Graduates: ëBe Your Bestí when you network

They have just finished their finals, and soon they will be graduating. But, for now, the majority of final year students across the UK are likely to be in job hunting mode.

In June 2009, IT Jobs for Graduates ran a hugely successful campaign, entitled: ëBe Your Bestí, http://beyourbest.itjobsforgraduates.com. The project provided support and advice to graduates and students looking for jobs in IT.

During the month, IT Jobs for Graduates ran a series of seminars at universities across the UK, providing face-to-face advice and CV workshops.

Commenting on one of the ëBe Your Bestí presentations, Adrian O-Callaghan, a law graduate from Sussex University, said: ìThe presentation contained a plethora of information I never thought of finding or even looking for in the first place. It is precisely the sort of information that will help me get a job, because it breaks me out of routine job-hunting habits.î

61% of the UKís top 100 employers are planning to recruit graduates for IT positions in 2009. IT Jobs for Graduates warns students and graduates to be prepared, and following on from the campaign, offers its tips on online and offline networking.

ONLINE NETWORKING:

Social networking sites

Review the vast selection of sites available – Facebook, MySpace, Bebo etc. It is important to note, however, that you should try to distinguish between which of your profiles are for business and which are for personal use. Our advice is to keep business and formal contacts separate and perhaps use professional networking sites instead.

Professional networking sites

Sites including LinkedIn and Xing are a great platform for connecting with IT professionals. Participate in groups and forums, and offer answers to posted questions; this is a good way of demonstrating your knowledge. If you disagree with statements made, respond in a non-offensive manner. Bear in mind that a professional networking site can make or break you, as it is a virtual business card. Invest ample time in developing a comprehensive profile of yourself. Some of the largest IT groups on LinkedIn include: Information Security Community, OpenSource and The IT Architect Network.

Blogging

Is an excellent way to find out what is happening in the industry, and to contribute to an online community. Keeping your own blog, and adding content to others can massively boost your networking potential. However, as with all online networking activity, you should be careful with what you write, and note the blogging etiquette.

BUILDING YOUR OFFLINE NETWORK:

General contacts

Let friends and acquaintances know that you are looking for work. Keep your network up-to-date, and notify of your current position. And, it is important to remember that networking is a two-way street – the relationship should benefit both parties.


Work placements

Try to secure work placements and internships, this is a great way of establishing contacts with colleagues and managers. And, keep in communication with them when you move on, as they may be aware of possible job openings and events.

Teresa Sperti, head of international marketing at IT Jobs for Graduates, said: ìThe UK recession has meant the IT job market for graduates has become increasingly competitive. Our ëBe Your Bestí campaign was designed to provide the necessary advice and support for students and graduates, as they make their first steps into the world of work, and it proved to be hugely successful.

ìStudents and graduates today need to stay on top of their game, hone their skills and remain focused. There is an IT skills shortage in the UK, and I believe there are real long-term opportunities for those embarking on a new career in the sector.î

IT Jobs for Graduates, also provides a free ëJobs by Emailí service that sends relevant IT jobs on a daily basis.