Job hunting after college can be intimidating and time-consuming. But, it’s also a very exciting time in your life. Big changes are on the horizon and adulting is your new reality. Here are nine tips for hunting for your first job after college. Let’s get started!
It’s important to perfect your resume and cover letter in order to jump-start your job application process. Make potential employers want to hire you by making your resume and cover letters look professional. Add your skillset and past work experience, but don’t go overboard because this will overwhelm job recruiters.
Mention your biggest accomplishments or awards. Convince them to add you to their team!
Narrowing down your job options can really help in the job-hunting process. Let recruiters know what type of job you are looking for, what qualifications you have, and where you want to work. Narrowing down the location is key.
Do you want to stay local, work remote or move out of state? Really think about what you want.
If you are open to different types of jobs then it’s more likely you will score a position sooner. If you are super picky as to what you want to do, then you might not get anything. It’s important to be choosy, but not too choosy.
After you get a response from the company, either declining or accepting your application, be sure to reach out thanking them for the opportunity or that you’re excited to get to work. Forming relationships with recruiters and companies is super important to get your name out there.
After applying, it’s good to send a follow-up email to the company or even call them to ask where they are in terms of their decision on your application. It may seem a little scary at first, but they love hearing from you and it lets them know you are serious.
While job hunting, it’s important to be proactive in terms of reaching out to companies. Let them know you are actively searching for jobs and this will put you on their radar. If they don’t know you exist, then it will be harder to get your dream job.
If you aren’t already on LinkedIn, get an account ASAP. The more connections you have, the more likely you are to get a job. You never know who may be able to put in a good word for you, or who has connections where. Widen your horizons and keep an open mind, because your dream job is out there!
Make sure to keep your profile strictly professional, with a nice headshot of your face and some basic info about yourself in the bio. Tell people where you went to school, what you studied, clubs or organizations you’ve worked for, past jobs, etc. This is your chance to present the best version of yourself on paper (well on your computer screen). Add links to any relevant websites or publications you’ve been in.
Last, but not least, don’t overthink this! If you feel good about your application, your resume, and your cover letter and aren’t hearing back from them, give it some time. It usually takes a while for them to get back to you since they receive so many applications.
And don’t be too hard on yourself if you don’t get the first few jobs you apply for, it happens to the best of us. If it’s meant to be, it’ll be. Your dream job is out there, I promise.
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