Help Yourself Get A Great Job After College

IN A NUTSHELL

It takes graduates an average of three to six months to find a job after college. Some tips that may help graduates get a job after college include working with a career advisor, getting internship experience, networking to find unadvertised jobs, writing resumes with Application Tracking Systems in mind and maintaining a LinkedIn profile.

Many graduates feel stressed about finding a job after college. In fact, having a successful career is the leading stressor for recent college graduates.

As mentioned, it takes about three to six months for the average college graduate to find a job after college. Recent numbers show that the unemployment rate for bachelor’s degree holders was 2.2% compared to 4% for those only holding a high school diploma.

BE PROACTIVE

If you want to find a job right after you graduate, remember to be proactive. Apply to different jobs, contact people in your network and on LinkedIn and FOLLOW UP on any jobs you haven’t heard back from. By showing interest and being proactive, you’ll let hiring managers know that you’re ready to put your skills and experience to work.

Pro tip: After applying for a job, send the hiring manager a personal email letting them know you applied and why you believe you’re a good fit for the position. You can also call them a few days after you apply for the job if you haven’t heard back yet.

LEVERAGE CAREER SERVICES

Career advisors play a crucial role in helping college graduates transition into the workforce by providing guidance on career planning, job searching, and professional development. They assist with tasks like resume writing, interview preparation, and networking, and can also help graduates explore different career paths and make informed decisions about their future.

FIND A MENTOR

There are many benefits to having a mentor, like providing career guidance and constructive criticism. A mentor is someone you trust and look up to, and they can be a supervisor, coworker, teacher or even a friend. Building a relationship with your mentor might also help you strengthen your communication skills, which can help you during interviews.

CREATE A ROUTINE

The job hunt may seem difficult, but building a routine might help you keep track of your goals.

APPLY ON THE COMPANIES WEB SITE

Another way you may be able to stand out from the crowd is to apply directly on the company’s website instead of on big job boards. Some companies regularly update their websites with current job openings and actively check for candidates. Applying through their website may also make your application more personal and show that you’re especially interested in working for them.

Pro tip: If you find a place where you genuinely want to work, it may be worth emailing them, even if they don’t have current openings.

To get a great job, focus on understanding what you want, developing relevant skills, networking, and crafting a strong application. Tailor your approach to each application and highlight your value to potential employers.