In short about job search

Job searching is a learning process – not a success or a failure.

Through the process, you will become better at:

• Communicating your skills and competencies
• Understanding the job market
• Identifying the opportunities – either the ones that already exist or the ones you create yourself

You have the power to influence your chances to, for instance, meet the right people at the right time – perhaps that will be the decisive factor for your process. It might also be that you will only have to send one application, and then you will land your dream job.

What would you like to do, and where would you like to do it?

Being inspired is important for you to be able to reduce the number of potential employers a little. You already limited the infinite job possibilities a little when you selected your study programme. Now, you can limit yourself even further by looking at what other who have done the same programme is doing today.

If you have a specific job in mind and have doubts about how you increase your chances of getting it, AAU Career is here to help you. Find out more here on this page or through our career seminars or a career counselling session.

Find out what you can become 

Widen your search so you don’t exclude yourself from the opportunities that arise. Instead, seize the opportunities that come your way – or that you create yourself.

The first job does not have to be the dream job. You have to begin somewhere, and through your first job, you will become more conscious of what you are good at and where to prioritise your focus. This will help you in your next job search and make it even more targeted to the job you want. Of course, your first job might also be your last. Who knows?

Remember, that there are other possibilities when searching for a job than to answer a job ad. You could also be the one to show initiative and apply unsolicited. It takes some research and sometimes a bit of courage, but it will most likely make you the only applicant. And if it does not lead directly to a job, it will definitely give you more knowledge that will help you in your future search.

Do not be afraid to ask people about their educational background or their job. The contact can be successful, even though you do not get a job out of it right away. A fruitful dialogue or inspiration has great value when you have to start finding your way with all sorts of terms and concepts that are used in the job market, but that you might not have stumbled upon before.

Read about unsolicited job search

Many graduates plan for a full-time job position on the first day after graduation, but it is normal that the road to the first permanent position is through other job types such as temporary position, wage subsidy jobs, or part-time employment.

It is not given that you will get a permanent position e.g. after completing an internship (“virksomhedspraktik”) but it happens regularly. Therefore, you should see the temporary positions as a way to get a foot in the door and an opportunity to display and strengthen your competencies. And no matter what, you will get some valuable experience and network as a result.

Read about the different types of employment

Many students are focusing on their studies and did not manage to find the time to gain work experience during their time studying.

Don’t worry, it’s fine.

There are many ways to use your knowledge and academic studies to your advantage.

Many companies are searching for employees that will grow and form within their organisational culture. So do not get discouraged – it can work in your advantage if you present it well! You can put your academic knowledge as a professional asset by:

• Examples from e.g. your group work, projects, or volunteer work
• Pinpointing your role
• How do you handle conflicts or discussions?
• How do you use your knowledge?

Focus on your strengths rather than your weaknesses. Address the issue of not having relevant work experience by underlining your other skills.

Make sure you understand your academic experience and worth relating it to a future work environment.

People say that having a strong network is important when looking for a job.

But how do you form a network? You already have a network, consisting of e.g. classmates from your study programme, people from your student job, co-volunteers, or from leisure activities, but it is always an advantage to work on expanding your network already while studying.

Participate in as many activities as possible that hints even just a little to a career opportunity. E.g. career seminars and events, The career fair, company visits etc.

Connect with other participants and company representatives on LinkedIn. It might turn out to be an advantage later on.

You should also make use of your personal network. You might hear about a job opening from your uncle’s friend at a family function. You never know where you might stumble upon an opportunity, so make sure to seek as many as possible. If you do so, there is a good chance that something will happen.

Read about networking

The job search process is individual. You cannot compare your process to others’ – not directly, in any case. It can be the smallest things that determine the outcome of what you end up doing when you find your job.

Different processes and career paths can end up leading to the same place. And paths that look alike can lead in very different directions.

Here are a couple of examples of how a process might look like:

The direct course:

1. You see an interesting job ad
2. You do your research, thoroughly
3. You write CV and application
4. You get called in for an interview
5. You get the job!

The challenging course:

1. You know what issues and areas of work interest you
2. You find out what companies work with these issues or areas
3. You notice that they have no available positions at the moment
4. You research the company, how they work, their finances, and figure out how you can add value to it
5. You call a relevant employee with some good, well-prepared questions
6. You write cv and application based on the new information
7. You send it to the company
8. You meet with the company
9. You get to do an internship
10. You perform so well during your internship, that the company chooses to hire you afterwards

Both cases are completely ”normal” examples of how a process to getting the first job might look like.

You might even have to repeat some of the steps in the process, or you might be lucky to know someone who knows someone who can help you make a ”short cut”. There is an infinite number of possibilities. So it is your job to figure out what is the right move at any given time.

There are some things you will encounter no matter how your path looks like. A good ”job search starter pack” could include:

• What skills do I have?
• What do I want to do?
• Research
• Asking questions
• Network
• CV
• Applications

There are many possible combinations, so browse around a bit here on the site and pick and choose what fits you and your situation.

Luckily, you have many possibilities if you need some help:

• While you are studying, you can book a career counselling session at AAU Career
• When you have graduated, you can ask your unemployment insurance fund or your trade union.