After a long time, there are some companies who are willing to take in college grads but they need to present themselves the right way. Companies always assess hiring a college grad for a position brings in an employee who can evolve with time even though inexperienced at the present state. The college grads tend to continue with their first job, if it provides them a decent pay and a good amount of exposure in their field.
One needs to be at the top of their game to get ahead of the competition. Your job search should start early. You need to show yourself not only as a potential employee but a fruitful and profitable long-term investment. Here are six useful tips which can help you in your first-time job search:
1. Check out the Career Services office in your school
Career Services offices in schools are not much used typically but these places can help you out in your job search in the form of research materials, advice on jobs and careers and useful connections to some of the local companies. Don't hesitate to use it.
2. Become part of the school alumni group
School alumni groups are useful not only for getting discounts at the bookstore. They can also help you find a job you are looking for. You can get useful insights from experienced professionals who might be in a position to help you out!
3. Use job boards featuring entry-level jobs
There are well-known job boards and sites all over the internet but it would be helpful f you try out niche job boards which focus on entry-level jobs. Look out for diverse, specialized job listings which can be taken up by college grads.
Tailor your job search with the jobs that match your skill level so that you get relevant listings in ever y job board.
4. Expand your job search radius and even career criteria
Don't only target a specific job profile or a domain like “Sales.” If you are not getting the job profile that you want, make a list of options where you'd like to work. Set your priorities right as to what is important: staying in the same city that you are presently in, or going for a job somewhere else. Try to be proactive and approach your preferred company with your skill set and try to put forward how it would be profitable for them to hire you.
5. Sharpen your skills by taking up additional courses in the domain
Just because you have managed to crack the degree or a diploma doesn't mean that you cannot study further or expand your skills. Learning should be your goal always and if lack of important skills is not getting you the job that you want then it will be good if you can take up that course to enrich and enhance your skills.
6. A good cover letter and resume are valuable
Networking is extremely important for job seekers but that does not mean that your resume or cover letter can be average looking and sparsely put. Don't have the resume boast about your achievements but try to highlight points which can delineate the fact that you could be a good value addition to the respective company.
No matter what, job hunting after graduation is extremely tough and one cannot get bogged down by early failures. A positive attitude, self-belief and patience are extremely important to make your transition from a student to that of a company employee a resounding success.
