Job Search Tips for Recent Grads
Photo Credit: Vasily Koloda, Unsplash
Key Points
■ Network online and in person to expand your job opportunity set.
■ Do not expect to land your dream job immediately; be open to different experiences.
■ Keep a rein on your expenses while searching; develop a monthly budget.
If you are a recent college graduate, you may be unemployed initially, but that does not mean you do not have a job. Seeking work nowadays might be a full-time job. Thankfully, there are actions that every graduate can take to improve their prospects of obtaining meaningful employment.
Useful Tips for Finding Your Dream Job
Start With a Strong Resume
Resumes may be written in various styles, from chronological to skill-focused to industry-specific. The position you apply for is key to deciding how to format your resume. Some job seekers use multiple resume styles to be more flexible throughout the application process. Several websites provide helpful advice on how to write a professional résumé.
Develop a LinkedIn Profile
Consider your profile a more colorful supplement to your resume, displaying your objectives and previous jobs. Include a professional photo and a descriptive essay outlining your abilities and intended career. To expand your network, use LinkedIn to connect with other professionals (coworkers, instructors, advisers, and family friends). Try using the advanced search tool to locate professionals in firms where you would like to work and approach them for an informational interview.
Get “Interview-Ready”
A professional presentation requires suitable clothes and grooming, but it also includes thoroughly cleaning your internet presence. Make sure your social media profiles reflect a favorable image of you. Adjust your privacy settings if you wish to maintain a personal Facebook page. Remove any old social media profiles from your high school years, and be prepared to answer inquiries about anything that appears in a Google search of your name.
Engage Prospective Employers
Social networks like LinkedIn and Twitter allow you to connect with potential employers and even receive the inside scoop on job openings. Look for industry groups/forums, or participate in specific online talks. The information you gather, from corporate policy to current events and competitive trends, may give you enough to speak about when you land an interview.
Be Open to Different Experiences
Maybe you didn't attend college to become an office assistant, but you're just starting. Your first job is unlikely to be your ideal career, but it can be a stepping stone to more significant opportunities. Maintain perspective, do each assignment thoroughly, form relationships with coworkers, and impress your managers. Team players frequently advance in the workplace.
Work Your Network
You have undoubtedly heard that it's not what you know, but who you know. Contact your college alumni groups, attend local networking events, visit local job fairs, and consider joining a professional association where many people will share your interests, goals, and hobbies; they may even connect you with their company or other contacts.
Cast a Wide Net
If you have been looking for work for a while, try expanding your search to include other cities, sectors, and career options outside your desired employment. The more jobs you apply for, the higher your chances of getting one. Focus once again on getting your foot in the door. Later on, you may shoot for the stars.
Find a Mentor
A mentor may help you navigate your career path, avoiding dead ends and directing you toward prospective opportunities. Having a mentor can assist you in obtaining the viewpoint of someone who has been in your shoes and is now successful due to their tenacity and expertise. Such a guide is frequently found through networking events and professional contacts.
Volunteer or Intern
A mentor can help you navigate your career path, avoiding dead ends and directing you to intriguing prospects. A mentor provides you with the viewpoint of someone who has been in your shoes and has achieved success due to their effort and expertise. Such a guide is frequently discovered through networking events and professional contacts.
Financial Considerations in the Interim
You will most likely be short on funds while hunting for a job. Here are some ideas to assist you in avoiding financial stress:
Reduce Expenses
Eliminate needless spending when you graduate to prevent depleting your funds and creating debt. Consider expenditures in two categories: necessary and desirable. You'll be more likely to be solvent while looking for employment if you buy precisely what you need and resist the allure of what you desire.
Put Yourself on a Budget
Creating a budget is one of the most effective methods for gaining financial control. Determine how much money you have and how much you may spend each month for a specified period (perhaps one year). Then, stick to your monthly spending plan. Try to resist using credit cards, as the high-interest rates can spiral your debt out of control.
Defer Student Loans if Necessary
Typically, you will have a six-month grace period after graduation before you must begin repaying your student loans. If you still need a job after six months and your finances are in shambles, talk to your lender about deferring your payments until you get a job.
Important Disclosures
This material is provided for general and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. Your investments should correspond to your financial needs, goals, and risk tolerance. Please consult an investment professional before making any investment or financial decisions or purchasing any financial, securities, or investment-related service or product, including any investment product or service described in these materials.
Portions of this article were sourced from the work of MFS Heritage Planning. Neither MFS nor any of its subsidiaries are affiliated with Optima Capital Management.
Our Insights
