10 Tips For Finding A Job After Graduation

It is finally here, that moment all college students have been waiting for, graduation. They walked across the stage for graduation, received a diploma, and now it is time to look for work. Let’s look at what college graduates need to do in this day and age to find the perfect job.

College graduates need to look for a job for now but they also need to plan for the future. However, the future to them is next year and long-term is not something that most college graduates are thinking about. They’re thinking about using the skills that they’ve acquired, where are the perfect jobs, and many other questions. Here is a list of different subjects that college graduates need to look at not only now but in the future.

College students are tired of being asked what they want to plan for in the future. They are graduated so they feel they are ready now, and want to stop looking at the future, but not yet.  Here are some planning suggestions:

1. 10-Year Plan

Long-term is hard to focus on after graduation but is actually what students should try to focus on after graduation. They need to have a new goal with a clear vision of what they want to aim for such as a chief of, director of, or even president of their dream job. Once they know this, they will know what they need to focus on for skills, experience, networking, and location.

2. Mentor

Once the dream job is decided, find a person who is in that position today and research what they did in their career to get there. What would have to be done differently today and how can you start doing that now. LinkedIn may be the perfect place to find those people with all of their education and employment experiences listed along with what groups they are a member of, for connections. They may even be willing to be conversation mentors if they notice your interest.

3. Assistant

Some students return home until they can find employment. So while you are home check for employment at local employers even if they are not relevant to your major in college. Also, go ahead and continue expanding your education. This can help enhance employment skills and networking, and if the employment is with academics, you can assist with research skills.  

4. Internship or Volunteer

Many students get frustrated in job searching because every available position wants the job-related experience they cannot get. Call around and ask local businesses about internships and volunteer work openings. It may not be work doing what you majored in college, but it is an opportunity. This opportunity is great for networking and having the knowledge of openings before the outside candidates.

5. Seasonal Work

Whether it is summer, winter, or anything in-between, check for seasonal work. No lifeguarding or ski instructing is probably not part of your major or minor, but you will be surprised who you will meet. Always be polite, that ski student you are instructing may have a parent that is the department manager in the company you are aiming to work for.  

6. Abroad

Other countries are always looking for someone to come educate their children. This opportunity will give you teaching experience, travel, and the chance to learn new cultures while developing all those college class skills. They usually require a Bachelor’s degree and willingness to learn to teach and live elsewhere. You will get the opportunity to teach, develop, and learn at the same time.

7. Entry-Level Job

You can work in that dream job at the perfect location, but you will have to work your way up. When you are job searching, look for open employment within your college major area, but also other areas. Go to the website of the place you have always wanted to work and see what is available. It may not be the job you want, but once you get in, you can start up the ladder of success.

8. Own Business

Your college major may not be in high demand right now, but it may be something that can become an on-call business itself. Take the time and think about starting a business of your own with the new education you have. The real world may want your new skills, but only temporarily, so start your own business as a hirable contractor for others when they need your services.

9. Develop Skills

They do not teach some skills in college classes. These are self-developed and necessary skills to help you learn about yourself, your capabilities, and your limitations. Develop your self-determination, self-advocacy, and readiness to work skills. If the limitations are because of a disability, learn how to disclose them and how to inform others of the necessary accommodations.

10. Job Search

There are job search classes that are available that will help you with your skills. These classes can be online and range from anything from the perfect resume to how to interview for that job there isn’t a lot of information available about. It can show you what to include in a resume, what to wear to an interview, some classes even have mock interviews. Practice makes it seem more natural and not as stressful and you can get some helpful constructive criticism to get the perfect interview when you want it.

Keep Your Eye on Future Career Goals

Graduation from college feels so great that it feels like it is your time and it is, however, it is for other graduates too. Make yourself stand out by knowing more about what you want as a future goal and what is necessary to get there. Acquire as much work experience as you can, even if it is not relevant to what your major is, it is still education. Interviewers will see that you have work experience, practiced interviewing, planned your resume, and are looking for long-term employment, just like they are looking for employees with those same skills.