For many students leaving University in 2007 was daunting, with the UK at the beginning of a deep recession, which would last a further 2 years and have lasting effects to this day, jobs were both limited and extremely competitive.

LJMU Careers Zone Information Assistant, Jennifer Brizell, found herself in that situation, graduating from her MSc Research Methods knowing she wanted to pursue a career in research.

She left University excited to find her dream role but soon found it more challenging than she ever expected.

‘After what felt like the 100th interview where I had been told that I had interviewed well but I didn’t have enough experience I decided to just apply for any job with the word ‘Graduate’ in the title’

This proved to be a successful tactic to begin with as she landed interviews for Sales and Managerial roles, although she was unconvinced she was for the positions.

Eventually Jenny landed a place on a Home Office Graduate Scheme, although she soon discovered her new application strategy had led her into a role she neither wanted nor suited.

‘There was nothing wrong whatsoever with this job, the department or the organisation except that it wasn’t for me and I lasted two weeks in the post.’

Jenny returned to a much more targeted application strategy which soon paid dividends.

‘I got my dream job working as a Research Assistant for the School of Nursing and later The Centre for Public Health at LJMU where I stayed working until I started my PhD.’

Now in a role she enjoyed Jenny could see the drawbacks to her ‘apply for anything’ approach.

‘I needed to remember that I wasn’t just putting a job application in, I was making a decision that this was the direction I wanted my career to head in and by applying for any job I was wasting both mine and potential employers’ time.

‘I should have made more use of the careers services whilst I was at University. Instead I waited until I graduated and then panicked when something didn’t land at my feet straight away.

‘Now I’m a student again, I’m already thinking about what I want to do when I finish my studies and trying to make the most of this time by making contacts and going on relevant training courses so when I’m back looking for a job again I’ll be much more prepared.’

Faculty of Health Careers Adviser, Hayley Fallon says:

‘Targeting job applications is absolutely essential! Recruiters want you to show evidence that you have done your research into their organisation, the job you are applying for and yourself. Once you have done this you can then make sure you write very targeted and tailored applications. But as we can see from Jennifer’s story, many graduates also forget to do the research into themselves.

‘It’s important that you reflect on your skills, values and what you really want from your career before you start sending off application forms. Employers are much more impressed by the tailored application forms in which a student highlights their relevant experience and skills and their motives for pursuing a career in that field.

‘By keeping applications to roles you want or will enjoy you will also reduce the risk of wanting to move on quickly and can build a solid base for your future personal and professional development.’

If you are unsure about what career you would like to pursue or need some help thinking of options available to you, or you need help crafting a CV for a particular role you can do this by ringing 0151 231 8099 (option 1) or calling in to a Careers Zone to make an appointment to see an Adviser.