How to Land Your First Job After College ??
Securing that first job after college can be a daunting prospect for many college seniors and recent graduates. However, you can take charge of the process by following a few simple strategies to get your career off to a positive start.
Here are tips for landing your first job after college.
- Check With Your Career Center
Begin by tapping the resources that are available to you as a student or recent graduate from your college.
- Start Networking
Undoubtedly you have heard that networking is one of the most effective ways to land a job. Networking may seem difficult to you as a senior or recent graduate, so Review these career networking tips before you start.
– reaching out to contacts for information and advice rather than directly asking people to hire you.
These informational interviews will give your contacts the opportunity to gain an appreciation for your interpersonal style and your skills
- Contact as Many People as Possible
Contact as many professionals as you can for informational consultations. Get lists of alumni volunteers from you career office or alumni association, attend networking events and ask alumni with whom you develop a rapport if you can follow up with them in the office setting to gain further insight into their work environment. Join any LinkedIn groups for your college and reach out to alumni in fields of interest.
Join professional groups in your field as a student member if you are still in college
- Arrange a Job Shadow
When you have a positive networking meeting with someone, try to arrange a job shadow day as a follow-up.
- Have an Elevator Pitch Ready
Take stock of your strongest interests and skills and be prepared to tell people who you meet some interesting things about yourself to grab their attention.
- Target Your Resume and Cover Letter
As your career goals begin to crystallize, develop targeted versions of your resume. Showcase the skills, experiences, coursework, and projects most related to your emerging job objectives.
- Find Companies You Would Like to Work For
Identify other employers of interest which are not affiliated with your college’s career office to expand your options. Visit the employment section of their website and look for college student/graduate opportunities.
- Organize Your Job Search
Get organized. Keep a database of all your applications and contacts. Schedule 10 hours per week for job searching while you are in school. Increase the time you spend to 20 hours a week during breaks and after graduation
- Line Up an Internship
Do as many internships as possible during your college years. If you find that you are under qualified for your target job at graduation, explore the possibility of doing an internship for the summer or fall after graduation.
- Keep Balance in Your Life
Finally, endeavor to retain some balance in your life while you are in job search mode. Exercise, follow a healthy diet, get enough sleep and continue to pursue your outside interests in order to keep your energy level up and maintain a positive state of mind.
Finding that perfect first job may take some time, but making a good match will be worth your preparation and patience.