How to get a job right after college

Many recent graduates underestimate the time it takes to land a role. For those with 5+ of experience the interview process is known, the target companies, and even roles that recently popped up are known. For a recent college graduate you’re forced to learn all of these things that wasn’t taught in school, and doesn’t even apply towards performing well at your job. These tips are meant for you to make the most of your college experience while also putting your job hunting process under control.

Gain experience while in college

If you didn’t start a small business or land an internship while in college leverage your participation in clubs or organizations as job experience. Work on a side project and build a social media following, build an app, write a blogm or design a website to show off your skills. Consider taking on a freelance or part time job by leveraging platforms like Fiverr to gain experience in the job function you’d like to work in. If you’re looking to be the perfect social media manager, than take on a few clients or small projects on Fiverr to begin gaining experience that will help you stand out.

Start Networking

Talk to your favorite professors if they know of anyone hiring. If you’re in a business school, your professor will likely be a tremendous recommender for a position. Go to your universities career center, take advantage of the free resume building classes, and go to the career fairs. Career fairs are designed to bring recruiters together with college talent, so they’re looking for you! Come prepared with questions, and make yourself stand out to jump start the recruitment process for when you do send an application in. In general, universities offer their students a number of resources to help them land a job but most student are either uninterested or unaware of these resources to take advantage of them. Don’t limit yourself even if you think that these will not result in a job offer, putting yourself out there early will show eagerness and you truly never know where the perfect opportunity will pop up. Don’t forget to leverage your Alumni network, or reach out to employees at your desired company that went to your college. Some universities have stronger Alumni networks than others, therefore this could be one additional angle to separate yourself from the backlog of resumes for recruiters to sort through.

Research the Job market

Learn more about what kind of jobs are in your field, or what types of jobs are available to your specific major. Take a look at the common skills required on those job descriptions and personalize your resume accordingly. Doing this will also help you narrow your job search by picking the roles and companies you both want to work for, but also have the highest likelihood of getting hiring.

Be Proactive

Being proactive is key to landing a job right out of college. Don’t wait around until graduation day to create a resume, or to begin dispersing it. Apply to different jobs, reach out to Alumni on Linkedin, follow up with companies you’d like to have an interview with and find more places to apply for jobs. After applying for a job you really want it might be wise to send the hiring manager a personal email letting them know that you applied to their role, and explain to them why you would be a good fit. If this message is convincing, the hiring manager will at the very least take a closer look at your resume which is exactly what you’re looking for!

Build a Routine

The application process can seem endless at time. You apply in bulk to 100 jobs, then wait to conduct 2-3 phone screens, and the wait some more to restart again. Build a routine and set some targets. Schedule times on your calendar for searching for jobs, updating your resume, following up with recruiters, and learning new skills. But never forget to take days off and mental health breaks. Don’t worry you will get hiring, just keep getting smarter with your approach, resume, interviews, but you will get there!