Find Your First Job After College
How to Start the Job Search Process
Looking for your first job after college doesn’t have to be so challenging. Here are some tips on how to approach the job search and increase your chances of being hired.
Assess Yourself
Before applying for every available job, take a step back and evaluate yourself. Consider what your strengths and weaknesses are, what subjects interest you, and what type of work environment would be most suitable. Evaluate what your work preferences are. Do you like to work alone or with others, in a corporate setting or somewhere more laid back, under tight timelines or with more flexibility? By going through these exercises, you can start to think about what careers and fields seem fitting. Learn more tips on how to assess yourself.
Do Your Research
Once you’ve compiled a list of potential career fields, your research can begin. If you already know a lot about the field, see if you can find people who work in the industry and conduct an informational interview to gain some more insight and to see if your self assessment aligns with the career. If you’d still like to learn more, check out The Bureau of Labor and Statistics’ Occupational Outlook Handbook, which provides job descriptions, qualifications, salary information and more.
Target Your Search
Now that you’ve narrowed down which fields seem aligned with your interests and strengths, you can start the application process. One simple approach is to visit one of the many career websites, such as monster.com, hotjobs.com or careerbuilder.com. If you’ve done your research, you may discover there are job websites specifically for your industry. The goal is to make your search as targeted as possible while casting a wide net for options.
Perusing job sites is not the only way to approach your job search. College and university career centers are equipped with people whose job it is to help you find a job. Career centers are available to college students and sometimes graduates – and it’s a free service!
Network Network Network
It’s no secret that a great way to find a job is by knowing someone who works in the industry. While you think you might not know anyone, by doing a little digging you’d be surprised by how well connected you are. Join social networking sites such as LinkedIn, Facebook or MySpace. If your “1st degree” or “immediate” friends don’t work in your desired industry, perhaps they have friends who do.
Another useful way to network is simply by spreading the word that you’re looking for a job. Tell your friends, parents or peers to keep their ears open, and perhaps they might have friends with whom you can talk. It’s not inappropriate to approach these people, as long as you do so graciously and politely.
Lastly, take advantage of your college or university. Most have robust alumni databases, and you can look up former classmates who work in your area of interest. You can also reach out to instructors and professors, who might be willing to conduct an informational interview or lead you to a helpful resource.
Promote Yourself
While the networking tips mentioned above can help you secure an initial interview or point of contact, it is your responsibility to promote yourself and show your worth. Ensure your résumé is updated, well-formatted and free of grammar or spelling errors.
After an interview or meeting, it is crucial to follow up with the people who mentored or interviewed you. Always send a thank-you note, and if someone dedicated significant time to helping you, a small gift may be appropriate. Not only are you showing your gratitude and appreciation to the people who helped you, but you have another opportunity to show them why you are right for the position.
Finally, make sure you set realistic expectations for yourself. It is important to aim high and strive for success, but ensure the job for which you are applying matches your qualifications. This, combined with appropriate research and preparation, will help ensure your next journey after college will be a successful one.
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