Job Seeking 101: Tips for the Recent Graduate

by Madelaine Brauner Landry

Graduates, you’ve been hearing this from your parents, friends and school counselor for months: Prepare yourself for the job market before you graduate. Do not panic, however, if you are graduating without a job lined up. As soon as possible, get busy building a stronger resume, gaining experience and networking by attending job fairs, connecting with alumni and letting others know you are actively seeking employment.

First, let someone professional review your resume. Employers are not looking for your life story. Time is precious. Yours is not the only resume they will read, so they will focus on relevant communication and technology skills. Highlight these. While you are actively searching using job boards and platforms, do not neglect your school’s career counselors and job centers.

Experience is always a tricky question. The response from students is “I can’t get experience if you don’t give me the job.” Classic motivational speaker Zig Ziglar once advised students that they should instead confidently answer that they’ve spent years showing up, dressed and on time, while completing various assignments. You may not have experience with the specific job you are seeking, but by reviewing your previous commitments, you can demonstrate that you’ve gained valuable experience through home chores, summer jobs and internships.

Review your strengths. Don’t be afraid to ask family members, teachers, church leaders and your friends about your positive qualities. They may enlighten you about hidden potential that can be transferrable across many industries. Adaptability, calmness, curiosity, a gift for conflict resolution and the willingness to become engrossed in projects are attributes you may not even realize you possess. Also consider the important power of being versatile. Some job opportunities may not directly relate to your degree, but they can be valuable steppingstones to your desired career.
Imagine all the untapped potential inside of you waiting to be discovered when you are challenged to step out of your comfort zone. Finding a career coach to personally assist you with a career search strategy is energy and time well invested. It is their job to understand today’s job market. They can help you prepare so you feel more comfortable when you land an interview.

Always follow up. Perspective employers value initiative and may reward your eagerness to get started. Don’t forget to follow up with recruiters and job counselors. Your school’s career center is available for ongoing resources and support and this does not end when you graduate. Other colleagues and graduates are also helpful resources. Someone may have turned down the very job you’re seeking or can make you aware of opportunities where they are employed.

And finally, do not get discouraged. Finding a good job is not an overnight task. Your mental health should always be a priority. A stress-free candidate is bound to be desired more than an apprehensive or nervous one.