After you graduate from college, finding a job can seem like a daunting task. You just accomplished something huge, and now you have something even bigger to figure out? For a lot of young professionals, this transition is jarring and often doesn’t end up how they expect. Realistically, most entry-level people don’t start off in the exact field they want to end up in right off the bat. However, if you are willing to put in time and effort, you can find a job that suits your skills perfectly, even right after walking across the stage. Here are four key things you should do to help find the job you love after college.
Give yourself time
College is over, but that really doesn’t mean you have to rush into getting a job right away. Too many people nowadays let their careers consume their identities. Don’t fall victim to this trap. Give yourself at least three months before looking for work full-time; that way, you can have a breather. Most college grads don’t find work until three to six months after they graduate anyway, so during this time, set career goals, remind yourself of your dreams, and get grounded. Your career is something to be built and cultivated because you love it, not because you are addicted to it. Don’t start off on the wrong foot and define yourself before defining your career. You can start honing your resume and interviewing skills while you set yourself up for success.
Get your resume noticed
Your resume isn’t just your ticket into an interview; it’s also a key document that your potential employer will use to gauge how serious you are about pursuing employment with them. Making sure yours is clear, concise, and highlights your most important skills sets is crucial. Make your resume specific to each opportunity you apply to. If you want to be a freelance writer, start with listing positions you’ve had as a writer first. Then, make your job descriptions specific to you with examples of successes you had in past internships and classes you took in school that could help you. Explain gaps if necessary, and make sure you’re double-checking for good grammar use and formatting!
Don’t rule out internships
A lot of people want to jump into work the minute they can, but don’t underestimate the power of a good internship. An internship can help you get an idea of whether or not you like working in your desired field. And, perhaps more importantly, it shows employers that you’re willing to take initiative and make use of opportunities given to you, even if there’s not always money involved. Additionally, if your desired job requires certification or licensure, internships can help make sure that you meet all those requirements before applying for a full-time job.
Ask for help
Make connections by reaching out to everyone you know—and then asking them for help. A lot of people hate asking for favors, but you’ll be surprised how many people are happy to give their time and expertise if you ask for it. (And your colleagues will likely appreciate that you did!) It doesn’t hurt to have friends in high places, either: networking is easier than ever now with apps like LinkedIn, so don’t be afraid to reach out! People will notice your drive to succeed and be more interested in hiring you.
