What Happens Now That You’ve Graduated? – Job Hunting Suggestions

Kiandra Martin
Career Advice Jun 14, 2022 0

When it comes to finding a job, recent graduates may be at a loss. The advice provided below is intended to ease the transition from school to work by assisting you in obtaining that job posting you’ve been eyeing. While many graduates understand the impact social media can have on a job search and how to clean up a profile, attracting an employer requires more than just deleting a few old Facebook photos. These suggestions are intended to help you with networking, the job search, and getting ready for professional success in your career.

1. Do not send the same cover letter to each job. Each employer has different requirements, so make sure you include a cover letter that is tailored to the employer’s requirements with each application you submit. Also, keep a few different resumes on hand, based on the requirements of each job.

2. There are four types of job websites that can be very useful in a job search:

  • In general (LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, Indeed)
  • Field-specific (those that are created for a certain field)
  • Locale-Specific (Some sites post jobs based on city or state, rather than field)
  • Social Media Networks

Look around and look for clues. You won’t come across a dream job every day, or even one that qualifies you for, so the broader your search, the better your chances.

3. Maintain order in your search. It takes time and dedication to send your resume to every single employer who has a job opening for which you are qualified. The last thing you want to do is waste time applying for the same job multiple times or sending multiple e-mails to the same person without realizing it. Keep a detailed record of what you’ve applied for and when, as well as the name of the employer.

4. Establish a network. You must demonstrate your skills and interests without sounding desperate, as some job seekers do. Social media platforms are an excellent way to demonstrate what you can do and how well you can do it. Your expertise is most visible in your daily activities, so keep track of what you’re doing in a field. Posting and commenting on news stories or interesting articles in your chosen field can increase your credibility and generate interest from potential employers. Remember to maintain a certain level of curiosity about learning more about the field, as well as a willingness to work hard. Some employers place a premium on new employees’ dedication and potential.

5. Go through your social media accounts and delete any photos that are no longer relevant. You don’t want a potential employer to find an entire album on Facebook dedicated to party photos. Based on your postings, even a Twitter account can have a professional appearance. Consider the tool Facewash, which is designed to clean up a Facebook account by locating potentially offensive language or comments. Keep in mind that many employers receive hundreds of applications each week, so don’t give them an easy reason to dismiss you.

6. Demonstrate your understanding of industry terms and phrases. Networking within the industry can be extremely beneficial because it allows you to learn the jargon that professionals use. Work those into your daily vocabulary on social networking sites, and get used to throwing in field-specific phrases. It demonstrates to the employer that you are not only interested in the field, but also understand some commonly used terms required to function more effectively. While formal language has its uses, overuse of formality can be just as off-putting as using shorthand in an official resume. Always pay close attention to how your boss speaks, and try to use a mix of formal and professional language. The same is true for clothing. Suit and tie may have been the norm in the past, but some employers prefer a more relaxed atmosphere. Dress appropriately for the job, and do your homework on each company so you don’t get off on the wrong foot.

7. Make a list of your objectives. Technology is wonderful in how easily it allows you to keep track of any kind of progress and provides a quick way to review notes, update goals, and add on extra progress or objectives. While a physical list can be useful, paper is frequently misplaced or discarded. A digital file is far easier to manage. It is always a good idea to bring a small notebook to an interview for additional notes, but make sure to add those to the file as soon as possible. A well-organized list can keep you motivated, and tracking your job search progress makes it easier to see how far you’ve come.