5 Job Search Tips for Recent College Graduates
Graduation season is here!
After months or years of taking classes, writing papers, and successfully passing exams, millions of students are set to receive degrees and diplomas this season. Entering the job force when you have little experience or are venturing into a new career path can be tricky.
It’s natural to feel nervous, have doubt, or worry about not feeling qualified enough as a new grad. And while the job market is bouncing back from COVID-19, there’s more competition than ever which can put students at a disadvantage.
As companies bounce back from one of the worst economic pitfalls decades, they’re looking for seasoned professionals equipped with years of experience and skills that you don’t have just yet. But businesses are also on the hunt for fresh talent and faces to help with post-pandemic business pivots and strategies.
This can serve as the perfect entry-level opportunity for someone looking to get their career started, or someone looking to take their career to a new level.
JOB TITLES YOU SHOULD BE AIMING FOR
If you’ve just recently graduated with your bachelor’s degree, depending on your experience, you’ll be considered entry-level - meaning you’re someone with 0 to 3 years of work experience and will need to aim for lower-tier positions to learn the ropes.
This consists of roles that include the terms “support specialist, representative, coordinator, and assistant”. These positions are meant to help you get familiar with processes and real-world scenarios in your field and industry.
If you have graduated with your Masters's Degree or Ph.D., you’ll be going for management or executive positions such as “senior manager, director, VP, department heads, and senior director”. However, you don’t have to have a degree to be qualified for these roles.
MAKE SURE YOU HAVE A STRONG RESUME
Even though you may be new to the work world, that doesn’t mean your resume has to look like it. Your resume shouldn’t scream “entry-level” candidate or “fresh out of school”.
You should still have a professional resume that outlines the knowledge you’ve acquired along with examples such as a portfolio, class project, or presentation. Start with a strong professional summary that communicates your value, mentions key classes you’ve taken that are related to the job and what you’ll be doing, and focus on highlighting your strengths rather than your weaknesses.
Feel free to include campus clubs and organizations that you participated in, volunteer work you’ve completed, and internships you’ve done. Capstones and dissertations can be listed as well.
JOB SEARCH TIP FOR GRADUATES
Here are 5 tips for you to start and navigate your job search as a new graduate. The key is leveraging your resources, using the power of the internet, and being flexible.
1. BE OPEN TO GIG WORK
While your ideal position may be a full-time one with benefits, don’t rule out gig, freelance, and contract work to get your feet wet. In 2020, there were 20 million people doing side-work or contract work.
Also, 56% of gig workers reported having two or more projects. Taking short-term jobs allows you to still build your resume while you continue looking for jobs.
They can also be a way to start making money quicker. It can take up to 3 to 4 months to apply, interview, and receive a job offer. Getting hired for gig work can take 30 days or less. Another perk is that you can continue applying for full-time roles as you’re working a short-term job.
Use sites like Upwork or Fiverr to create a profile and begin applying for project-based roles.
2. CONSIDER LAUNCHING A SIDE HUSTLE
Did you know that one in three Americans have a side-hustle?
You don’t have to start a business or become an entrepreneur per se if it’s not your thing, but you should consider starting a small side hustle to gain more experience and show that you’re building your skills outside of work.
Simple side hustle ideas include consulting, hosting workshops and webinars, and guest writing/ blogging for a website on topics related to your expertise. If you can make your side hustle profitable, that’s an added bonus. If you already have a side hustle, feel free to list it on your resume.
3. LEVERAGE ALUMNI AND FACULTY NETWORKS
You didn’t pay thousands of dollars for school to leave with a piece of paper and nothing else! As a current and former student you have access to hundreds, if not thousands of people who can help you start and progress in your career.
Reach out to past teachers equipped with years of real-world experience for advice, recommendations, and introductions. Connect with and reach out to past graduates in your field who are where you want to be.
Schedule informational interviews to learn behind the scene tips, hints, and receive career guidance. You can use LinkedIn to find alumni, or school-based alumni communities and groups.
4. BUILD YOUR PERSONAL BRAND ON LINKEDIN
In 2021, having a professional brand will be the key to attracting recruiters and jobs to you like bees to honey. LinkedIn is the best place to build a brand by sharing information, messaging, and content that can get you noticed by business leaders.
LinkedIn gives you direct access to millions of CEOs, HR Managers, Talent Acquisition experts, and more. Start by sharing information about yourself and why you love what you do, then begin sharing tips, hints, hacks, and best practices related to your field or industry.
5. BE REALISTIC
Some college graduates expect to make a higher salary than they may be qualified for right out the gate. While you definitely want to make sure you’re getting the pay you deserve, be sure to do some research to learn the pay or salary of the jobs you’re interested in.
Understand that with minimal experience, even in top-grossing industries, you won’t be making big bucks right away. When you do land your first job, consider reaching out to a career coach to develop a career plan, or find a mentor who can help guide you along your career journey.
CONGRATS - HAPPY JOB HUNTING!
Completing school is a major accomplishment! Having a degree, certification, or additional training can help increase your value and worth to a company. It’s been proven in countless studies that people with post-secondary education tend to outearn those who do not continue school after high school.
Now that you’ve reached this milestone, it’s time to put it to work by obtaining a great position where you can learn, grow, and evolve. It won’t be long until you’re taking the corporate world by storm. Make sure you have a solid entry-level resume to help get your foot in the door.