Finding that perfect job is probably one of the most difficult challenges you'll face.

Most universities provide a career advisory service on campus that will steer you in the right direction and try to answer your queries about career choice.

Peter Kay, the director of the University of Nottingham's career advisory centre says the most frequently asked question is how to prepare CVs and application forms.

He says the CV is your 'marketing document' and must address both the needs of the organisation and market your suitability and potential.

But an application, if successful, is only the first step. It will get you an interview, but it doesn't get you the job!

Once you get an interview, you must be prepared to speak up and promote yourself. Answer the questions with detail, not bland narrative and when it's your turn to ask questions focus on the job, not the fringe benefits.

Getting a job after your education will take a lot of research into the job market to find out what opportunities are available.

Ask yourself if you want a job with a blue chip corporation or a small business. Do you prefer a private or public employer?

A scientist doing an experiment in a lab

Of course this takes time and a lot of energy at a time when you may be snowed under with academic work. You've got to be determined or risk missing out on opportunities, Peter Kay says.

Nottingham Trent University also has a careers advisory service which offers help to students. The university is in the top echelon for British universities for graduate employability, with only 1.3% of graduates unemployed at last count.

Angela Vesey, one of the advisors at Nottingham Trent, says you must be able to back up your CV with hard evidence, such as reference letters or copies of degrees or certificates.

She also says if you want your covering letter to have impact, don't simply regurgitate your CV but focus on how you believe you can contribute to the job you are seeking.

Effective preparation lies at the heart of a successful interview, so remember that "to fail to prepare is to prepare to fail."

By all means, use the facilities of the career advisory services at Nottingham University, Nottingham Trent University or the Government-run centres that are located across the country.