Even in this tight job market, it is difficult for many new college graduates to find employment. Use these tips to cover all areas and come off as a real expert.
As businesses try to replenish their workforce after the 2020 shutdowns, it seems that experienced workers have a wide choice of employment in today’s competitive labor market. However, the upward trend in employment figures does not always accurately represent what young people—especially new graduates—go through when they try to find their first job. In actuality, they are often ignored.
Employers are looking for workers with specific skills and years of experience, but fresh graduates can only acquire these skills and years of experience if they secure employment first.
The good news is that young people looking for work may employ several strategies to make a strong impression and get that first job.
But students may take control of the process by adhering to a few straightforward guidelines and tactics to get employment that will assist them in launching their career.
Start by making use of the resources that students have at their disposal as students or recent college graduates. To discuss the possibilities, schedule a meeting with a professional counselor in the career office.
If students are not sure what their objectives are, they might also look into career counseling. Advisors may assist with creating cover letters and resumes, getting students ready for interviews, and creating an interest-based job search strategy.
In addition, colleges arrange employment fairs on campus, recruiter visits, recruiting students in strategic locations, and alumni networking initiatives.
Getting a job via networking might be one of the best strategies. According to a joint study by LinkedIn and The Adler Group, networking accounts for 85% of all employment.
Often, the ideal strategy is a subtle one, like contacting acquaintances for guidance and information instead of approaching potential employers directly.
Make as many consultations with specialists as students can to get information. Obtain volunteer lists from the alumni association or career office, go to networking events, and ask alumni to get along well and whether they may get in touch with them again to learn more about their workplace.
Speak with previous employers, coaches, teachers, clergy, and anyone else who has seen constructive work. Find out if they know someone who they might get in touch with for guidance or information about people in their areas of interest.
LinkedIn is a terrific location to network, but it’s also a wonderful place to show off skills, develop a personal brand, look for and apply for jobs, and get in touch with recruiters and possible employers. Additionally, students may connect with former students in related areas by joining any LinkedIn groups hosted by the university.
While still enrolled in school, create a LinkedIn profile and begin to develop it. Highlight skills, education, extracurricular activities, internships, volunteer work, and, if one hasn’t any work experience, ask for references. By taking the initiative, students create an online presence that highlights their abilities and successes. Using LinkedIn to network may help you make important contacts and find employment after graduation. Early-profile development work lays a solid foundation for future career endeavors.
Consider arranging a job shadow day as a follow-up to a productive networking meeting, try to arrange a job shadow day. It will offer an idea of whether they would want to work at that particular business and give an insider’s perspective of what it would be like to work in that position. Additionally, I’ll probably meet a lot of people and have the opportunity to form some beneficial relationships.
Find companies that are interested in hiring college students or recent graduates, and inquire about any job openings they may have. Find college graduates who are working for companies that you are interested in. Going to the school’s career center or alumni office to talk to someone about alumni group searches can help it find a job. Use the alumni feature on LinkedIn to meet new people and get helpful information that will help with job searches.
Using employment websites such as Indeed.com. To locate additional ads, look for specialized or niche employment boards related to industry.
Create resumes tailored to certain positions when your professional ambitions start to take shape. Highlight the projects, studies, experiences, and abilities that are most relevant to future career goals.
Steer clear of template cover letters. Rather, dedicate some time to crafting a customized cover letter that highlights how the abilities and interests align with each position. See advisers and mentors for guidance and comments, and proofread the materials thoroughly at all times.
Approach the job hunt with the organization and treat it like a real job. Organize all of the contacts and apps into a database.
While enrolled in school, allocate 10 hours per week to job seeking. When they have time off and after graduation, put in an extra 20 hours a week.
Sponsors of internships often make hires from their previous intern pool. In fact, according to studies from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), over 66% of college graduates who had paid internships went on to get employment offers as a result of them.
Given this, it’s a good idea to aim to get an internship as soon as they graduate from college.
Consider exploring internships after graduation if students lack the necessary qualifications for their desired career. Regardless of future employment opportunities, this experience provides a platform for skill development and relationship-building. Prioritize paid internship applications or combine low-paying employment with a part-time job if finances are tight. By filling key skill gaps and improving job chances, these programs create a strong foundation for a career path.
Students thus get an interview. What happens next? Everyone finds interviews unpleasant, even seasoned employees. Whether conducting the interview virtually or in person, confidence stems from preparation. “Rehearse with loved ones and/or friends, and prepare responses to possible interview questions,” advises Hunter. It’s a good idea to prepare a list of questions they would want to ask the employer, including about the team’s clientele, the corporate culture, any significant projects or accomplishments, and other topics.
To sum up, persistence is essential throughout the job search process. It’s critical to be resilient and persistent in the face of difficulties. Rejection is a chance to grow and learn, not a sign of failure. Keep this in mind. Continue honing skills, networking, and looking for new chances. Accept failures as stepping stones to achievement. All applications and interviews are opportunities to grow and go one step closer to achieving our objectives. Maintain your commitment to the set objectives and trust that your hard work will ultimately yield rewards. I will eventually find the perfect career after graduation if I don’t give up and keep moving ahead.
