Top Job Hunting Strategies for a College Graduate

Navigating the job market can be a challenge for recent grads. With so many new responsibilities and expectations, finding a position that is both fulfilling and financially rewarding can seem daunting. Luckily, there are several strategies you can employ to find your niche and secure your first post-grad job sooner rather than later. To help you get started on the right path, we’ve outlined some key ideas to keep in mind when searching for your next gig as a college grad.

Network like crazy

Marketers say that a solid network of relationships can be the difference between finding a new gig or going months without a paycheck. In fact, a recent survey found that 76% of hiring managers find the majority of their qualified candidates through networking. With that in mind, consider expanding your network beyond your fellow classmates. Your high school friends may be done with school, but your parents, aunts, uncles, and other relatives might still be in the job market. Plus, you might be able to integrate an internship into your course curriculum to expand your contacts. Another key reason to leverage your network is the potential for a return. If a former classmate lands a job at a company your network found them at, you could be the one to bring them on board!

Be a trailblazer

As a recent graduate, you likely have a lot to learn about the job market, including the myriad ways companies hire and the latest trends and technologies. While you can certainly rely on your university career center to provide general advice and guidance, you might find it helpful to consult with professionals in your field, like a professor or a current or former employer. You can also turn to online communities and career advice sites to gain insight into the job search. In addition to learning about specific job search techniques, you can also find out what employers are looking for these days. Employers are increasingly looking for candidates who are trailblazing, meaning they have ideas they want to implement and/or want to contribute to their team through mentorship, coaching, and other leadership functions. Employers are also increasingly looking for candidates who are flexible, meaning they are able to take on roles in a variety of disciplines in order to achieve a company-wide goal. Make sure that, as you search for your first job, you’re also looking to carve out a trail in the field.

Don’t limit yourself to just one job type

Spoiler: If you’re a recent college graduate, you might find it helpful to narrow your focus when it comes to job hunting - but only a little. Employers won’t have time to read a huge list of resumes, so you’ll want to ensure you showcase your talents in as many ways as possible. That said, don’t feel like you need to also squish all of your interests and skills into one package. Instead, try splitting your efforts between different ventures and focusing on different aspects of each position. This can help you make a strong impression on hiring managers who may be interested in hiring someone who is not just proficient in a single field. For example, if you’re interested in mental health and are applying for a position as a counselor, you may want to focus on how your previous experience with a nonprofit has helped you develop your skills and how you would like to contribute to a team.

Know your company culture before applying

When searching for new positions, you want to make sure that you are targeting employers who are a good fit for you. While salary may be the first thing a hiring manager will look at when selecting a candidate, it’s not the only thing that matters. Consider your lifestyle, passions, and values before applying to jobs that don’t align with your goals. While salary is a significant factor in determining whether or not you’re hired, you also want to make sure that an employer's culture is a good fit for your lifestyle, passions, and values. You can use online resources, like company reviews, to find out more information on company culture before applying. Employers will also look at how you have demonstrated your fit with an organization or company through your past experience, your online presence, and your curriculum vitae.

Be aware of the latest trends and tech

While it may seem like there isn’t much out there, you can find many new opportunities through online job boards and even social media sites. You can also look for opportunities at career fairs and local community centers. One of the biggest job market trends for recent graduates is the increasing popularity of freelance and contract positions. These positions can be a great way to test the waters and learn about what is out there for different industry sectors before committing to a full-time position. Other job market trends include the increasing importance of soft skills, the shift from a siloed approach to job seeking to a more holistic approach, and the need for candidates to remain relevant and up-to-date with new technologies. Another component to look for shifts in skill requirements. For example, if you’re going into marketing and see that everyone’s attention has shifted to TikTok from Instagram, this is an incredible opportunity to jump into a territory where few others have accumulated decades of experience. If a number of job descriptions continue to say you will be using Canva, Notion, or any other business software it may be useful to go through it on your own time so that the hiring company will see there’s a greater starting point with someone familiar with their toolset.

Stay flexible and be resilient

If you’re looking for your first job out of college, there is no reason to restrict yourself to a single type of position or company. Instead, try to find a position that will allow you to test the waters in a number of different ways. For example, look for a job at a startup or in a field that you’ve long been interested in, such as marketing or finance. If you’re not able to find a position in a timely manner, don’t let that discourage you. Instead, take the time to identify what skills you’d like to develop and what types of positions you’d like to pursue in the future. Stay resilient when it comes to job searching. If you’re being pushy and aggressive, you’re probably feeling discouraged - which means you don’t want to be around. Instead, take some time to regroup and get your head back on straight. Apply some of the strategies outlined above and you’ll be on your way to landing that first job sooner than you think.