Wondering how to get a job after college? The prospect of switching from a student’s lifestyle and diving right into the workforce is exciting and the next step in your burgeoning career.
If you want to launch into a successful career after college, you’ll want to follow our advice and secure a job that’s fit for you. Read our guide below to learn how to find a job after graduation.
Apply Proactively
When you begin applying, don’t wait to hear back between submitting applications. Apply to multiple jobs concurrently. Ideally, you’ll hear back from more than one employer and have many opportunities available to you.
Work On Your Experience
You likely have relevant experience outside of the workforce that may not be highlighted on traditional application documents. College campuses are full of opportunities to work on soft skills that easily translate into the workplace. Look for opportunities to gain noteworthy experience by joining a club or participating in extracurricular activities.
Internships are obvious opportunities to earn work experience, but you can also find work-related experience when leading group projects, engaging in organized lab work, and assisting your professors. Look for times you’ve shown leadership qualities, held important or key positions within a team, or were depended on by your peers. Reference these experiences on your resume to show leadership, responsibility, or other positive qualities.
Source Letters of Recommendation
Professors or other education professionals who can attest to your work ethic, determination, and professionalism are excellent resources for recommendations. Ask them to write you letters of recommendation for your future employers.
Be considerate in your request and give the author plenty of time to write your letter. Requesting letters at least one month is the most courteous way to go about asking for one, and you’re more likely to find agreeable authors if you haven’t burdened them with a tight deadline.
Volunteer While You Wait
Entry-level job seekers wait three to six months on average before finding employment. Use this time to your advantage and volunteer.
Not only are you making a positive contribution to your community but you are opening yourself up to networking opportunities. What’s more, you could be working with one of your most valuable future contacts when volunteering. The time spent volunteering looks great on a resume because it shows good moral values, responsibility, and proactivity.
Follow Up
After sending in your resume, send an email or call directly to the office. State politely that you’re following up on your application submission. You may need to do this multiple times to get the attention of the right person.
Following up is a power move that shows a genuine interest in the position. Employers will feel like your first choice rather than one of many.
Create a Personal Website
A website of your own can serve as a digital business card, giving you the opportunity to showcase your computer skills. Website building shows proficiency with technology, an in-demand skill that many employers are seeking.
Further, including a personal website on your resume establishes your professional image despite not necessarily having the experience of a professional in your industry.
Research Your Options
You may have a particular career track in mind or you may be open to testing various avenues. Both strategies will benefit from researching your options.
For example, you could find a plethora of opportunities in an area you didn’t consider. An unlikely part-time job could contribute greatly to achieving your long-term career goals.
Tailor Your Resume
Each job listing will have different specifications. Slightly rework your resume to fit each listing.
This could be as simple as prioritizing your list of skills in order to put your most relevant traits first where they will be easier to find for the hiring manager. You could also omit or add certain experiences, depending on whichever is most relevant to the position. As a rule of thumb, try to showcase long-term positions on your resume to show potential for longevity.
Apply these tips as you diligently job hunt, and you’re certain to find a job. College graduates are in high demand in many fields, so stay confident and stay persistent.
