Finding a job after graduation is not often easy. College graduates depart college with a degree in hand and a passion for the career path they wish to pursue. However, when they begin looking for work in earnest, things don’t always go as smoothly as they had hoped. Graduates who are seeking jobs should remember that they are in a far better position than those who have not completed their degrees. So do not get disheartened. If your job search comes to a halt, there are a few things you can do.
1. Do an internship
There is no such thing as too much experience for job searchers, and an internship is a terrific way to gain it. Although it may appear like doing an internship after graduation is a step backward, an increasing number of professionals are using internships to hone their presentation skills or learn new ones in order to change careers. This is a particularly wonderful idea for graduates who did not participate in an internship while in school.
2. Don’t wait
‘I’m waiting to hear back,’ or ‘I’ve applied to ten jobs online and no one has called me back,’ are common phrases used by college grads. Knowing that you have an action item on your calendar to follow up on in five working days from the day you applied is incredibly motivating. If any of your college alumni work for your desired employer, reach out to them on LinkedIn for assistance.
3. Network
One of the most effective strategies to locate work is to network. Inquire about opportunities and acquire some leads from family members, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and professors. Join a professional group in your field and attend their meetings. “Do you know someone who could help me obtain a job in [insert your field of interest]?” According to statistics, 80 percent of jobs are never posted. It’s up to you to figure out where those jobs are available.
4. Ensure your LinkedIn Profile is complete
LinkedIn can be used to establish a professional identity, search for jobs and apply for them, connect with hiring managers and recruiters, and so on. You can broaden your reach and visibility by joining LinkedIn groups.
Most recruiters use LinkedIn to locate job candidates and check their legitimacy, thus today’s graduates must have a complete LinkedIn profile. LinkedIn has introduced the EasyApply feature, which allows users to use your LinkedIn profile as a CV when applying for jobs. As a result, your LinkedIn page now serves as an add-on to your resume.
5. Volunteer
Volunteering isn’t just a terrific opportunity to give back to the community; it’s also a great way to meet new people. Volunteering for a cause you care about can help you learn new skills and meet individuals who can help you find work, including potential employers.
6. Target your Resume and Cover Letter
Continue to tailor your resume to specific job openings. You can’t have a single résumé that you use to apply for many jobs. Rather, focus on the abilities, experiences, and work that are most relevant to the position you’re applying for. Of course, practicing this will result in a slew of different copies of your CV, and you may lose track of them. However, know that it is worthwhile.
7. Remain informed
You must keep up with everything that is going on in your field, including any news, innovations, and changes. When you’re looking for a job, it’s important to stay current with the market. You can stay up to date by doing the following.
- Read professional journals and publications.
- Join social media communities for professionals.
- Follow the feeds of companies and industry brands on social media.
8. Prepare well for an interview
If your CV is chosen for further consideration, the next step is to succeed in the interview. If you have prepared responses to all of the most common interview questions in your area, your confidence will soar. Being confident will also impress your potential employers.
9. Expand your search
In order to find the proper fit, job searchers may need to broaden their criteria. In other circumstances, this may include seeking work in a different city or state. Other times, it may imply looking into professions that are unrelated to their college major. While some of these choices may not be ideal, they can serve as a springboard for joining the workforce.
10. Find Companies that you like
There will be huge brand corporations in your niche, depending on your professional specialty. You’ve always wanted to work for your ideal firm. Identify those employers and go to their website’s careers section to see if any employment is available for freshmen.
You can also contact your institution to see if an alumnus works for your dream company and ask for guidance on how to apply for jobs and ace interviews. You can also register on a job site to look at the job openings at the companies you want to work for.
11. Engage with your campus career center
Most colleges offer a placement office or a placement cell that can assist you with your professional goals. As a college student or recent graduate, you have access to these materials, which are free to use. You can start using these tools as early as college, and if you’re concerned about your future choice, you can seek career counseling.
So go ahead and meet with a career advisor to talk about your goals and create a plan for your future. These professionals can assist you in creating a résumé, preparing for interviews, and developing a job search strategy.
These are a few things you can do to make your job search go more smoothly. It’s not tough to get your dream job if you do your part. Hence, all you need to do is concentrate on it.