7 Mistakes New Graduates Make When Looking for Their First Job in Australia

Finishing university is an exciting milestone - but transitioning from student to working professional can be unexpectedly tough. Many graduates enter the job market full of hope, only to face silence after applications or nerves during interviews. The truth? Most grads aren’t failing because they lack skills - they’re just making avoidable mistakes. In this blog, we break down 7 of the most common job search missteps new grads make in Australia, and how you can avoid them to land your first role faster.

1. Using the Same Resume for Every Job

One of the biggest mistakes graduates make is sending out the same resume for every job application. While it may seem efficient, a generic resume doesn’t reflect the specific needs of different employers or job roles. Most companies in Australia use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS), which filter applications based on keywords from the job ad. If your resume doesn’t match those keywords, it may never reach a human recruiter.

Instead, take time to tailor your resume for each role. Start by analysing the job ad and including relevant skills, responsibilities, and industry-specific terms. Use quantifiable achievements - even if they come from part-time jobs, university projects, or internships.

2. Applying Only to Big Companies

Many new graduates limit themselves by only applying to large, well-known corporations. While these companies often have structured graduate programs, they’re also highly competitive and receive thousands of applications. By focusing only on these organisations, you’re missing out on opportunities with small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), startups, and non-profits - many of which are more open to hiring fresh graduates and provide broader, hands-on experiences.

SMEs make up over 97% of all Australian businesses (ASBFEO, 2023). They often look for adaptable employees who can grow with the company, making them ideal for graduates seeking rapid career development.

3. Ignoring the Power of Networking

In Australia, 60-80% of jobs are never advertised, which means relying solely on job boards could be limiting your opportunities. This hidden job market is accessed through networking - building relationships, reaching out on LinkedIn, attending industry events, and joining alumni or professional groups.

Graduates who actively network are more likely to uncover insider information about vacancies, get referrals, or even be considered for roles before they’re posted online.

4. Sticking to Seek and Indeed Only

Seek and Indeed are useful platforms, but they don’t capture the full picture of Australia’s job market. Many industries, such as tech, design, or NGOs, have niche job boards that are better tailored to specific skills and roles. Others advertise exclusively on LinkedIn, company career pages, or internal referral programs.

By diversifying your job search channels, you increase your visibility and reach. Follow companies on LinkedIn, explore graduate-specific platforms like GradConnection, and subscribe to email alerts from niche boards relevant to your field.

Try these alternatives: GradConnection, EthicalJobs.com.au.

5. Poor Interview Preparation

Too many graduates assume that knowing their resume is enough. But Australian employers expect candidates to demonstrate preparedness, insight, and communication skills during interviews. Without research and structured answers, even the most qualified applicant can come across as vague or unenthusiastic.

Learn about the company’s mission, values, and recent news. Practise answers using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to highlight achievements and problem-solving abilities. Consider mock interviews with friends or mentors to build confidence.

6. Not Highlighting Transferable Skills

Graduates often believe they lack experience, but forget that transferable skills from study, casual jobs, and volunteering are incredibly valuable. These include communication, teamwork, digital literacy, leadership, and time management. What matters is how you frame them in your resume and interview.

For instance, running a group presentation at university shows public speaking ability. Managing part-time retail work demonstrates time management, customer service, and adaptability. Use numbers where possible:

e.g., “Served at least 80 customers per shift” or “Managed 3 assignments across 4 units while maintaining HD average.”

7. Giving Up Too Soon

Job searching can be emotionally exhausting, and it’s easy to feel discouraged after a few rejections. However, success rarely comes overnight. According to Hiring Lab by Indeed, graduate job postings in 2025 are 16-24% lower than in 2023, making persistence even more critical.

Track your applications, review your rejections to learn from them, and take breaks to maintain motivation. Remember: even getting to an interview is progress. Consistency, self-reflection, and upskilling (like learning Excel, Canva, or LinkedIn optimisation) can increase your chances substantially over time.

Ready to Land That First Role?

At OZGRADS, we help students like you go from confused to confident. We’ve helped hundreds of graduates take control of their job search with practical, one-on-one support. Whether you’re stuck on your resume, nervous about interviews, or just need a clear plan - we’re here to help.

Book a free 10-minute call or explore our tailored programs to kickstart your job search today.

References

Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman (ASBFEO) (2023) Small business statistics. Available at: https://www.asbfeo.gov.au/resources/small-business-statistics (Accessed: 23 January 2026).

Career Success Australia (2023) Australia’s Hidden Job Market. Available at: https://careersuccessaustralia.com.au/australias-hidden-job-market/ (Accessed: 23 January 2026).

Indeed Hiring Lab Australia (2025) 'Australia’s Graduate Hiring Slows, but Jobseekers Still Finding Success', Indeed Hiring Lab. Available at: https://www.hiringlab.org/au/blog/2025/05/01/australia-graduate-hiring-slows/ (Accessed: 23 January 2026).

Disclaimer

This blog contains links to external websites and platforms for informational purposes only. We are not affiliated with, endorsed by, or compensated by any of the organisations, platforms, or services mentioned. All references are provided to support students and readers in accessing useful resources.