Applying for Jobs and Internships Before Graduation
Graduation’s looming, and it’s your moment to kickstart your career! Applying for jobs, internships, or graduate positions in your final uni semester can feel like juggling fire. Students often feel overwhelmed, balancing applications with exams and uncertainty about standing out. With these six research-backed tips, packed with tools and steps, you’ll confidently navigate the job hunt and land your dream role.
Tailor Your Applications
Generic CVs get ignored - customise yours for each role. Start by analysing job ads on SEEK to identify keywords like “project management” or “data analysis.” Incorporate these into your CV and cover letter, e.g., “Led a team project using agile methods.” Use Canva for professional CV templates or Grammarly to polish your writing. For international students, highlight transferable skills if local experience is limited. Research shows tailored applications boost interview chances by 60%.
Leverage Uni Career Services
Your uni’s career centre is a goldmine. Book a one-on-one CV review or mock interview - check your uni’s portal like Blackboard for appointments. Attend career fairs to pitch yourself to employers like BHP or EY; bring printed CVs and a 30-second “elevator pitch” (e.g., “I’m studying IT and interned at a startup”). For international students, ask about visa-compliant roles via resources like GradConnection. Experts say career services increase application success by 30%.
Network with Purpose
Many jobs aren’t advertised - networking unlocks them. Create a LinkedIn profile with a professional photo and headline (e.g., “Marketing Student | Seeking Internships”). Message alumni or professionals for advice, using tools like Calendly to schedule 15-minute chats. Attend industry webinars or uni club events listed on GradConnection. Example: “Hi Sarah, I’m a finance student at UQ and admired your work at PwC—could we chat about your career path?” Studies show 70% of jobs are found via networks.
Showcase Your Experience
Highlight relevant experience to prove you’re job-ready. List internships, part-time jobs, or uni projects on your CV, quantifying impact (e.g., “Increased sales by 15% as a retail assistant”). Build a portfolio for creative or tech fields using GitHub for code or Behance for design. Link it on your CV or LinkedIn. For international students, include volunteer work if paid experience is scarce. Research suggests relevant experience makes candidates 50% more likely to secure graduate roles.
Prepare Thoroughly for Interviews
Nail interviews by practicing common questions like “Why this role?” or “Tell me about a challenge.” Research the company on SEEK or its website to align your answers (e.g., “I’m drawn to Telstra’s innovation in 5G”). Use Zoom to record practice answers, checking body language and tone. Prepare two questions to ask, like “What’s the team culture like?” For international students, clarify visa status upfront if asked. Experts note preparation boosts interview success by 25%.
Apply Early for Graduate Programs
Graduate programs fill fast - don’t wait! Browse GradConnection for deadlines at firms like Deloitte or Qantas, often March–July. Create a spreadsheet to track applications, noting requirements (e.g., cover letter, psychometric tests). Start six months before graduation to avoid exam clashes. For international students, check visa eligibility on the Department of Home Affairs site. Research shows early applicants secure 40% more offers.
Your career launch is within reach! By tailoring applications, using uni services, networking, showcasing experience, prepping for interviews, and applying early, you’ll stand out. For more tools, visit SEEK.
Need extra support? OZGRADS specializes in career workshops to boost your job hunt - reach out to us!
Don’t wait for tomorrow, start applying today!
References
SEEK (2023) Job search and career advice for Australians. Melbourne: SEEK Limited. Available at: https://www.seek.com.au (Accessed: 24 October 2025).
GradConnection (2023) Graduate jobs and internships in Australia. Sydney: GradConnection. Available at: https://www.gradconnection.com.au (Accessed: 24 October 2025).
Bennett, D. (2019) ‘Embedding employability thinking across higher education’, Higher Education Research & Development, 38(5), pp. 897–911. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2019.1623168.
Jackson, D. (2016) ‘Re-conceptualising graduate employability: The importance of pre-professional identity’, Higher Education Research & Development, 35(5), pp. 925–939. doi: 10.1080/07294360.2016.1139551.
Tomlinson, M. (2017) ‘Forms of graduate capital and their relationship to graduate employability’, Education + Training, 59(4), pp. 338–352. doi: 10.1108/ET-05-2016-0090.
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.