1. Where to look - Advertised Vacancies

 CDC Vacancies Section

• Opportunities for Final Years (Apply now- jobs starting after your course has finished)
• Current Jobs (Apply now - jobs starting soon)
• CDC Employers Database - listing of employers offering graduate recruitment opportunites
• Additional Job Search Resources including opportunities abroad
• Register with our partner www.gradireland.com for emails on upcoming opportunities
• To see information on job opportunities from employers targeting NUI Maynooth students and graduates, click here

Directories

Pick up your FREE copy of Gradireland.com directory from the CDC Information Room. This publication contains details of employers offering positions starting Summer/Autumn 2012. Opportunities available include internships and full-time positions.

Noticeboards

The CDC advertises vacancies on our noticeboards (Arts Building) and vacancies are also notified to relevant departments so check your departmental noticeboard too.

Recruitment Agencies

National Recruitment Federation is a voluntary organisation set up to establish and maintain standards and codes of practice for the Recruitment Industry in Ireland. Their website contains a listing of their member agencies.  

CDC Additional Job Search Resources includes a sample of recruitment agencies.

2. Where to look - Hidden Job Market

When we talk of job opportunities most people only think of advertised vacancies however there are other opportunities, not immediately obvious but no less real or accessible than advertised vacancies. This is what we refer to as the Hidden Job Market. These are jobs that are waiting to be filled but not advertised as employers will find people through means other than advertising the position. So, how to apply for these jobs? Use the links below to find your answers!

Networking

Networking involves developing and maintaining links with a group of people with similar interests who interact and keep informal contact for mutual assistance or support. It can be a very effective method of gathering career-related information, developing contacts within your present academic environment, within the community or an industry. It helps you to find out what is involved in a particular job and more importantly uncovering the hidden job market. 

Speculative Applications

Many employers fill vacancies from Speculative Applications. This section will give you tips on what's involved and where to find employers.

3. Working Abroad

Use our Working Abroad section to gather information and resources useful in researching employment opportunities abroad.

4. What Employers Want

Employers generally want students with a good degree, who have participated fully in University life,  have work experience and have reflected upon and can articulate their achievements.

Prospects: What Employers Want

Whatever sector or career path you decide to follow, whether a graduate scheme or direct entry position, almost all employers will be looking for evidence of core skills and competencies. Skills employers want include: Communication, Initiative, Teamwork, Leadership, Negotiation, Time Management, Organisation, Problem Solving, Customer Service, Commercial Awareness.

It is important to be able to recognise the skills you are developing in any given situation, whether that's work experience, volunteering or part-time, casual work.

See the Skills section for further information on employability/transferable skills.

Visit the Windmills website and take a Skills Audit.

What are graduate attributes?

There is a lot of emphasis placed on transferable skills and  you willl need to demonstrate a high level of competency in these core areas if you want to succeed in the job market, but today's graduate employers are looking for something else as well - graduate attributes. Graduate attributes represent the package of skills, qualities and understanding that you will need to impress potential employers. You will be expected to demonstrate:

Work experience is a valuable way to gain skills and can be presented to employers as evidence your professionalism and skill development.