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5 Tips for Finding Your First Job Out of College

5 Tips for Finding Your First Job Out of College

Are you overwhelmed by the prospect of finding your first job out of college?

While finding that first job can be a frightening experience, especially when the job market is tight, it’s never too early to begin your search.

According to a survey conducted for the book, There is Life After College, two-thirds of college graduates struggle to launch their careers.

If you want to be a part of the one-third who doesn’t struggle, you need to take steps to prepare for the job search process.

In this article, we’ll detail 5 tips for finding your first job out of college.

1. Create a LinkedIn Profile to Land That First Job out of College

Many college students are under the impression that LinkedIn profiles are only for established professionals.

But really, the truth is that it’s a good idea to create a profile during your college years, even if it’s just the bare bones.

Creating a LinkedIn profile helps you establish connections, stand out from the competition, and demonstrate to employers that you’re serious about your job search.

Don’t worry if you don’t (yet) have extensive experience (or any, for that matter) in your field. You can beef up your profile by listing your extracurricular activities, awards, and part-time jobs.

2. Develop a Compelling Resume and Cover Letter

A resume is much more than a list of your previous jobs.

If you put the effort into creating a resume and cover letter that stands out, employers may choose you over someone with more experience.

Don’t worry if your resume isn’t chock-full of professional experience. Highlighting relevant coursework, summer internships, part-time jobs, and special skills can give you a leg up on the competition.

While it’s likely you will only need one resume, make sure you’re tailoring your cover letters to each employer.

The resume and cover letter writing process can be extremely overwhelming, so you may want to consider seeking out resume writing services for some help.

3. Take Advantage of Career Counseling Services

It’s also important to take advantage of your campus’ career counseling department.

A college career counselor can be an invaluable resource when it comes to defining your job search and finding relevant employers. Oftentimes, career counselors have resources for job openings that many people aren’t aware of.

Plus, these services are free of charge.

4. Consider Internships

While many college students shy away from internships because they’re often unpaid, an internship can be a great introduction to the working world.

Having an internship on your resume will show full-time employers that you have the ability to succeed after college. Plus, some internships turn into full-time jobs.

In fact, not having an internship can actually be a huge setback.

5. Keep an Open Mind and Keep Applying

While you probably have a dream job in mind, don’t expect to land that job right after you graduate.

Keep an open mind about the jobs you interview and apply for, as your first job can always serve as a stepping stone to your dream job.

Don’t get discouraged if you don’t hear back from employers right away or at all. Job applications are a learning opportunity and you should aim to apply to a few every day until you land one.

First Job Out of College: Wrap Up

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to landing your first job out of college.

And once you start hearing back from prospective employers, it’s time to get ready for interviews. Check out this article detailing the top mistakes to avoid while interviewing.

 


OTHER RESOURCES:
Recent college graduates face a tough job market : Here are your options

6 Tips for Finding Work in the Hidden Job Market

6 Tips for Finding Work in the Hidden Job Market

How are you supposed to get a job if you don’t ever see the job openings?

As it turns out, only half of all available jobs are ever posted publicly.

So how do you break in? You have to be proactive.

Take a look at these six tips that will help you break through the hidden job market.

1. Start Networking To Find The Hidden Job Market

Networking isn’t just having a conversation with someone. It’s establishing a genuine relationship with a person who may become a good friend as you advance in your career.

You should never approach networking thinking about what you hope to get out of it. Put your personal job hunting goals aside and focus instead on making connections.

Make it about them. Be real.

Listen to others with interest and try to figure out a way you can help them. In fact, if you aren’t sure how your skill set will benefit them, ask them directly if there is anything you can do to help them.

People are likely to remember your generosity, and that will make them want to return the favor.

2. Find a Job Support Group

Networking should become a habit. You should network before you need a job, while you’re looking for a job, and after you get hired.

A job support group will keep you networking easily, not just at every-once-in-a-while events.

The people in these groups understand what you’re going through and are often willing to help you in any way they can. A job support group is also a great way to learn which employers are hiring.

3. Get Active On Social Media

A lot of companies have social media accounts, and you should find and connect with these sites.

LinkedIn is one of your greatest tools when trying to battle the hidden job market.

4. Attend A Conference

Conferences, conventions, or trade shows are great places to meet professionals and grow your network.

It’s also a place you’re likely to find someone looking to hire, and that person can talk to you about the interview process in person and set you up with other helpful resources.

Attending conferences can also help develop your professional skills.

5. Sign Up For News Alerts

News alerts will keep you up to date on prospective employers.

You’ll find out right away if the company has made a move that might lead them to hire more employees.

These alerts will also provide you with valuable information about the company. If you do get an interview with them, you will know what business they have been doing and be able to bring it up.

6. Contact Hiring Managers Directly

Before you can do this, you must figure out how your skills and background can make a positive difference for the company, but once you have a good plan, be proactive.

Contact the hiring manager, introduce yourself, and let them know how you can benefit their company.

Even if the company isn’t hiring when you call, you’ll be at the top of their list when you start.

Break Through the Hidden Job Market

Hidden jobs are a lot easier to find when you know where to look, but getting an interview requires you to be professional, compassionate, and assertive.

Are you out looking for that hard-to-find job? Contact us for help!

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