9 Tips for College Graduates Looking to Land their First Job
Sign Up For Job Sites Geared Towards Recent Graduates
A number of job sites are set up to help new graduates find jobs in their field. These sites are also filled with entry-level positions. It makes it easier than sorting through several higher-level jobs to find something you are qualified for. Some of these sites may require you to get access through your institution’s career office, but searching on these specialized sites is well worth it.
Don’t Ignore Larger Job Sites
That being said, when you are signing up for job sites, don’t limit yourself. Create profiles on some of the larger ones, like Monster, Indeed, and LinkedIn as well. This will help expand your reach as you search for a job. You can filter these sites based on your skill level and desired career.
Seek Out an Internship
Your first job out of college may not be a full-time salaried position. Be open to taking on internships. This will help you get your foot in the door in your field and add some experience to your resume. Getting an internship in your field can help you land bigger, better jobs down the road. Additionally, the company you intern with may be interested in hiring you.
Visit Your School’s Career Office
Most colleges have a career office for students to utilize. Take advantage of it! Not only can they help you review your resume and practice for interviews, but they also typically have connections to companies looking for new graduates as well. Your school may have a job board posted through the career center that you can search for.
Beyond that, your career office likely also holds networking events. These events may include job fairs, networking mixers, and even on-the-spot interviews. Visiting the office will give you a good idea of what events are happening that can help you find a job.
Get a Second (And Third) Look at Your Resume
When you are crafting your resume, be sure to get a second and even third set of eyes on it. You may want to ask a professor or someone in your career office for additional guidance on creating a resume that really showcases what you have to offer. New graduates may have a hard time identifying exactly what they have to offer. While you may not have job experience in your field, per se, you do have the educational background that trained you for the position you are looking for.
You will also want to showcase any work you did during your college years that may help you in the “real world.” This includes volunteer positions, things you were involved in on campus, and internships.
Start Networking
It is never too early to start networking. Create a LinkedIn profile and begin connecting with alumni from your school and people already working in your field. Outside of social media, you may also want to start attending networking events for the industries you are most interested in. You can also look for mentorship programs and other similar networking opportunities. For instance, many cities have a women-in-business organization that can help other young women get started with their own careers.
Be Prepared For Your Interviews
When you start to interview for positions, be prepared. Research the position and the company you are interviewing with before arriving. Employers like to know that you are familiar with their company and why you are interested in the job. Don’t just recite the company website’s “About Us” page. Instead, pick a few qualities about the organization that really resonate with you.
Consider doing a mock interview. It is a good idea to practice a little, especially if you haven’t ever been on a job interview before. You can do a mock interview with prepared questions with a friend or schedule an appointment with a career counselor at your school to prep.
Think About Who You Want to Work For
Finding the right employer goes beyond just salary and benefits. You want to work for a company with a positive environment where you fit in well. Take some time to think about what you are looking for in your “dream job.” Will you want flexibility in your schedule? Do you want to make a difference in the industry? This will help you narrow down companies you want to work with and positions you want to apply for.
Consider Getting Help From a Staffing Agency
Staffing agencies can help you identify positions that match your skillset and career desires. Working with them can also give you a broader look at the different types of jobs and companies out there you can work with. They are already in touch with a large pool of employers and can help you find a job where you can truly make a difference.
On top of that, many staffing agencies can also find your temp or temp-to-hire jobs. When you temp for a company, you can get a feel for the work and the culture of the organization itself. This gives you a better idea of whether or not this type of job is right for you. It can also help you decipher what you are looking for in an employer beyond salary and benefits.
Ready To Land a Great First Job?
Burnett Specialists can assist you in finding the right job for you. Visit our job page to see what positions the professionals on our team can help you land.
