Job Search Tips for Recent Grads
Job Search Tips for Recent Grads
If you are a recent college graduate, you may initially find yourself unemployed, but that doesn’t mean you don’t have a job! In fact, looking for a job today can be a full-time endeavor. Fortunately, there are steps any graduate can take to increase the chances of finding meaningful employment, including these strategies professional recruiters commonly cite.
Start with a strong resume
Resumes can be written in a number of formats, from chronological to skill-focused to industry-targeted. What format you use may depend on the job you are seeking. In fact, some job seekers develop more than one style of resumé to give them flexibility in the application process. There are many websites that offer insightful tips on writing a professional resumé.
Develop a LinkedIn profile
Think of your profile as a more colorful addendum to your resume, presenting aspirations as well as past employment. Be sure to include a professional photo and a detailed paragraph listing skills and desired employment. Use LinkedIn to connect with other professionals (coworkers, professors, advisors and family friends) to build your network. Consider leveraging the advanced search function to find professionals at companies where you hope to work and approach them for an informational interview.
Get “interview-ready”
A professional presentation certainly involves appropriate attire and good grooming, but these days it also means a good scrub of your online presence. Make sure your social media profiles portray you positively. If you want to keep a personal Facebook profile, button up your privacy settings. Delete any old social media accounts from your high school years and be prepared to answer questions about anything that may come up in a Google search of your name.
Engage prospective employers
Social media platforms like LinkedIn and Twitter offer opportunities for you to build relationships with prospective employers and even get the inside track on job openings. Search for industry groups/forums or follow targeted online chats. The information you gather can give you lots to talk about when you land an interview, from company policies to recent events and competitive trends — even the backgrounds and experiences of the interviewers and employees you’ll be meeting.
Be open to different experiences
Your first job is not likely to be your dream job, but it can be a stepping stone for better things to come. Maybe you didn’t attend college to become an office assistant, but you’re just beginning your career. Keep things in perspective, do each task well, build relationships with your coworkers and impress your supervisors. Team players often go far in the working world.
Work your network
As you’ve probably heard, it’s often not what you know, but who you know. Reach out to your college alumni associations, attend networking events in your community, keep an eye out for local career fairs and consider joining a professional organization where many will share your interests, goals and passions — and may even offer to refer you to their employer or other contacts.
Cast a wide net
If you’ve been looking for a job for several months, consider broadening your search to more locations, industries and career choices beyond your ideal position. The more positions you apply for, the better your chances of landing a job. Again, focus on getting your foot in the door. You can aim for the stars later.
Find a mentor
Having a mentor can help you gain the perspective of someone who’s been in your shoes and now has the success to show for his or her perseverance and professionalism. A mentor can guide you along your career path, steering you clear of dead ends and direct you toward promising opportunities. You can often find such a guide through networking events and professional connections.
Volunteer or intern
In some industries, recent hires work as interns before becoming paid employees. If you haven’t found a paying job yet, consider volunteer opportunities to expand your network and build skills. They could very well lead to a full-time position. As you search for work, keep in mind that in many ways your first job is a learning experience on your way to building a career. Discover as much as you can from your coworkers and rise to each challenge, and you’ll be on your way to building a fulfilling professional life.
Financial considerations in the interim
While you’re looking for work, you’ll likely be a bit cash strapped. Here are some strategies to consider to help you keep from going broke.
Reduce expenses
As soon as you graduate, eliminate unnecessary expenses to avoid depleting your savings and accumulating debt. Think of expenditures as falling into two categories: need and want. If you purchase only what you need and ignore the lure of what you want, you’ll be more likely to stay solvent while you’re looking for work.
Put yourself on a budget
Establishing a budget is one of the best ways to take control of your money. Determine the amount of ready cash you have and how much you can spend each month for a specified period of time (perhaps one year). Then limit your spending to that monthly allowance. And put away your credit cards; it’s time to implement a cash-only policy for purchases.
Defer student loans if necessary
Usually after you graduate, you will have a six-month grace period before you must start repaying your student loans. If you still don’t have a job after six months and your finances are in dire shape,
work with your lender to try to defer your payments until you have an income.
KEY POINTS TO CONSIDER
- Network online and in person to expand your job opportunity set.
- Don’t expect to land your dream job immediately; be open to different experiences.
- Keep a rein on your expenses while searching; develop a monthly budget.
Websites that can help your search
Government site aimed at recent graduates and students
A US Department of Labor site aimed at helping young people decide which career to choose
Articles on resume writing and job-search techniques
Important Disclosures:
MFS Fund Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with LPL Financial or StrateFi Wealth Management.
This material is provided for general and educational purposes only and is not investment advice. The investments you choose should correspond to your financial needs, goals, and risk tolerance. Please consult a financial advisor or 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.
All information is believed to be from reliable sources; however LPL Financial makes no representation as to its completeness or accuracy.
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