4 Keys to Finding Jobs after Graduation

By Jeremy Bender on May 21, 2013

As graduation season is upon us, post-college job search fervor is reaching all new highs. No one relishes the idea of going from the freedom and security of college to moving back in with their parents, fervently searching for job postings. For those new to the job search, the entire process of getting hired can be extremely overwhelming. Luckily, you don’t have to worry! Here are four golden keys to your job search.

1) Seek Advice

Courtesy of Google Images

This may seem like a no-brainer, but seeking advice about the job search is often undervalued. Fortunately, there are entire industries created around helping new graduates find employment. Every university offers a Career Counseling center with staff dedicated to helping you find employment. Remember, it is also in their best interest that you get hired.

Beyond Career Counseling, make sure to reach out to anyone with whom you’ve had any sort of work experience. Former bosses or managers, professors with whom you have a real relationship, and even family friends can all point you in the right direction. Even if they do not know an opening outright, they can often highlight a company for you that you may have never thought of before.

And this leads us to…

2) Be Proactive 

Is there a company you would love to work for, but you don’t see any job openings listed on their website? Don’t be afraid – email HR anyway. You can always send them a polite message saying how you are interested in their company, and you wonder if they can keep your resume and cover letter on file. This pro-activeness demonstrates you have a general interest in the company.

Of course, don’t be pushy! If you don’t receive a response, so be it. The fact that you demonstrated interest and took the first step instantly puts you ahead of any other candidates should a position actually open up. Companies are naturally attracted to motivated individuals who take the time to research where they are applying.

Never limit yourself, because ultimately you should always…

3) Cast a Wide Net

Obviously, if you studied a practical degree this piece of advice means less to you. Someone who studied engineering with the goal of becoming an engineer won’t be happy seeking employment in media production. Anyone who studied Liberal Arts, though, has an open field ahead of them, as I’ve said before.

Liberal Arts teaches you more how to think and perform, rather than bestowing an actual tangible skill. With that in mind, cast a wide net in your job search – reel in any potential position that sounds appealing. Of course an Anthropology major may have a more difficult time than a Journalism major in finding a job in editing, but they can absolutely still compete if they highlight the writing/editing/research skills they acquired during their studies.

Essentially, never feel limited. But most importantly…

4) Let Yourself Be Discoverable 

Just as you are searching for a position, many companies are searching for the best possible recruits through third-party headhunters or internal corporate recruiters. Make their job easier and peacock yourself.

Is there a company you are interested in? Follow them on LinkedIn! Are you not entirely sure of how to best be noticed? Craft an amazing resume and post it on Indeed, Monster, and CareerBuilder! Even if you do not receive job offers, the websites will still send you new job postings that might fit your resume.

Mostly, just remember to never despair. Searching for jobs can feel like a job unto itself. But, little by little, the more you apply and search for the ideal job the closer you are to finding it. Best of luck, class of 2013!

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