10 Job Search Tips for Recent College Graduates

 It’s graduation season! Congratulations to all the college graduates out there. You’re likely exhausted from completing the semester whilst ensuring everything is in order for graduation, yet excited and sad it’s all over. I’ve been there, and I know the feeling. I also know the feeling of settling into life post-graduation after the confetti settles and starting my job hunt. This brings me to the following tips I have for recent graduates who will be showering the job market for their first job post-graduation.

1. Start Applying Before Graduation 

It will likely be months or maybe even a year before you land a job (it took me 10 months and that included a 3-month externship). Get a head start your senior year of college. If you’re doing an internship that you hope will turn into a paid gig, show up and show out every single day. Show them that you want this!

2. Record the Jobs You Applied For

I did not do this when I first started applying. I would apply then move on to the next job. The problem would be that I would forget where I applied and to what position. I started keeping a record of all the places I applied in a designated notebook. I would highly suggest you keep all the information in one place. My format looked like this:

Date:

Job Title:

Employer:

Industry:

Shift/Pay:

Location:

Username/Password:( If Applicable)

3.  Customize Your Resume

Format your resume to align with the industry in which you are hoping to work. This includes highlighting certain skills you may have that recruiters will look for. If you have any experience using industry-specific software and/or laboratory tests, be sure the include those as well.

4. Always Use a Cover Letter

I know it may seem like an extra step, but your cover letter is where you can tell recruiters a little more about yourself, career goals, past experience, and why you're a good fit. I suggest creating a template and plugging in the name of the company, position, and make a few other minor adjustments for every application. Remember to make it specific to every company and position.

5. Upload Your Resume to Job Sites

By creating a profile and uploading a current resume to sites like Indeed and LinkedIn, you save yourself time in the application process. These websites also have privacy options so your personal information on your resume cannot be seen

6. Be Open About the Type of Employment Opportunity

You may have your dream position in mind, but it may be helpful to be more open-minded about which roles can still offer experience. When job searching, ask yourself, "Can this be added to my toolbox?" The "toolbox" I am referring to is your toolbox of skills. What skills can you obtain from this role that are transferrable? 

7. Look for Recent College Graduate Hiring Programs

More and more employers, especially in STEM fields have special programs dedicated to recruiting recent graduates. I've seen some that consider you a recent graduate up to three years post-graduation.  If a program like this is not advertised on a company's website, don't hesitate to ask and get qualifications if one exists.

 

8. Be Open to Internship or Externships

While neither may be ideal as many are often unpaid, and you just graduated, but this could be a good way to show you're motivated and hopefully get hired.

9. Consider Relocation

Know your hubs. Some industries are concentrated in certain states or regions of the country (referring to the U.S.). You know how big tech is synonymous with Silicon Valley? Where is the hub for your desired industry? It may not be where you are currently located, which may require a move to enter the workforce.

10. Be Patient

It may take longer than you anticipated to land a gig, and you may be discouraged. I worked retail for a few months to have some cash flowing in until I landed an opportunity. Just know if you have to pivot like I did, 1. Nothing is permanent and 2. Don't lose sight of your goal.

If you have any more tips that you found helpful, please feel free to share!