If you’re a recent grad seeking a job, there are a few ways you can prepare for this transition. It’s not easy being a young adult, but just a few tips and tricks in your toolkit can make you feel even more confident as you walk this path. Here’s what you should focus on in the coming months, if not everything is set in stone (and trust us — no one has it all figured out!).
1. Create a strong resume
Every time you walk into a career center, enter a job fair, or take a coffee meeting with someone, they’ll likely ask you about your resume. Your resume is the most important document you can have during your job search. It’s a clear, concise, formal document that provides an overview of your professional qualifications.
Unfortunately, most job seekers falter when it comes to creating their resumes. Employers only look at resumes for roughly 6 to 7 seconds. Yes! You read that correctly. If you don’t write your resume correctly, then you’re less likely to receive positive feedback. Here are some quick pointers that can make all the difference.
- Keep your resume short and direct
- Use a professional resume template, but don’t copy it exactly (you don’t want to look like everyone else!)
- Highlight your most relevant skills and experiences for the job you’re applying
- Demonstrate results with numbers and metrics to make your actions tangible (i.e., How did you personally achieve results?)
2. Network to your advantage
You may think you’ll find your perfect position by browsing job postings, but this just isn’t the case. Some estimates suggest that up to 70 percent of all jobs aren’t published on publicly available job search websites. So, where are you going to find your dream position?
Networking. Research has shown that anywhere from half to upwards of 80 percent of jobs are filled through someone the candidate knows. If you’re able to leverage this skill set, you’re putting yourself ahead of your peers.
Most universities don’t teach a class on networking, however, which means graduates feel woefully unprepared for how to navigate this element of the search. Consider using these guidelines:
- Schedule face-to-face time with contacts over lunch or coffee
- Prepare questions and discussions beforehand to fight anxiety
- Remember it takes time to cultivate worthwhile relationships
- Try not to exclusively sell yourself — set your sights on building a relationship instead
- Use social networks and other online relationships to search for new connections (Maybe those connections come from neighbors or family friends!)
- Follow up with contacts and thank them for their time
3. Clean up your online presence
You’ve likely been told for the last 10 years that hiring managers will be looking at your social media…so keep it clean! But now that you’re searching for a job, what does this mean?
According to research, 45 percent of hiring managers use social media to learn more about potential candidates. In fact, they use it just like a resume or cover letter. If you’re not sure exactly what exists on your profiles, now is the time to spruce it up. Here are the steps we recommend taking.
Google yourself
It takes less than 3 seconds to Google yourself and find your “digital dirt.” Once you know what’s out there, you can begin the cleanup process.
Remove incriminating photos
Remove distasteful, inappropriate, or offensive pictures from your profile. These don’t align with your personal brand, and your potential employer shouldn’t see them. (For example, you probably don’t need a photo of you at your college frat!)
Change your privacy settings
Keep your private life private. A simple change in your privacy settings can help eliminate the possibility of not getting hired.
Final Thoughts
Oftentimes, your mindset is just as important as all the above listed items. Check out our blog on Postgraduation Mindset. Do you want to talk about your career options? Or get help with your resume? Get more direction with Career Coaching from the Quarterlife Center. We offer 15-minute complimentary career sessions — see if it’s a good fit for you!
If you’re interested in scheduling an appointment or you’d like more information, please call us at 1-844-QLC-TALK (1-844-752-8255) or email us here.
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