As nearly 4 million new college graduates begin searching for a job, many will face an uphill battle to find their first real job. One year ago, job prospects were booming.
Now, a worldwide pandemic and a sluggish economy stand in the way. Job opportunities are out there, but they’re harder to find. For graduates, the outlook may seem bleak, but there is hope.
Persistence pays off, and as the job market picks up, you want to be ready to compete for the jobs you want. Take a look at how graduates can land a job in this challenging market.
Don’t Wait
Although it’s not the best time for job hunting, sitting around won’t get you anywhere.
Take every opportunity to apply for positions. Ask your family, friends, and college alumni to introduce you to business owners.
Tap into all the resources you have, including the campus career center. It may take some time, but hard work and persistence pay off.
If you have one or more interviews and fail to get an offer, don’t despair. Learn from the experience and use that insight to prepare for next time.
Make Connections
Networking is one of the best ways to find a job. Think about all the connections you already have. This may include your professors, parents, and family friends.
Don’t underestimate the value of LinkedIn or your university’s alumni directory. Use every opportunity to search for connections and job opportunities.
Take advantage of online webinars or conferences. You never know when you’ll make the connection you need for a future job.
Do Your Research
If you have a job goal in mind, research what companies are looking for. Pay attention to common keywords and phrases in job descriptions for the type of positions you want.
Sprinkle these in your cover letters and resume. If you’re willing to relocate, expand your search to include positions in other cities or states.
Larger cities have more opportunities. Moving and starting a new job can be a fun and exciting way to start your career.
Look for an Internship
Taking an internship can be a way to learn, meet people, and land a future job. An internship looks great on your resume and provides valuable real-world work experience.
Internships can be quite competitive. Take the time to research options and apply for multiple opportunities.
Many companies recruit interns, and some of these opportunities can lead to a good job with the company. If you can’t find a paid internship, consider working for free for a short time to gain experience and make career connections.
Change Direction
Some industries are hurting right now, and job opportunities may be scarce for a while. Consider branching out and looking at other industries where your skills may apply.
Industries such as technology, consumer durables, utilities, healthcare, and telecommunications, and others tend to do well, even in a sluggish economy. Many successful people work in completely different fields than they had originally planned.
Think outside the box about how you might fit in a different field. Working in another industry may be the ticket to a good first job for you.
Consider Volunteering
Although you won’t make any money, volunteering can help you meet people and make connections. Doing something that benefits your community allows you to help others while adding something relevant to your resume.
You can volunteer with children’s organizations, work with a local or national political campaign, or look for a charitable organization that interests you.
Volunteer work adds something impressive to your resume and may lead to a future career opportunity.
Keep Learning
If you’re struggling to find a job right now, don’t let it stop you in your tracks. Keep moving forward and keep learning.
Keep up with the latest trends in your chosen industry. Take a class, keep reading, and continue to try and network with people in the industry.
All of this will help you be ready to discuss issues and answer questions when an interview opportunity comes your way.
Create a Website
If you have some accomplishments that may help you land a good job, you want to show them off. Consider creating a personal website to highlight some of your experience, talents, and accomplishments.
You can include work samples, writing samples, videos, and any other media that highlights your strengths. You want a professional-looking website that goes beyond a simple LinkedIn profile.
Look at example websites for some inspiration. If you’re not tech-savvy, consider enlisting the help of a friend or hiring someone to help create a unique personal website.
Practice Interviewing
Interviewing is a skill that doesn’t come naturally to everyone. If you get nervous or tongue-tied during interviews, practicing can help you feel more confident and at ease.
Your interview is your first impression with the company. Nerves can get in the way and lead to a poor performance and a lost opportunity.
Ask a friend or family member to help you practice mock interviews. Make a list of possible interview questions and plan your responses.
You don’t have to memorize answers. Instead, you want to appear relaxed, informed, and confident. Practicing your interview skills can help boost your chances for a job when a real opportunity comes your way.
That’s How Graduates Can Land a Job
In these challenging times, you may be questioning how graduates can land a job in today’s market. Just remember that the downturn in the job market is temporary.
Employers will always need bright new talent to move their companies forward. With the right skills and a lot of perseverance, you will soon embark on a promising new career.
We understand the challenges new graduates and young professionals face in today’s job market. We provide quality career coaching and internship guidance for young job seekers. Contact us today to learn more.
