Finding a job after or leading up to graduation can be daunting. Although there are many employment opportunities in the current job market, they might not align with your specific desires. Whether you’re entering the workforce for the first time or returning after boosting your credentials, you shouldn't have to settle for a job that doesn’t fit your passions and career goals.
Let’s look at five tips to help you find a job you love. Whether you’re struggling to find a job or eager to boost your chances of getting a great job after college, these tips can help move you forward.
Take Advantage of Career Services
If you’re stressed about finding a job after college, you’re not alone. This is a major concern for many learners. Thankfully, the best colleges understand that your success is not only tied to academic achievement, but also professional achievement. Career development centers can help you take your learning beyond the textbook to the “real world.”
If your college has a career services or career development center, tap into this valuable resource! Career services departments are often available to help students with crucial prep work for landing a job, including practicing interviewing skills and writing or refining their resumes. These are great services to take advantage of as you look for a job.
Career advisors can also help you formulate your professional goals and search for open positions that align with those goals. This big-picture thinking is an essential first step in finding a job that makes you happy.
Build Out Your Resume with Relevant Skills
The average hiring professional spends just 7.4 seconds scanning a resume before deciding whether to look at the candidate more closely! That means you need your resume to make a strong first impression. Many students are intimidated by resume creation because they may not have much (if any) work experience to list, but you shouldn’t let that discourage you.
Focus on the skills you’ve developed in school, including both technical and soft skills. There are certain skills nearly any employer is on the lookout for, such as communication, and teamwork. You develop many of these universal skills while in college, and they will transfer relatively seamlessly to the workplace. Rather than just stating that you possess a skill, find ways to demonstrate your use of that skill in various jobs, classes, or extracurriculars.
Remember that the details are critical when it comes to resumes. Invite someone else to look over your resume to help you catch any issues with spelling, grammar, or formatting to achieve a polished finished product.
Make Personal Connections Through Networking
Finding a job you love can involve searching job ads, but you should also make in-person connections. Up to 80 percent of jobs are filled through personal and professional networking! You can start networking even while you’re in school to make connections that may lead to a job.
Even networking within your school can help. For example, in the social work program at MVNU, the cohort-based learning model allows learners to form connections with classmates and teachers, helping them gain a better launchpad post-graduation.
There are steps you can take on your own to build your network. Consider using social media sites like LinkedIn to connect with alumni from your school or your program specifically. You can also reach out to professionals for mentoring or a one-time coffee meeting to learn more about their professional journey.
Most professionals enjoy talking about what they do and are eager to help budding professionals. Just be sure to pick up the tab, thank them for their time, and send a follow-up email to thank them again for their insights. The connections you form in these meetings can lead to professional opportunities.
Attend Career Fairs
Job fairs, or career fairs, are another great way to make connections and learn about businesses that may want to hire you. According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE), nearly 92 percent of college career centers report hosting career fairs. If your college or another local organization hosts a job fair, be sure to attend.
Keep in mind that you may meet a potential future employer while attending a career fair, so you want to make a great first impression. Be sure to dress professionally and have updated copies of your resume on hand. Take the time to converse with company representatives, introducing yourself and showing interest in what they do.
Exchange contact information if the opportunity presents itself so you can remain in touch with the professionals you meet. Even a brief conversation in person can lead to a recommendation or job offer if you stay in touch.
Be Confident in Yourself
When you’re entering the workforce for the first time or trying to break into a new career, you may deal with a serious case of imposter syndrome, meaning you doubt your own abilities or worthiness in your career. The good news is that you’re not alone in this feeling—even seasoned professionals deal with imposter syndrome!
If you want to find a job that makes you happy, confidence is key. In interviews, on your resume, or in casual conversations, don't focus on areas in which you lack experience or confidence. Instead, focus on what you bring to the table. All of the skills you’ve learned in college will empower you to be a great employee and learn quickly to take on new challenges.
You should also feel comfortable enough to be yourself. Although you want to put your best foot forward, you don’t need to fit a cookie-cutter professional image. Employers love to see your unique personality shine through and get an idea of what working with you might be like. So don’t hesitate to share aspects of your personality and hobbies as you form professional connections.
Take on the Next Chapter in Your Career with Confidence
Knowing how to find a job you love can help you take on the next chapter in your professional life with excitement and confidence. If you’re currently looking into schooling to help you gain a leg up in your career, check out our e-book, The Best Online Degree Programs for Working Adults!
