Advice for Recent College Grads Looking for Employment

Advice for Recent College Grads Looking for Employment

Graduating from college is a turning point in the lives of young people. Receiving that hard-earned diploma can feel like a weight has been lifted; your four years of hard work have not gone unnoticed. But the exciting reality can quickly turn into a harsh one once you realize that now it’s time for real life.

Finding employment with a college degree should be easy, right? Unfortunately, this is not always the case. Depending on your degree and career hopes, finding a job can be even more difficult than passing that Organic Chemistry exam. To make things a bit easier on you, check out these tips for successfully entering the workforce after graduation.

Don’t underestimate the power of networking

As a recent college graduate, you obviously don’t have tons of experience in your field yet. This is why networking is essential. In lots of cases, grads find entry-level jobs through connections and people they know. Ask everyone from your professors to your friends if they know of any open positions in the career field.

Networking also means getting your name and face out there. Attend workshops, seminars, and professional job fairs and chat with people. Even if this doesn’t end up furthering your professional career, you might meet some cool people along the way.

Perfect your resume, and build it up as much as possible

No matter how many interviews you land, a sloppy resume could be the end-all. Nothing looks worse than a resume riddled with typos. Even if you have very little experience, make sure your resume looks put-together and professional. Utilize online resume builders and ask someone to read it over for you.

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Although you might not want to, consider an internship

This might not be the ideal option, but some recent graduates can benefit from an internship. Whether it is paid or unpaid, an internship is a great way to build experience and make connections. In many cases, an internship actually leads to a paid position and even a long-term career. Take your internship seriously and show your value whenever possible.

Have confidence at that next big interview

With little to no experience, going into an interview can feel overwhelming. Preparation is key, so edit your resume and research the position before you arrive. Although you might not feel like the most qualified candidate, confidence is key. Interview expert Jeff Gillis says that answering the “tell me about yourself” question with confidence can be a determining factor for a potential employer.

Contact previous professors, employers, and colleagues to get a killer reference letter

Showing up to an interview with a resume is crucial, but it is also important to have a list of references and a reference letter. This shows that you’ve gone above and beyond to prepare for this job and that you take it seriously. Contact people that know you well and can describe your personality and qualifications. Once you get a killer reference letter, be sure to send a thank you.