Getting your first job after graduation is a challenge. The level of competition is high and you lack one of the main advantages – working experience. Still, you have the knowledge and motivation to start your career path early, which can help you a lot. To make your search more efficient, plan your approach and choose the right direction. The thoughtful approach will save a lump of your time and nerves, so read this post to get some advice on how to get started.
These are the basics for all students trying to make a painless and meaningful start in their professional life. Arm yourself with the following tips and your chances for success will grow for sure.
Know what you want
This might sound like Buddhist wisdom, but you need to know yourself before you start. The idea is simple – when you know your desires, aspirations, as well as strong and weak sides, you can narrow your search and focus on something that matters and makes sense. If you are a techie student with perfect analytical thinking skills and passion for problem-solving, you might become a great data analyst or programmer. If you are good at writing, expressing ideas, and social communication, you might consider a marketer’s career. Think about your current skills and be honest with yourself.
Check the job boards
There are numerous online resources where you can find job ads. If you have no idea where to start, use Google, the largest search engine ever. Google will lead you to smaller engines specialized on the job search like SimplyHired or Job.com. There you will find plenty of positions from large and small companies. Adjust the search settings to narrow your focus and find the most desirable offerings.
There is an alternative option for students – you can contact your institution’s career center and ask if they have any employment options. Most colleges and universities cooperate with various organizations and eagerly assist students to get their first job offers.
Expand your search
Some students find their first jobs outside their major. You are not obliged to search for a job in your particular field – there are many positions that might not be directly tied to your college specialization. You can become an academic writer and help other students, who say, “Do my essay! Custom writing is something I’m ready to pay for.” You are also welcome to look out for some account management positions and volunteer roles at non-profit organizations. Don’t close any potential choices.
Mind the keywords
Another way to narrow down your focus and make the search results more relevant is by searching the keywords. To avoid sorting thousands of ads that don’t fit you as an entry-level employee, use the following search keywords:
Recent graduate
This term is a pretty obvious one to add when you are a recent graduate.
Entry-level
Usually, this term is used by the employers looking for candidates, but you can try it as a search keyword as well.
Junior
Design-related and technical positions for newcomers are usually labeled as “Junior”.
Associate
This term is usually used for business and marketing positions for newcomers.
Avoid ads that seem too good to be true
Unfortunately, recent grads get into the paws of scams too often. There are many ads that sound extremely promising and appealing, that some of you might swallow this bait and get into trouble. When someone is offering an unbelievable bonus or exorbitant salary for a simple job, this might be a sign of scammers.
Stay tuned all the time
New ads appear every day and it is important to stay on top of the search. You need to check the offers regularly not to miss the best one. Make sure to:
Sign up for specific positions and boards to get notifications via email
Create a daily reminder to check the job boards for new positions
Send your CV to companies and organizations at least once a week
Conclusion
Graduates might find it hard to find a job right after college or university. However, planning everything out and taking your time to do some research will make the process easier. Realize what exactly you want to find and narrow your search down before you start. When you are already on your way, be sure to check the vacancies regularly and don’t be shy to go beyond your major – there might be interesting options somewhere else and you shouldn’t neglect them. Avoid offers that seem too good to be true – in most cases, they actually are. Hopefully, these tips will help you find your first job easily! Good luck!
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