Just before I graduated, it occurred to me I was not prepared for my job search. It was a terrible feeling. Not only was I unsure about what I wanted to do, but I didn’t really know how to find a full-time job. Looking around, I wasn’t alone. Many of my classmates were in the same situation.
Not knowing what to do next, I started writing, and I didn’t stop.
I spoke with friends, classmates, recruiters, professors, professionals, and anyone who would listen about my job search. Many had advice, a few had good leads, and almost everyone had a story to share.
So, what can you do before you graduate that will help you land a great entry-level job?
1. Get Involved – One of the best ways you can set yourself apart from all of the other new graduates is to be involved in extra-curricular activities. It can be something as simple as a recreational sports league, or something more complex and time consuming like student government. If you are really ambitious, try to get involved in a diverse range of activities and clubs. This will show your range and depth to any recruiter you come across.
2. Network – At this point, your network will likely consist of family, friends, professors, and potentially some summer job contacts. However, it is never too early to start networking. Colleges and Universities are great places to meet all sorts of people. Most important of all, you will graduate and become part of an extensive alumni network which you should take advantage of at every opportunity. Never stop networking. It’s the best way to advance your career.
3. Visit Your Career Center – The staff at your Career Center will be a great source of information in your job search. They will have contacts with companies that conduct on-campus recruiting and may even hold “meet-and-greets” with recruiters. In addition, they will likely run workshops and provide written materials for helping you on your way.
4. Work/Volunteer – When you graduate, you will be applying for jobs and competing against hundreds of other new graduates with the same level of experience as you. If you want to be able to compete on a level above just school and marks, try to build your resume. Summer jobs, part-time jobs and volunteer work are a great way to gain experience before graduation. Not only that, but it shows a recruiter that you are both motivated and can handle the increased pressures of both work and academic life.
5. Clean Up Your Online Image – There have been many stories in the media over the last few months about Facebook profiles landing their owners in hot water. It this digital age, anything that you post online (or is posted about you) can potentially be seen by recruiters. While you are still in school, search through Google and your social networking sites to ensure any potentially embarrassing pictures or information are not found by an HR manager.
6. Have Fun – Don’t forget, you are only in college for a few years. A “Work Hard, Play Hard” philosophy is the best way to ensure you don’t regret anything in the future.
Finding your first job is never easy, but with enough patience and persistence, one can be found.
[This article was originally posted on an earlier date]
Trevor Wilson is an author and consultant who works with new graduates preparing to enter the workforce. His site, Gradversity.com, provides daily advice on job hunting, networking, and resume writing tailored to the entry-level job seeker.
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22 Comments
I think having fun is one of the most overlooked tips new graduates get before they become job seekers. While it is a good thing to take yourself seriously, you are entitled to some fun! Don't think for a minute though that it's the end of fun when you start working…this is where you have to get into a mode of developing work-life balance…like real people do. :-)
Enjoy yourselves, find balance and become successful in what you do.
Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google and Twitter for questions)
I think having fun is one of the most overlooked tips new graduates get before they become job seekers. While it is a good thing to take yourself seriously, you are entitled to some fun! Don't think for a minute though that it's the end of fun when you start working…this is where you have to get into a mode of developing work-life balance…like real people do. :-)
Enjoy yourselves, find balance and become successful in what you do.
Karen, The Resume Chick (on Google and Twitter for questions)
I like number 1 and 4. It is really tough for college students to find a job they like in the current system.
One site to look out for in college recruiting is http://www.groupereye.com. This site allows companies to post real cases, the student who comes up with the best solution gets a job/intern consideration! We need products like this: where ideas and innovation win and count over everything else.
its not an ideal time for people graduating these days to find a good job, as the current economic crisis is spreading and its not good for job seekers.
I think voluteering is really important. Not only to your community but for yourself. It is an oppurtunity to network (#2) but to also have fun (#6). Find that group or organization that strikes up your passion and lend a hand.
Great post. Very helpful to recognize what I should be working on before I graduate and what I am already doing to get there. Thanks
These are really solid tips to learn before graduation.
Getting involved on campus helps you stay motivated, helps with time management, and lets you get to know a diverse number of people you wouldn’t have normally met. Join a sports team or a Fraternity or a Sorority, do anything to get involved.
It will help you meet people and help you start building your network, which in return will help you out when it come time to start applying for jobs.
Go see what your Career Center has to offer, but don’t limit your search to just there. Visit alternative websites for career advise, such as this site you’re at now.
Definitely clean up your online image, but also start improving it by bloging and branding yourself to build your online identity. HR people are going to be looking you up on the web, so make sure you have a clean Internet track record and you’re selling yourself to potential employers.
