Looking for a job after graduating from college can be pretty stressful. With so many different directions you could take, it can be hard to know where to start. Read these five tips to help start off your job search right:
1. Don’t disregard internships
While a lot of internships cater to current college students, a lot of them are also open to recent grads. So if you thought internship opportunities were over now that you’re out of college, think again! Internships available to college graduates can be full time and paid! Interning after college can give you a great taste of what a certain job would be like, and give you the flexibility to look for a position elsewhere while still earning money. Or if you’re an exceptional intern and the timing is right, your internship could even end with you getting hired as a permanent employee.
2. Speaking of internships…
If you had a past internship as a student and had a positive experience, consider reaching back out to them. Even if no current job openings are posted on their website, get in touch with your former manager to express interest, or send the hiring manager a letter of interest. Be sure to highlight the experiences you had there as an intern! If they aren’t currently hiring, there are sometimes opportunities for freelance projects, which can be great supplements to your post-grad income while you’re searching for a full-time job.
3. Build (and repair) your online presence
In this social media age, hiring employees just isn’t like it used to be. Many employers Google applicants and even look at their profiles on Facebook and other social networks. That being said, make sure you clean up your online profiles! Adjust privacy settings according to what you want public, and remove anything inappropriate that might drive away potential employers. Definitely make sure you don’t have any posts complaining about past jobs, internships, or bosses.
You should also work to create a separate online presence for specifically marketing yourself as a prospective hire. Many recommend making your own website to showcase your resume, portfolio, and goals. Linking to that on a cover letter or resume could look impressive. And of course, make connections on LinkedIn, and keep your profile tidy and up-to-date.
4. Consider an agency
Recruiters will do a lot of the dirty work for you. They work for companies that seeking employees, and will recommend the ones they think you’d be a good fit for. Some will even help you practice for interviews and give you resume advice. Recruiters have a lot of contacts, and will work to promote you and advise you as best they can.
There are many resources available for job hunters today (see 6 Resources for Finding a Job), including smartphone apps that can help you out. Looking for a job can be a fulltime job in and of itself, as they say, so utilizing these tools can allow you to use your time more efficiently.
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