Harbingers of doom and gloom in certain sections of the media like to portray the current economic climate as the end of the world as we know it. But firms are still taking on graduates, and there are even staff shortages in some areas.

Be targeted and hone your skills

Employers like targeted applications from motivated candidates with the ‘right’ set of skills, so be realistic about your strengths and abilities.

• Review your skills
• Expand your networks
• Make sure your CV, cover letter and application form are as good as they possibly can be.
• And don’t forget that 60% of jobs are never advertised so learn how to tap into the hidden job market
• Lastly, the scattergun approach rarely works; one focused application for which you can demonstrate the right ‘fit’ is better than any number of bombarding a hundred employers with the same, identikit CV

‘No’ now does not mean ‘no, never’

• Make the lull in the market work for you by continuing to develop your skills.
• Think about internships or work experience
• Invest in a higher degree [link] or a certificate level professional qualification or brushing up on a language.
• Taking a temporary or part-time job is also a good idea.