Entering the job-seeking arena as a recent graduate can be quite daunting. Today, an effective professional career launch requires more than just good grades.
It involved strategic planning of job search, understanding the recruiting processes, and finding the right path. After examining the current workplace trends, we have gathered a few tips that recent graduates who have studied associative learning for students can embrace during their career launch this year.
1. Start with a Target list of Jobs
As a graduate, you might have already considered what kind of career path you want. There might be some jobs where you can directly apply what you studied, and there might be other positions where you might have to learn new skills and which study guides for teens do you need to read.
One of the advantages of being a fresher is that you have a wide range of professional options available at your disposal. As such, you need to have a clear idea of the job you are looking for and whether you are willing to be flexible. This will help you prepare for the roles you are applying for and answer interview questions on why you chose a particular role.
2. Create a Skill-Building Plan
Employers always seek concrete skills and give preference to applicants who can demonstrate experience in applying these skills. When you are applying for an entry job, your initiative to learn new skills can come in handy.
Hard skills such as computer programming, foreign language skills, coding, and design, are transferable to many industries. You will be able to showcase these in your resume no matter which position you are applying for.
3. Use College Resources
Your college’s academic advising center might be able to help you more than you can imagine. The resources in your college are not only to use when looking for someone to proofread my paper or land an on-campus job. Instead, these are most useful when you are entering the real world.
Make sure that you visit to gather information from your advisers regarding companies that recruit from your campus. Check out their career pages, and find out any useful information regarding them. This will give you an idea of the company’s work culture, and learn more about their latest developments.
4. Approach Alumni
Another valuable asset that your college can provide you with is the alumni groups. They can not only help you point in the right direction, but they might also be able to open doors of opportunities for you.
While approaching alumni, you might also have more success by targeting specific groups. For instance, if you were part of any club – you might have a better chance of connecting with the alumni.
Any niche groups or any summer projects that you were involved in during your college days might be helpful. Instead of randomly trying to connect with every alumni, think of who will be easier to talk to and how they might be able to help you in the process.
5. Maximize your Network
There is no need to stress the importance of developing your network and leveraging it during job seeking. However, its significance has increased vastly in the past year. If you have the contact of an insider, you will be able to gather valuable insight on how to approach the company or hiring manager for the job.
Even if some might appear as loose connections, they might be able to introduce you to someone else who could hold the key to your future. However, this means that you will need to be specific with them regarding what your goals are. Are you looking for an internship? Is there an employee referral program in their firm? Your network can help you get a job, but only if you are willing to put yourself out there.
6. Consider Temporary Jobs or Internship
Of course, the best scenario is that you can find a rewarding full-time job in a field you want to work in. However, that is not the only path in front of you. If you are not able to find something that aligns with your career objective, it might be time to pursue temporary employment while looking for long-term goals.
If you are skeptical, here are some benefits that come from temporary positions:
- They allow you to earn cash
- They give you the flexibility to look for other jobs
- You can learn valuable experiences and skills
- You will gain networking opportunities by meeting new people
Most importantly, if your employer likes you, there is a better chance that a temporary job could turn out to be a permanent position.
7. Be Practical and Assess your Options
Understandably, the job landscape is still navigating through uncertain times. In the meanwhile, use the time you have to gain a better understanding of the current scenario.
Weigh the impact of corona on different industries and which companies are looking to hire. Look into whether it is possible for you to acquire skills that are most sought-after these days.
Today, with remote working not being a distant concept anymore, you have opportunities that might have been impossible a year ago. If you are willing to adapt and adopt new skills, you might find yourself suddenly coveted by recruiters.
Key Takeaway
It is crucial to remember that there is always a bright side. There are several industries thriving amidst the pandemic. Businesses in eCommerce, communication, marketing, entertainment, technology, and online learning are booming.
However, you have to do your research in finding out which industries are hiring and tweak your skills accordingly. With a clear plan and strategic approach, it is quite possible to find a job that can be the first step to your career launch.
Lastly, it is important not to get disheartened. When you are starting your job hunt, make sure to take a deep breath and try not to panic.
Know that every step you take can lead you to another path down the line. Even if you are not aware, these can have a significant impact on your career path.