Getting a job right after college is tough. There are so many factors to consider, like what you want to do, where and when you want to work, and how much time you have before graduation. These are all difficult things to balance as a student that is also trying to be productive in their final school year. We get it. It can seem like there’s plenty of competition for great jobs out there, especially with the number of recent graduates from colleges and universities increasing every year. As a result, new grads need all the help they can get in finding career opportunities that suit them best. Luckily for current students looking for work after graduation and recent grads who are still looking for work, some amazing resources exist to help make the process easier. From information about how and where to find jobs after college, to advice on how to market yourself effectively as a potential employee — we’ll cover it all here!
The first step in finding a position is to decide what type of job you’re looking for. There are a few factors to consider when choosing a job, including what your major is, what you’ve done outside of school, your desired salary, and the location of the job. If you’re not sure what type of job you’d like to do after graduation, you’re not alone. Many recent grads aren’t sure what they want to do just yet, and that’s okay! There are a few ways to start narrowing down what you might be interested in. - Talk to people in different fields and ask them questions. Connect with professionals in your field of interest and ask them what they do, how they got where they are now, and what they like and don’t like about the field. - Always make sure to read up on your chosen field to gain a better understanding of how it works. - Consider what you’re good at and what interests you. If you’re drawn to a certain field, then you’re more likely to be successful in it.
Networking is a great way to find a job, especially in fields like sales, finance, and corporate consulting. But even if your chosen field doesn’t require a lot of networking, it’s a great skill to have for any career. For example, marketing, sales, PR, and HR are all industries that rely heavily on networking. You’ll have a much easier time finding a job if you have connections in the industry than if you’re going in blind and trying to apply to every single job posted (without any connections to help you get noticed). You should start networking as soon as possible. You don’t have to go to every networking event or meet-and-greet, but you should definitely be putting yourself out there. The easiest way to do this is online. Join a few groups that are related to your field and meet some people. You can also follow professionals in your field on social media, if they have accounts like LinkedIn, Twitter, or Instagram. Getting to know these people can help you find a job, as well as make valuable connections you can use in the future!
Many colleges and universities host job fairs to help graduates find employment. These events are a great place to meet potential employers who are looking for new people to hire. Job fairs also give you the chance to practice your elevator pitch in real-life situations, which is a crucial skill for any job applicant. You can also attend networking events outside of your school to meet potential employers and find jobs. These events can be hosted by alumni groups and professional organizations related to your field, as well as large companies who are always hiring. Beyond job fairs, there are plenty of other events where you can find great jobs. Some examples include: Campus events like entrepreneurship competitions, hackathons, and business plan competitions, College Career Fairs, College Lectures and Guest Speakers, College Events that Host Employers, like conferences and symposiums, Career Expos, Local events hosted by professional organizations, Local Businesses that Host Graduation Events.
Online resume platforms are a great way to build a professional resume, especially if you don’t have much work experience. You’ll have a chance to practice your elevator pitch and put all your skills and qualifications into one place so employers can see them. You can also add links to various social media accounts so potential employers can learn more about you. There are plenty of online resume builders that are free to use. Some examples include: LinkedIn Templates, Resumeher, Resume.com, LiveCareer, LiveCareer Premium, VisualCV, VisualCV Premium, CV Builder, CV Builder Premium, JobCV, JobCV Premium, eCV, eCV Premium, GoCV, GoCV Premium, The CV Builder.
Video resumes are a great tool to use if you have a visual or performing arts related degree. Or, they can be used by anyone who has a hard time summarizing their skills and qualifications in written form. Video resumes are also helpful for people who aren’t currently in the workforce, like stay-at-home parents and people who are looking for a career change. Some of the top video resume platforms are: Drafted.
Finding a job after college is a tough process. It can be even more challenging if you are not sure what industry you want to work in. To make the process easier, you should take the time to figure out what you are good at and what you enjoy. It is also important to network, both online and in person, and to attend as many job fairs and events as you can. And once you have your resume ready, you can use online resume builder websites or video resume platforms to build a better resume.