Final year? How to stand out and how many graduate jobs to apply for

Image by Adrian from Pixabay

By Bernadette Dooley, Careers Adviser

So, you’re heading into final year and the job hunt is looming. Whether you’re feeling quietly confident or full-on panicked, two questions come up again and again:  

1. How do I stand out?
 
2. How many jobs should I apply for?

The answers depend a little on your timeline - whether you need a job lined up straight after graduation or you’ve got some breathing room. Let’s break it down.

1. How do I stand out?

The good news: you don’t need to be the loudest, most polished, or most professional person to stand out. What employers really want is the following: 

• Tailor your applications. Yes, it takes longer but a well-targeted CV and cover letter that speak directly to the role will always beat a generic one-size-fits-all approach. Avoid the 'spray and pray' approach. 

• Show your thinking. Whether it’s in interviews or application questions, explain why you’re interested in the role and how you’ve developed relevant skills. 

• Use your experiences. Part-time jobs, volunteering, societies, coursework, placements – it all counts. What matters is how you frame it. If you’re struggling to articulate this, then come and see us. 

• Be visible. Attend employer events, connect on LinkedIn, ask questions. You don’t need to be everywhere, but showing up with interest and initiative goes a long way.

If you need a job straight after graduating

• Start early. Some graduate schemes and jobs open in autumn and close quickly. Attend our recruitment fairs in October to speak to employers.

• Tailor everything. Your CV, cover letter, and application answers should speak directly to the role and organisation. Use keywords from the job description and personalise your application. 

• Practice now. Many graduate roles include online tests or video interviews. Use our free tools to prepare. 

• Use your network. Careers fairs, alumni panels, LinkedIn – these are great ways to get noticed and learn from others.

If you have more time:

•  Get curious. Explore different sectors, attend employer events, and talk to people in roles that interest you. 

• Build your story. Use final year to reflect on what you enjoy and where your strengths lie. Why not attend our ’Identifying your strengths’ workshop? 

• Try things out. Volunteering, internships, side projects – these all help you build experience and confidence. 

• Stay visible. Keep your LinkedIn updated 

2. How many jobs should I apply for? 

• Focus on quality over quantity. Don’t panic - apply to 100 roles or over rely on AI. Employers can tell. 

• Apply when a role and/or organisation genuinely interests you and you can tailor your application. 

• Aim for five to 10 strong applications to start with. 

• Track your progress and implement any feedback. You can get AI feedback from CareerSet, an online tool, for CVs and covering letters and an adviser can read through your application.

• Set a realistic weekly goal, for example, two to three applications, and build momentum gradually. 

If you have time, learn from each application and refine your approach and if you’re not getting traction, widen your search but keep the quality high.

Whether you’re ready to jump into the job market or still figuring things out, the key is to start. Use the support around you – careers advisers, academics, peers, alumni, mentors, and your own network.

Find more advice on our Graduating in 2026 webpage including FAQs from final year students. And remember standing out isn’t about being perfect. It’s about being prepared, proactive, and a little bit brave.