1. Decide on a career path and focus all your energy on achieving it
Employers don't like vague applications, says Mark Bradford, resourcing specialist at Stem Graduates. "Pick something that most suits your interests, experience and skills. In applications demonstrate your passion and knowledge for that particular path."
Jon Gregory, a university careers adviser, agrees: "Follow your interests and choose an industry that you are enthusiastic about. It will help you to get the jobs you want and to build a career long-term."
2. Don't think about your first job as the defining one
Many graduates think their first job will determine their future career path. "It won't. You will change. The world of work will change, so try to think instead about what you'd like to do in the next 12-24 months to make the decision more manageable," says Laura Brammar, senior careers consultant at The Careers Group, University of London.
Similarly, Zac Williams, founder and director of GradTouch, says "don't be afraid to make mistakes" because developing your career is a continuous process. "Don't make a decision based on what your friends or family think you should be doing. Instead, carve out your own career path."
3. Doing a master's won't make you more or less employable
Unless your master's degree is vocational, having that qualification on your CV won't make you more attractive to employers, says Charlie Ball, head of higher education intelligence at Prospects. "Master's are unlikely to open many doors that are closed to you unless you're thinking of going into academia."
The only time a master's will make you more employable is if it improves your skills and work experience more than a year spent doing something else would, adds Ball. "You might gain that during study – for example a history master's may include a strong data-handling component which is useful for work. Or you might use that extra year of study to polish your presentation or communication skills. You'll have to work hard to make a master's improve your employability – but it can be done."
"It might be worth thinking about how you can gain transferable skills through volunteering or work experience before you spend money on a master's," adds Suzanne Romano, senior graduate recruitment officer at Teach First.