Is this the first job formula Socialite students lead race for dream first role

Is this the first job formula Socialite students lead race for dream first role by Michael Cheary One in eight graduates credit first job success to social skillsGraduates take an average 3 1/2 months to get first step on career ladderOver two thirds of graduate job hunters cite blogging and online networking as imperative to career successGone are the days of trying to keep your social life a secret from potential employers. In fact, according to our latest  as new research  investing time in ‘Brand Me’ is key to first job success, according to our latest research.+ SociabilityAll that time hanging out at the student union may come in handy after all, as the study of over 2,000 graduates* reveals that over one in eight (12 per cent) credits their first job success to their sociability.The average graduate takes three and a half months to gain employment; however, for one in 25 (four per cent), it can take over a year for their CV to get noticed. It’s no surprise then that graduates invest time in building their own brand in a bid to stand out.Two in five respondents (40 per cent) believed blogging about their life and interests was by far the best way to make an impression on employers, with one in 20 (four per cent) going one step further and vlogging.+ Social NetworkingOnline networking was also seen as imperative, with over a quarter of graduates (26 per cent) using LinkedIn and over one in five (22 per cent) using Facebook to get their first job. Those looking for work in Energy and Utilities were the most connected with over a third (38 per cent) saying LinkedIn helped them to secure their job. Interestingly, Twitter is most effective for those seeking employment in the Charity and Voluntary sector, with almost one in five respondents (18 per cent) claiming it helped them to get that all important first step on the career ladder.+ InternshipOne in six graduates (17 per cent) lists a weekend job or internship on their CV, but volunteer work is seen as the most impressive experience to invest time in; with over a quarter (27 per cent) saying this helped in their pursuit of work. Mentoring schemes were seen as most influential to those seeking work in the Law enforcement and Security sector with almost one in five (17 per cent) graduates saying it helped them into their chosen profession.+ BricolageAn interest in travel, technology and music helped one in 10 graduates earn extra CV brownie points however, for many, more quirky interests captured the attention of future employers, with respondents citing an interest in wine, bricolage and logic games as hobbies that got them a job.A third of graduates felt their Bachelors degree was essential to their future career prospects; however, almost two in five respondents (38 per cent) believed having a Masters degree gave them an edge in the job market.+ FrenchFrench and Spanish stood out as the languages most likely to aid towards employment, with over one in five (22 per cent) and one in six (16 per cent) respondents claiming this to be true. Arabic (six per cent) and Urdu (four per cent) were also cited as useful.Lynn Cahillane, Communications Manager at reed.co.uk, said: “We see hundreds of graduates upload their CVs to our site every day, and it’s clear they are savvier than ever when it comes to building and promoting their own brand but it is no easy feat. Whether it’s keeping a regular blog or networking down the pub or online, it takes time and real tenacity to land that first dream job.”*Survey of 2,093 graduates on reed.co.uk database to have completed university in-between 2008 and 2014Find a job What Where Search JobsSign up for more Career AdviceSign up for moreCareer Advice Please enter a valid email addressmessage hereBy clicking Submit you agree to the terms and conditions applicable to our service and acknowledge that your personal data will be used in accordance with our privacy policy and you will receive emails and communications about jobs and career related topics. Getting Started Graduate advice How to start looking for work