I definitely agree with # 6. You have to have fun in college. My high school football coach always told me “leave it out on the field, have no regrets.” I have carried this mentality with me all the way into my second semester of my senior year of college, but with the “field” being my college experience. Don’t have ANY regrets, live it up in college, “work hard,” but play HARDER. Everyone needs to let loose on the weekends and forget about school for the time being. Come graduation day don’t be asking yourself “WHAT IF?” Do everything you want to do in college so you can make a smooth transition into the “real world.” Take in every moment you can, cherish your college experience. After all, it’s the only one you are going to get.
I like the way you ended the article because it’s true you have to be patient and persistence when searching for a job. But don’t just take any job or even the first job that comes your way if you’re going to be miserable. You will hate your job and it will carry over into your outside work relationship, which could potentially hurt those as well. Number one rule be happy and everything else will come after that.
I had to post a second time because I reread the tips and chose my two favorites. I would have to agree that “getting involved” and “working/volunteering” are two of the best ways I have helped build a product (myself) that I can sell. I joined a fraternity freshman year…now hold on… I know people immediately think of meat heads and booze bags when they hear the word 'frat boy' but I took a different approach and used the opportunity to get involved. I joined the executive board, numerous intermural sports, completed more community service than all previous years combined, raised money for a philanthropy, and made 50 new friends. However, in today's world these aspects of Greek life seem to be buried below a stereotype resembling Animal House.
I have also taken time out of my busy college career to work for the school's printing business and also start an internship. Furthermore, I just recently sent in my application to study abroad in New Zealand for a semester of my senior year.
So it just goes to show that college is only as good as you make it. I have done nothing that the average student isn't capable of, but the only difference is that I actually followed through. These tips are great for any student that wants to make the most out of their college experience.
After college graduation, I did a bit of traveling and then took a job as a tour bus driver of all things. The job kept me in a traveling mindset and actually led to a career with two cruise lines. I now work for http://CoolWorks.com and am thrilled to see both young and old people applying for summer jobs with the national parks, resorts, camps, etc., around the country. Some may believe that it's just a summer job, but in my case that summer job led me to a fun and always interesting career. It this market, sometimes it's better to just go for a temporary or seasonal job to get some experience and see where it takes you.
I'll just take the networking component of this post. Best practices in job search indicate that networking should be the number one priority/focus. After all, is there any other way you're going to be able to tap into the hidden job market which is 80%-85% of all jobs?
The problem is that so far the effort to teach networking skills as they relate to job search at the career office level are pitiful to non-existent. Yet, this is probably one of the most important skills a job seeker should possess. Not to mention the fact that it is a life-long skill the most successful people have mastered.
There is a wealth of free seminars, books, internet content, blogs, twitter posts that all give tips and ideas around networking. Keep in mind that it takes on average 6 months to develop a powerful network (working full time on your network) that will generate an abundance of referrals. Have your network developed and in place before you begin your job search.
Amen, brother. :-) That's how I got my interview. Having a network contact that knows you well enough to recommend you is invaluable.
As A college Career Advisor, I am thrilled ot se your coments. This is just about what I tell our incoming students and repeat every time I can speak to a class.
This is exactly what college students need to see–because all we're really coerced to do is go to class, and some of us can barely manage that! Since a huge majority of High School grads now attend college it's vital that we stand a part from each other; as if we need to prove that we're not JUST here to party but gain both experience and education.
Most extra curicular activities are extremely rewarding, you make friends and you feel like you get more out of your day. The lucky one's however, will never need a part time job and for that- I am jealous. Also, I have not met one single person that has had a positive experience at the Career Center, at least at my University, but there are so many online resources and things you can do on your own to get you in the right direction.
–thankfully careerealism was available for me when I needed it most
and without it I would be entirely lost.
I agree with all the steps: most importantly, #6. Searching for that post-grad job has become more of a second job in itself for me. I'm trying to keep the stress of job hunting at bay and really enjoy my last few months of college. I also find writing about my search has helped me to remain stress-free. Check out my blog: http://www.thenextbigstep.wordpress.com
That list is a great starting point, but I don't think the things on it are enough to help someone successfully compete in the 21st century or in this economy.
It's great to volunteer and work with campus organizations. It's also important to find internships to get real-world experience. Use student groups as an opportunity to take on leadership roles and internships as a way to find your way around an office.
It's certainly not enough to clean up your online image. You need to take charge of creating one. Research personal branding and start a blog dedicated to your interests. Get on Twitter and follow thought leaders — then if you're really into your field, try and become one. Learn how to use LinkedIn before your senior year. Also realize that most career services offices are not going to be able to keep up with developing technology and job search strategies. Take it upon yourself to investigate those with sites like this one.
