Job hunting can be an exciting time of possibilities after earning your college degree. Now that you’ve completed a program of study, it’s time to show the world what you have. Applying the knowledge that you’ve obtained is one way to make your mark on the world as a responsible citizen. However, the process of finding the perfect career can be a challenge. To simplify the process, consider the following tips.
Work with your career services department
Finding a job in a digital age is an ever changing process. As new tools become readily available and employers look for better ways to connect with top talent, you’ll need to stay on top of the latest trends. The career services team on your campus is likely to be on top of the latest changes and help you navigate the changing terrain.
Administrators in this department can also offer coaching for your interviews and feedback on your digital profiles. This will allow you to put your best foot forward. Even in the digital age, you never get a second time to make a good first impression. You don’t want to miss out on an opportunity when a few tips for industry pros can make you stand out against the competition.
Be open and flexible
You’ve spent the past few years earnestly studying and developing your skills in a particular area. However, your skills may likely be transferable. Especially for entry level positions. Investigate a wide range of industries and think globally about just how your course of study might be applicable. Broaden your focus and you’ll likely come across positions or industries that you may not have considered.
Try multiple avenues to connect with hiring managers
Submitting your resume through typical channels is a great first step. However, you must consider that everyone else is doing the same thing. Think of ways to connect with hiring managers outside of the typical college job fair or online job portal. Join the company’s mailing list and attend functions that are open to the public in your areas. Connect with the people from that company via social media and inquire about the hiring process. Use social media to network and get the word out that you are job hunting. People share information about jobs among people they know. The next time an opening come available, your name may be on the top of someone’s mind.
Attend social functions sponsored by the companies that you’re interested in joining. These may often be hosted through professional organizations. Hiring managers that develop a social relationship with you are more likely to remember your name when sifting through a pile of applicants.
Our globally-connected environment means that the competition for great jobs is even tougher. People relocate from anywhere and more and more work from anywhere. Standing out from the crowd will give you the competitive advantage when searching for the perfect job. By using a little creativity and ingenuity, your degree can result in a number of high value job opportunities to choose from.
Posted by Dave Landry
