As a new graduate or someone who is about to graduate it is essential that we start looking for jobs or be prepared to get one. A lot of things play an important role in getting a job apart from a degree. For example, skills, presentation, and preparedness. We need to look into things that job recruiters are looking for and what makes us different from the rest and why should they hire us as a candidate. The same goes for recruiters and companies. They look for candidates that are ideal for their companies and can add value to them.
A degree is essential but not the only thing that matters in job recruitment. Skills both hard and soft are important for you to get recruited and for the company to see your potential as an ideal candidate that would add value to their firm and share the workload with them. Before you go for the interview it is essential that you are well prepared with a well-tailored according to the company’s CV and know the answers to basic questions at least like “where do you see yourself in the next 5 years” “Why our company? "Why should we hire you?” etc.
Before you get into the job hunt there are a few things that you should know on the process from becoming a graduate to a job holder. If you have recently graduated from college and still do not have a job, it is normal for you to feel lost. The transition from college to the working world can be tough, as finding an entry-level job without real-world experience can prove quite challenging. With everyone competing for the same jobs, it is crucial to identify the unique strengths that could set you apart from other candidates and help you achieve a successful, fulfilling career.
For that, here are five things every college graduate should keep in mind when looking for a first post-graduate job.
It is important and essential that you determine your path. It is no secret that college curriculums do not necessarily prepare students for the job search. To this end, the onus is on you to gain a comprehensive understanding of all possible career paths that would suit you. A great way to do this is to speak to former professors, peers from school, or alumni to gain an understanding of your career prospects. Once you have decided on a career path after college or during college and remember, this may change eventually or you may want to explore other things you will have a much clearer focus when searching for jobs or networking. Any and all networking is beneficial; even the most casual conversation at a party could lead to a vital workplace introduction. And if you are looking to find a mentor in your field, join a professional organization or attend networking events specific to your industry.
Networking plays a key role in helping you determine a job or upgrading your skills. Your network will help you understand the company better and even make the company trust you more. In most cases having network and personal relations always give you brownie points and help you understand the company better. Reach out to people you know who work at the companies on your target list. It is expected that you will reach out to other people for help. To learn more about your industry or about a particular company, tap your college’s alumni network.
Graduating does not always entitle you to a comfortable salary in a job you love. You are expected to start from the basics and not expect much from the beginning. For many graduates, the reality is starting in a less than ideal position and working their way up the ladder. Given this reality, you may want to look into internship or placement opportunities.
While internships are often unpaid, they do require you to prove your skills in a professional setting and forge connections. In an internship, you should make it a point to speak to everyone in the office individually and ask how each person got into the industry. Build your network and make good personal relations through the company for better opportunity and understanding between you and the company.
These days, career paths are far more fluid than they were 20 years ago. While our parents may have had the same job their entire working lives, younger generations tend to have higher sights. We expect to undergo multiple career progressions throughout our lives. So, if sitting behind the same desk for 30 years is not your dream, do not sweat the early days. Your first job is unlikely to be your last or even the same one you have in a couple of years.
It is important for you to explore everything to find out what you enjoy the most and figure out your strengths and also what you need to work on. As long as you demonstrate that you have skills applicable to this new position, employers are often willing to fill in your skill gaps and teach you on the job.
Perhaps the biggest obstacle for recent graduates is that entry-level positions still require work experience. This can seem like a problem because you can not get experience without having a job, but you can not land a job without experience. However, it is important for you to realize that experience does not necessarily have to come from the workplace. Your degree, course, or pre-apprenticeship could provide you with a number of transferable skills. Part-time work, volunteering, and internships can also contribute to your employability. Do not be afraid to get creative with how you market yourself.
For example, you can emphasize the initiative and independence that your gap year required, or the strong teamwork skills you developed through group projects in college to fill in your skill gaps and teach you on the job.
Everyone has strengths and weaknesses; even those students who were at the top of their class in college may struggle with people skills or public speaking. It’s important to recognize where you shine and where you do not because finding a job requires a level of self-promotion you might not be used to. Being able to talk yourself up without sounding big-headed, while tactfully glossing over characteristics that are not in your favor, is imperative. You should promote your strengths while emphasizing your desire to keep learning and refining your skills. In your own time, you can improve your skills and industry knowledge by taking a short course or attending industry events, which has the added benefit of showing your potential employer your dedication to your own professional development.
With the switch to virtual education, you most likely had to learn new programs through which you communicated with class members and teachers, performed research, and attended lectures.
The use of social media is also pertinent. The social media you use to keep in touch with friends and family, Is actually a benefit. Social media is gaining popularity in the business world as a marketing tool to reach new customers. Experience with task management systems – Since many classes switched online, students had to learn to use new platforms. Blackboard, Moodle, and Google Suite are similar to many task management systems used by businesses.
Due to the virtual nature of schooling this past year, most communication between other students and professors was done through email. The ability you gained to craft an appropriate email and use the proper etiquette is a valuable skill when learning to work with customers and clients.
If there is one skill graduates of the class of 2021 can market for recent graduate jobs, it’s your ability to adapt. You’ve adapted to new learning styles, processes, and work styles under pressure. Being able to learn something new quickly is a valuable asset to a company.
Because of the limited experience 2021 graduates were able to gain, you’re likely to have a hunger for new opportunities. A positive attitude for learning and growth is something employers desire in new candidates. This is a skill you can market!
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic impacting face-to-face interactions, you were expected to communicate in new ways with professors and peers. Instead of regular class discussions, you connected over message boards and through email. Digital communication skills are a budding new necessity in the workforce, especially when most companies are still remote.
It may be hard for recent graduates to get a job but it’s not impossible. With efforts put into learning the right skill and opting out for the best placement agency, they can land the job of their dreams.