How to get your first job after graduation: a 60-day plan
Choosing a direction, a graduate resume that works without much experience, where entry-level roles are actually posted, graduate schemes, interviews and what to do if it takes longer.
Written by the JobRipe team · Last reviewed · 4 min read
Do it now: Cover letter generator→Start with a direction, not every job
The most common mistake graduates make is applying to anything with 'graduate' or 'fresher' in the title. It feels productive, but generic applications rarely get replies. Pick one or two target roles, such as 'junior data analyst' and 'operations associate', and build your applications around them. You can widen later.
If you're unsure, the career path explorer shows roles that match the skills from your degree, projects and part-time jobs, and how many are open now. Talking to two or three people a few years ahead of you in those roles is just as valuable.
Days 1–10: build a graduate resume
One page. A three-line summary naming your target role. Then education (with relevant modules, projects and a strong final-year project), then experience: internships, part-time jobs, volunteering, societies and freelance work all count. Write each as achievements: 'Managed weekend stock counts for a store of 25 staff' is real responsibility.
Add a projects section if you're aiming at technical, data, design or marketing roles, and link to proof. See the graduate and intern resume example for a full layout, and our post on getting a job with no experience for more ideas.
Days 10–20: get your profile and proof in order
Complete your professional profiles with the same target title and skills as your resume. Gather two short references, such as a lecturer and a part-time manager. If you claim a skill like Excel, SQL or a programming language, consider a quick JobRipe skill check: pass with 80% and recruiters see it on your profile. It isn't a certification, but it's a useful signal when your experience is thin.
Where entry-level jobs are posted
Graduate schemes at large employers open on fixed timetables, often many months before the start date, so check deadlines early. Campus placement cells and university careers services carry roles you won't see elsewhere. Smaller companies hire graduates all year round, usually through their own careers pages and job sites.
On JobRipe, filter for junior roles and internships, and set a job alert for your target role so new listings reach you while they're fresh. Apply in the first few days after a role is posted where you can.
Days 20–50: apply steadily and well
Aim for a steady number of tailored applications each week rather than bursts of dozens. For each one, adjust your summary and the order of your bullets, and check the match with the ATS resume checker. Write a short cover letter when the employer asks or the company is small; the cover letter generator gives you a draft from your own resume.
Log every application in a job tracker with the date. Follow up once about a week later if you haven't heard. Spend some time each week on people, not portals: alumni, lecturers, family friends in the industry and local events.
Interviews, tests and assessment centres
Graduate processes often include online aptitude tests, recorded video interviews, group exercises and competency interviews. Practise each format. For behavioural questions, prepare five stories from study, work or volunteering using STAR (situation, task, action, result). Rehearse out loud with mock interview practice, and read one-way video and AI interview tips.
Prepare a confident answer to 'Tell me about yourself'; our guide to that question has a structure that works for graduates.
Days 50–60: review and adjust
If you're getting no replies, the problem is usually the resume or the targeting. If you're getting interviews but no offers, it's usually interview preparation. Change one thing at a time. Ask a careers adviser or someone in your target field to review your resume honestly.
If it takes longer
It often does, and it's not a judgement on you. Consider a related role that builds the same skills, a paid internship, temporary or contract work in your field, or a part-time job alongside a project that keeps your skills visible. Be wary of 'jobs' that ask you to pay for training or a placement; that's a common scam aimed at graduates. Check any offer with the scam checker.
Questions people ask
How many jobs should I apply to as a graduate?
There's no magic number. A steady number of tailored applications each week usually works better than mass applying. Track replies and adjust.
Should I take any job to get experience?
A role that builds relevant skills is worth considering even if it isn't your dream job. Avoid roles that charge you fees or offer no real work.
Do grades matter?
Some graduate schemes set minimum grades. For many employers, projects, internships and how you interview matter more.
What if I have no internships?
Use part-time jobs, volunteering, societies and personal projects. Describe them as real work with specific responsibilities and results.
General information, not legal or immigration advice. Spotted something out of date? Tell us at support@jobripe.com and we'll correct it. How we write and review guides.