Purpose: The purpose of the paper is to analyse the prevalence and effectiveness of methods and strategies for job searches amongst recent graduates of Russian universities. Design/methodology/approach: The empirical analysis is carried out on data from the Russian Graduate Survey 2016, which is representative of individuals graduating during 2010-2015. The sample included 12,370 individuals. The empirical approach combined standard descriptive statistics, factor and regression analysis (multiple logit regression). Findings: Results show that the most common strategies are a combined strategy that involves the use of formal and informal methods, as well as "pure" informal strategies -- applying to relatives and friends or contacting employers. The most effective strategies are job searches with the help of relatives and friends, by contacting employers and with the help of educational organisations. The choice of job search strategy is determined by the expected return in terms of the likelihood of finding a job. Practical implications: The paper increases understanding of graduate job search behaviour. The results can be used by multiple stakeholders in higher education to better prepare students for job seeking. Originality/value: This research, based on a large field survey of recent university graduates, provides the first estimates of use of job search strategies and their effectiveness for Russian university graduates.