Going For Your First Job After Uni? Here’s What’s In Demand Right Now

LinkedIn may seem a bit intimidating, a place where established professionals can mingle online, but it’s actually way more than that.

It took me ages to set up my LinkedIn profile properly because I didn’t think it would make any difference in my search for a job, or in building my career. Plus, there was just something a bit daunting about a social media platform made entirely of successful, working professionals.

I saw LinkedIn as a place that I wasn’t ready for yet, because I didn’t feel like my career was close to being established – I wasn’t even totally sure of what I wanted to do. But let me tell you, without LinkedIn, I wouldn’t be working in my current job.

LinkedIn is this incredible place where people that seem professionally intimidating and off-limits, people in powerful positions in companies and would be your boss, are open to connecting. Conversations that normally wouldn’t happen for years can happen over LinkedIn.

All you need to do is get your profile done, find relevant people in the industry you’d like to work with, and connect with them. The opportunity for conversation if you just reach out to someone on LinkedIn is incredible.

Many recruiters also use LinkedIn to help refine their search for someone they’re looking to fill a role, and that might be you. That’s why it’s so important to fill out all the information necessary, so there’s more chance of you being filtered into their search.

They also have the most comprehensive job search feature. You can save keywords for positions that interest you and receive notifications whenever a relevant job pops up in your area. You can also save your resume and cover letter to your LinkedIn profile, so it automatically sends them in for you with every job application.

But what jobs are the most popular for those just finishing their uni degrees?

New data from LinkedIn has revealed Graphic Designer, Teacher, Sales Specialist, Product Manager and Electrician are the fastest-growing entry-level jobs for graduates in Australia, recording the highest YoY growth between January 1 and March 31 in 2021.

LinkedIn data reveals that hiring for new grads is on the rise after a bit of a decline early this year. As COVID-19 has continued to impact jobs, there was a drop in hiring rates to -1.2% YoY in February 2021, but don’t worry, we’re recovering. It may not feel like it right now, but Australia has been slowly recovering and so has employment. The hiring rate for grads shot up to achieve a 116.4% YoY increase in April 2021.

Entry-level roles are also increasingly becoming more remote according to LinkedIn data. From 2020 to 2021, the percent of entry-level remote jobs posted between Jan 1 – March 31 in Australia increased by a factor of 10.2, from 0.4% to 4.1%. This is because the working from home option is now being seen as a viable one for most jobs. One of the best things to come out of COVID-19 has been flexible working options, when it comes to both hours and location.

So, if you’re looking for your first job out of uni, might we suggest the below?

Fastest-growing jobs

1. Graphic Designer
2. Teacher
3. Sales Specialist
4. Product Manager
5. Electrician

Industries hiring the most graduates

1. Software & IT Services
2. Construction
3. Corporate Services
4. Manufacturing
5. Health Care

The 2020 graduating class are becoming more confident, as they are networking at a faster rate to increase their job prospects. Lockdown has limited opportunities to meet in person, so interviews are more commonly being done online which to be honest, is way less anxiety-ridden.

In this digital world, LinkedIn has become a super valuable resource when on the hunt for a job or even just to build up your existing career and reputation. There was a 23% increase in the rate at which LinkedIn connections were formed by the 2020 graduating class compared to the class of 2019. And for some (me), their dream job came out of those connections.

Get yourself out there and be proud of your work.