With graduation only a few weeks away, landing your first postgraduate job can be intimidating. The job market is more competitive than ever, and the economy is still recovering. In order to stand out from the competition you have to be a savvy job seeker. Here are four ways to land a job when you’re straight out of college.
Be open-minded
If you’re anything like 99.9 percent of other graduates, your first job out of college is not going to be your dream job. The sooner you realize this, the more likely you are to land a job. When looking for your first job after graduation, you have to be flexible. Apply for various types of positions in your field and different jobs that require the same skills sets as the job you’d like to have. Keeping an open mind will open the door to more possibilities and options, as well as provide more practice in the interview process.
Get connected
The quickest way to find a job post graduation is through your network. Whether family, friends, professors, or past coworkers, the people in your network can tell you about new opportunities that you may not have seen elsewhere and can introduce you to their connections to help you get your foot in the door. Today’s job search is heavily influenced by who you know.
Before starting your job search, take an afternoon to set up a LinkedIn page and make a detailed list of key contacts that may be able to assist you in your job-hunt. Reach out to a few of these contacts, explain what type of job you’re looking for and ask them to keep an eye out for any leads. You never know who they’ll be able to introduce you.
Look to your alma mater career center
It’s no secret that a younger demographic makes up the majority of entry-level employees. College campuses often offer jobs that are perfect for new graduates. As an alum, you have a better chance of landing these positions than another candidate who didn’t attend the university. Even if the openings aren’t in your field of choice, it’s a great opportunity to earn money and gain experience before finding a job in your industry. It’s a lot less stressful to find a job in your industry when you already have a source of income.
Stay positive
Your first job search after college can drain your energy. However, every position you apply for is a new opportunity and each application process is a learning experience. It’s important to realize that the absolute worst thing that can happen during the job search process is that you get told no. While rejection may be painful at first, realizing why you were rejected allows you to fully take the reins of your career. Email recruiters to follow up on applications and ask local leaders in your industry out to lunch. They may say no, but they could also say yes, which could lead to a job opportunity. Apply for a few jobs each day and stay in touch with the contacts you make during the interview process.
Need an extra hand landing your post-graduate position?
Let the experienced team of recruiters at BOS Staffing help. For more than 35 years we have helped job seekers throughout Northeast Georgia and nationwide connect with top companies in their industry. Contact us today to learn more.