Job Search Tips for Recent College Graduates

Landing a job right after earning that diploma is usually the goal for most college graduates, and for quite a while it's been pretty easy to do that. But we're starting to see a little bit of a shift in the amount of time its taking graduates (and job seekers in general) to secure a full time role, and for many it's starting to take longer. If you know someone who is graduating in 2024, here are a few tips to help them maximize their job search efforts and reduce their time in the job market: 

1. Take advantage of university connections while they're still warm. 

Professors and faculty members will be the most motivated to help you while while you're still their student and/or right after you took their class. If you aced a particular course, it's a great tactic to talk to the instructor about anything from a letter of recommendation to making an introduction to someone they know who hires people with your specific degree. Similarly, you can also utilize other college connections from clubs, sports teams, Greek life, and part time jobs. Ask your connections to make introductions to people working in your field who may be great networking contacts for future job prospects. 

2. Get active in your community & socialize 

Introverts are on the rise, and people who are naturally less gregarious can really struggle with the undeniable social element that plays into an effective (and short lived) job search. The more people you know and the more connections you make, the easier it will be for you to land a job. If you're not having luck, look for opportunities where you can meet new people and contribute to something impactful in your local community. And if you have specific target companies or people you admire, find out what interests, groups, and causes they support and see if you can attend an event or a meeting. And if you do go, make sure your resume is updated and ready to be shared and that you're able to comfortably talk about your career interests and most marketable strengths. 

3. Create and follow a structured job search plan.

A successful job search is worked on consistently, organized efficiently, and maintains a steady volume of applications. Applying to 15 jobs one week and 2 jobs the next week isn't the most effective strategy. To see results you need to maintain volume and consistency with your applications over a period of time, often several weeks, before you will start getting contacted for interviews. It helps if you keep a few quick notes on each job you apply to in case the role closes and you're no longer able to access the posting. This way if you do get called for an interview, you can easily chat with the hiring manager about the role in a way that seems authentic and planful. 

4. Maximize your your internship network (if you have one). 

If you had an internship in college, keep connected with the people you worked with and reach back out to them when you're beginning your job search. Whether the internship was the final semester or several semesters back, the contacts you made are a valuable resource when you begin your job search. If your internship was not in your final semester, send a note to your former supervisor to ask how they are and inquire about future job prospects. 

5. Remember, fortune favors the bold. 

Results don't come without action and commitment. Here are a few bold approaches you can take to see better results. Ask for specific things, don't make general requests. For example, instead of asking a contact to keep you in mind if they hear of any opportunities--consider asking them if they can think of one person they could introduce you to who would be a great networking contact.  Follow up on applications--don't just apply and sit and wait for someone to contact you. LinkedIn is a great way to politely inquire about the status of a role and your application. Keep your follow up messages short and friendly, and ask the person if they know who you should contact to talk about landing an interview. Attend local job fairs and networking events to meet people in your field. Have a short elevator pitch prepared so you feel confident talking about your career goals. 

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