Career Pathway 3: Compete

You’ve made your decision and have a plan – now it’s time to take the next step.

Whether you’re applying for graduate jobs or a postgraduate course, standing out is key. Promote your strengths confidently and make your application count.

Changed your mind? No problem — you can revisit the Decide and Plan stages at any time.

Step 1: Competing for opportunities after graduation

Applying for a graduate job, scheme, or postgraduate course? You’ll need a tailored application that highlights your skills, experience, and motivation.

Your earlier research now pays off — it shows your commitment to the role or course. If shortlisted, you may face interviews or assessment centres.

Explore the tips and resources below to help you succeed.

Step 2: Competing for graduate jobs

Follow all instructions carefully — tailor your application to the person specification using clear examples
Use STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure responses
Update your CV — a skills-based format works well unless told otherwise
Prepare for interviews and assessment centres by researching the employer’s values and behaviours
Key websites for support are My Career, Prospects, Target Jobs and Bright Network

Step 3: Competing for postgraduate study

Visit the institution and speak to lecturers about course content and relevance for your career aspirations
Read the institution’s guidance carefully and then tailor your application to show your passion and career focus
Highlight relevant modules from your degree, your dissertation, and academic strengths using the STAR method
Find support with applications on My Career and access the Alternative Guide to Postgraduate Funding
More information on Prospects Postgraduate Study webpages

Step 4: Competing successfully at interview

Most graduate jobs and courses involve interviews — often alongside other tasks or assessment centres.

Access Shortlist.Me directly, or via your My Career account , to practise interviews and other assessment tasks to build confidence in a safe, realistic setting.

Step 5: Other options after graduation

You might choose to start a business, travel, or gain more experience.

Explore Prospects Self Employment and Target Jobs – Gap Year Ideas.

Step 6: Seek professional support – My Career

If you’re a current student or graduated within the last 3 years (from a Level 5 course or above) on the Birmingham Newman campus, log in or register to access your My Career account. This will allow you to:

Explore resources in Pathways and Careers Discovery
Practice interviews, assessments etc. on Shortlist.Me
Access workshops and events
Get job alerts graduate jobs, workplace experience, volunteering opportunities and part-time jobs
Book a 1:1 appointment with a member of specialist careers staff

Any Questions? Email: careers@newman.ac.uk

Once you have successfully gained employment and/or a place on a postgraduate course, move on to the Sorted pathway.

< Career Pathway 2: Plan

Career Pathway 4: Sorted >

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