Whether your degree is coming to an end or you’re just thinking ahead, it’s never too soon to starting planning how you’re going land your first post-uni job. Here’s how you can make a start.

Be on the alert

Begin setting up job email alerts on sites such as Seek or Indeed. Create these now to familiarise yourself wit­­h what’s available in your field, even if you’re a few months or maybe years away from applying for a position.

Just don’t get carried away narrowing down your search filters. Job descriptions and titles can vary wildly from organisation to organisation, and you don’t want to miss seeing a great role because your search was too limited.

Look smart

While Seek is the behemoth that covers just about every industry, it’s worth investigating smaller niche sites for a more tailored job search. For example, if you’re a soon-to-be arts graduate keen to begin a career in journalism or writing, the excellent Rachel's List is a great place to start. Alternatively, Ethical Jobs lists available positions in everything from social work to nursing, HR, allied health, finance and communications, but it only advertises jobs with selective organisations that work to create a more equitable and sustainable world – think the Australian Red Cross, Greenpeace, or small not-for-profits.

Some free advice

Take advantage of ACU’s Careerhub services before you graduate. We offer workshops and advice about fine-tuning resumes, addressing selection criteria, interview techniques, and developing networking skills. The more you know upfront, the better your chances are when you get the call for your first interview.

Learn to love LinkedIn

Think of LinkedIn as your CV that never sleeps.

Sign up now and begin by writing a catchy headline that highlights you’re a jobseeker. Then, fill your profile with everything you can think of – never be fooled into believing all you’ve got is three years at Maccas under your belt. Did you participate in internships during your degree? Have you volunteered for any organisations? Have you taken a language class with us? It all counts and it all belongs on your profile.

Then it’s time to start building your connections, endorsements, and interests to help demonstrate to employers who you are and what you’re all about. Use the alumni search feature to find other ACU grads to connect with and build your followers even further.

And, of course, use your better judgement for your profile photo – save the one of you and bae for Facebook and go for simple and professional.

Now you’re ready, let the job search begin!