So, your university life is finally over. It’s no longer acceptable to sit at 11am drinking Jäger bombs and eating cheap noodles. You’re suddenly faced with something you’ve been dreading for three years: getting a job. It’s time to hang up the fancy dress costumes and brush the dust off your best suit. Finding a job after Uni may be a difficult task, but here at CityBlock we’ve got a few tips that should give a start on your career ladder.
Find Out What You Want
This might seem like an obvious point, but it’s also one of the most important. You chose an accounting degree three years ago, but a lot could have changed in three years, and you aren’t locked to that path forever. Before you start applying for jobs have a think about what you really want to do. It will be far easier to get a job in something you’re passionate about.
Careers are much less linear than they used to be, and you will find people pivot more often, try freelancing, or even start side hustles alongside their main job. Don’t think “what do I want forever?”, think “what do I want to explore right now?” The sooner you get comfortable experimenting, the faster you’ll figure out your path. Passion and curiosity are still great guides.
Have a Good CV
You might have had the best job experience, got the best grades in the class, and even won three gold medals at the Olympics, but if your CV is badly designed, contains mistakes, or doesn’t display information well then, you’ll be put straight in the “no” pile.
Most employers use AI-driven applicant tracking systems (ATS) to filter applications, so simplicity is key. That means:
- Use a clean, consistent design (avoid fancy graphics and unusual fonts).
- Clearly separate sections — education, skills, and experience.
- Tailor your CV to every job you apply for, highlighting the most relevant experience.
- Keep it concise (ideally 1–2 pages).
Think of your CV as a storytelling document: it needs to make it obvious, in just a few seconds, why you’re a strong candidate.
Take Advantage of Career Services
You know the careers services you have at Uni that you’ve never been to because you think they’re boring? Well, they’re actually very useful and totally free. Many university careers departments offer online CV checkers, virtual mock interviews, and webinars tailored to your industry.
And if you’ve already graduated, don’t write them off, a lot of universities give alumni free ongoing access. Use that to your advantage when you’re stuck months (or even a couple of years) down the line.
Social Media
Social media isn’t just for posting photos of your flatmates drunk in a bush; you can actually use it to get a job. First things first though, make sure that your social media accounts are squeaky clean because 91% of employers will actually look through these to determine your fit for jobs.
It’s not just about avoiding digital mishaps; social media can also be one of your most powerful career-building tools:
- LinkedIn is your living online CV and more. Keep it up to date with any skills, volunteer work, and certifications. Personalise your profile with a headline that quickly sums up who you are and what you’re looking for. Use the “About” section to share your story and ambitions, not just a list of achievements.
- Showcase your skills! Share samples of your work on a digital based portfolio website or even record quick video explainers and upload to YouTube.
- Network — politely. Reach out to professionals with a brief, personalised message if you’d like to learn about their role or company. Often, you’ll find people are happy to share advice or add you to their network. Never spam your CV but do engage in genuine conversation.
Internships
Gone are the days when the only way to gain experience was to take an unpaid internship. More companies now recognise the value of paying graduates for their time, and UK law has tightened up around unpaid work.
That said, experience is still everything. Volunteering, freelancing, contributing to open-source projects, or helping with community initiatives can make your CV stand out. Experience doesn’t always come from a traditional office job, so think broadly about ways you can show you’ve been proactive.
Forget About That 2:2
All the way through Uni, everybody is told that a 2:1 is the grade to aim for. It will open doors jobs, allow you to make more money and even give you a membership card to a super-secret club that nobody know about, right?
Actually, there’s very little difference in success between students achieving either grade with similar percentages of people with either grade being employed 6 months after graduating. Most of what holds people with a 2:2 back is their own mindset. More companies are shifting towards skills-first hiring, meaning they value what you can do rather than just what your degree classification says. Don’t count yourself out of applying for opportunities just because you have a 2:2. The fact you finished your degree already proves resilience and that goes a long way in the world of work.
Post Graduate Career Opportunities
No matter how unpredictable the job market feels, remember that starting your career is more about the journey than nailing the perfect first job. Every application, interview, or new project is a step forward. Stay open, keep building your skills, and back yourself, your path won’t look like anyone else’s, and that’s a good thing.
If you’re still a student moving into your final year or are about to do a post-graduate degree, then we’ve got you covered. Here at CityBlock we have a range of student accommodation so if you need somewhere to live while you’re studying, don’t hesitate to contact us.
