5 Job Search Tips for College Grads and Entry Level Job Seekers - CareerAlley

5 Job Search Tips for College Grads and Entry Level Job Seekers - CareerAlley We may receive compensation when you click on links to products from our partners. I often get asked by recent college grads what they can do to improve their chances of getting a job once they graduate. The answer, of course, depends on when you start the college grad job search process. Ideally, you would have had several internships during your college years and, while you think it might be too late to do that, think again (more on this later). Of course you might think that the most important tip is make sure you have a great resume. And while you wouldnt be entirely wrong, you wouldnt be entirely right either. Theres a long list of things that contribute to your ability to find a job after graduation. My top 5 follow below. Suggested Reading:Go Forth and Get a Job!: A Job Search Guide for College Grads Interview Skills: The company I work for was recently going through a hiring process for entry level grads. I interviewed approximately 5 recent grads and was shocked at their interview skills. There was little or no preparation on the candidates part. Interview preparation is the most important part of the job search process. So where should you focus? 17 Sample Job Interview Questions With Answers Most Asked Job Interview Questions and How to Answer Them Research: Why do you want to work at XYZ company? They are going to ask and the expectation is that youve done a bunch of research on the company and know all about it. If you dont, the interviewer will think you are not serious and this will probably cost you the job. There are so many resources available to job searchers today to help with the company research process. Google Search Yes, very obvious, but have you done it? LinkedIn There is a wealth of information on LinkedIn, you just need to know where to find it. Find the company where you will have your interview and read as much as you can about it. Look to see which of your LinkedIn connections work at the company or are linked to someone who works at the company. Leverage this information get the inside scoop. Research Using the Web to Research a Potential Employer Your Resume: Yes, your resume is very important, but since youve not really had many (or possibly any) meaningful jobs there wont be much on your resume. So what to do? Take a look at entry level resume samples to get some ideas on format and content. Talk to the adviser at your College Career Center and ask for some help with creating your resume. Talk with family friends and relatives who are working in your industry/career choice. Entry Level Resume Examples 5 Steps to a Great Resume Internships (its never too late): Never did those internships during college? Or maybe you did do some internships but want more experience. Either way, it is not unusual to do an internship after graduation. If you are having difficulty finding a job in your industry, you should consider an internship as a stepping stone. Should you take an internship after you graduate? Postgraduation Internships The Right One Could Lead to a Full-Time Job Find a Mentor: A mentor can be an enormous help in both, finding a job and helping you advance in your career. While they wont specifically help you find a job (dont expect them to track down leads or write your resume), they can give advice on helping edit your resume, picking the right company and keeping your career on track. How to Find a Mentor to Help You Go Further, Faster How To Find A Mentor Pursue AdditionalEducation Sometimes a Bachelors Degree is not enough to impress a potential employer, yet graduate school seems unrealistic to many recent college students. Online degrees, however, offer a solid middle ground for most recent graduates and they allow you to pursue a number of graduate degrees, such as a Masters of Science in Criminal Justice. Even if you already have a Bachelors degree in this field, a Masters will keep your mind fresh with information about recent cases. And in the end, it will only help put your resume and cover letter closer to the top of the pile. 7 Tips for Landing Your First Job as a College Grad How to Perfect Your Elevator Pitc We are always eager to hear from our readers. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions or suggestions regarding CareerAlley content. Good luck in your search,Joey Google+ What's next? Ready to take action? Choose the right tools to help you build your career. Looking for related topics? Find out how to find the opportunities that help you grow your best career. Subscribe and make meaningful progress on your career. It’s about time you focused on your career. Get Educated Contact Us Advertise Copyright 2020 CareerAlley. All Rights Reserved. Privacy Policy + Disclosure home popular resources subscribe search