with the unemployment insurance fund in good time, there will be no more than a 2-month gap between your last SU payment and your first unemployment benefit payment. To receive unemployment benefits from the start, you must have been a member for one year before you receive the final grade on your education. If you register later and there is less than a year left, you will have a one-month waiting period.
Use your network and other job search tactics
Our figures show that every fifth newly graduated IDA member sends out over 20 applications before landing their first job interview – and for 25% of our members, it takes 3 more job interviews before you sign your first contract.
And in fact, it is not enough to wait for an exciting job posting to appear before you send an application. A survey of more than 1,800 companies conducted by IDA shows that companies hire new people from their networks just as much as they do via a job posting – and the smaller the company, the greater the tendency to find a candidate in the network instead of posting a job in newspapers or online.
Get an overview of your network
It is important that your job search does not only consist of answering job postings. IDA has a number of different workshops that equip you for the entire job search process, whether it is writing a targeted CV, using your network and optimizing your LinkedIn profile in your job search.
Before this, make sure you check out the career advice videos about your transition from upcoming graduate to first job.
Why it can take time to land your first job
There are several reasons why it can take time to secure your first job after graduation:
- Employers often look for relevant experience
- You are competing with other graduates and experienced candidates
- Many start their job search late in their studies
- It can take time to find the right match
Understanding this can help you set realistic expectations and stay motivated.
When to adjust your approach
If you haven’t had any responses after a few months, it may be time to rethink your strategy.
Consider getting feedback on your CV and applications, expanding your search area or applying for a wider range of positions.
You don’t have to do it alone. If you have not done so already, this would be a good time to look through the ressources you have at hand through IDA. Depending on your situation, you can attend career workshops, guidance on how to improve your strategy or get personalised feedback on application material.
A-kasse and trade union is not the same
IDA ensures good working conditions and the right salary in student jobs and full-time jobs. We specialise in the STEM job market and can help you target your application materials, spar with you about your career and find the right offer that ensures you a good transition to the job.
A-kasse is an unemployment insurance fund where you can get benefits if you are unemployed for a period after graduation.
We have a collaboration with Akademikernes A-kasse, which you can join. Membership is free for 5 years while you are a student. This way, you are guaranteed unemployment benefits from day 1 after completing your education, if you do not have a job in hand.