The one tip I whole-heartedly agree with is network, network, network. Ask for informational interviews and reach out to people you'd like to get to know — start early in your college career because professionals are more likely to share information with students. Plus you'll have to develop a relationship and rapport before you start asking them for job leads. Oh, and I also agree with having fun :)
https://www.linkedin.com/in/kagiles
Spot on Everybody! I feel like we are all on the same boat here with trying to find a starting point on our career paths.
Lately, figuring out where I want to go and what I want to do after I graduate in May has been a clumsy process, like groping around in the dark for a light switch, and I can't imagine where I would be if I hadn't been proactive already.
This is some stellar advice Chris, and you touch upon various areas that students really need to start giving more attention. Doing something, a n y t h i n g, from one of these six categories will shoot you off in the right direction. How else are can you find out what piques your interest if you don't get out there and try something?
With that said, I just want to add…
First, networking is HUGE, and its never to early to start. Once I started using Twitter and following CAREEREALISM, I instantly fell into different circles that have been sharing great information. Studies have even been done on the benefits of networking on career success, like this one http://psycnet.apa.org/index.cfm?fa=search.disp…
This study indicates the long-term benefits of networking are related to: increases in salary over time, and concurrent job satisfaction.
Also, like I said before, DO something! By following your steps Chris, one can find out what they are interested in and get involved. One great indicator of success in life is grit, or perseverance and passion for long-term goals.
For those of you who harbor concerns about lacking experience or talent in a specific field, know that hard work and self-discipline go a long way. Don't believe me?? See for yourself at:
http://www.psychologytoday.com/rss/pto-20051017…
or
http://www.sas.upenn.edu/~duckwort/images/Grit%…
Once again, great insight with some easy steps to follow. My only question for you, Chris, is what type of networks did you stumble upon that helped lead you to your first job?
I really like number one, personally I do not feel like I utilized the vast amount of resources my university has for students. Intramurals is fun but it does not give you the networking you can get by joining the student government. I am a member of the Greek system, which is a great way to network and meet all different types of people in all different major and career paths. At least once a week I see a flyer or get an e-mail from a different organization, and I think hmm that sounds interesting. It is important to get involved with different organizations because networking may be the most important thing in college because these are the people that will be in the workforce with you for a while
I think a lot of people can relate to your story of not knowing how to take the first step towards landing an entry-level job. All the points you brought up are great ways to lead in the direction of success. As a junior I am starting to realize the importance of extra curricular activities and job experience. As I recently began to build my resume I realized the areas where I needed more information. I am glad that I know what steps to take as a junior so when I am looking for a job within a year or so I will be prepared. Thanks for the great advice!
Career Centers are definitely a good way to start building a career path, the only problem that I find with career centers is that they are so generic. I am a registered user of Careerealism and I find that it is much more truthful, personal, and easier to use than a career center.
As with Andrew's post, I would also like to know what you did right after you graduated and when you started Gradversity? Was your own career search during college the inspiration for the company?
As a Junior in college, I am starting to feeling the pressure of finding an internship this summer and eventually a full time job. I have learned that being prepared is one of the keys to success. All of your tips are very helpful and I will be sure to refer back to this article many times for your help. Thanks Trevor!
I do have to ask though, did you get a job right after graduation?
Trevor, thank you so much for this post. As a junior at Clemson University, it's time for me to start preparing for the job search. These tips are so simple and doable, but really seem like they could go a long way. Thanks for the advice and suggestions. It's motivated me to start getting ready for the job search which is getting more and more difficult as each day goes by.
As a senior graduating in the next few months, I am currently in this exact positing of not knowing what I will be doing a year from now. As exciting as the possibilities seem, it is an extremely competitive job market and your tips are definitely helpful to make yourself stick out. Careerealism.com put it best when they said that college teaches you everything but how to find the job. Every college student in this position should listen to your advice and tips! Thanks for the article!
A few months ago, I was in the exact same position that you described. All of my classmates are still in the same position and coming closer to graduation everyone is getting more concerned. I feel as though I was never led in the right direction on how to even start to look for a job.
Thanks to Careerealism.com I have learned more career advice than I could have imagined. The most important thing that I have learned is creating a personal brand. I have learned all about the world of blogging along with Twitter. I feel as though these tools will help me not only with creating my own personal brand but with networking as well. I am constantly encouraging everyone I know to visit Careerealism.com because of how much this site has helped me in my career search.
Thank you for writing this article Trevor! It is nice to know that I was not alone when I was feeling unprepared for my job search. I feel as though your article will be reassuring to many!