If you graduated this past Spring and you still haven’t found your ideal job, you’re probably feeling a little frustrated. Job searches are stressful, and it’s not uncommon for recent grads to feel more than a little frustrated in today’s market. If your search has stalled, here are nine things you can do right now to help get a job this fall.
-
Get Active On LinkedIn
In 2016 there is really no excuse for not having an active LinkedIn profile, especially if you are engaged in a job hunt. Take the time to develop a complete and polished profile, and start joining groups in your niche. Contribute thoughtfully to the conversations and try to make new connections every week.
-
Google Yourself
Employers will Google you before they ever consider calling you for an interview. Take a moment and Google yourself to see what they will discover. Make sure all of your social profiles are set to private and take the time to clean up any unflattering results that may appear.
-
Volunteer
Volunteering can be a great way to get valuable experience. If, for example, you’re aiming for a job as a web designer, donate your talents to a small non-profit in your hometown. Not only will this help bulk up your resume, but it demonstrates that you are motivated.
-
Network
Growing a professional network is never easy, but it is a necessity. Join a professional association in your niche, sign up for alumni networks with your alma mater, and make new connections on LinkedIn.
-
Practice Your Interview Skills
Interviewing isn’t easy, no matter how confident you are. Spend time practicing answers to common interview questions with a parent, friend, mentor or career counselor to ensure you are putting your best foot forward.
-
Video A Complete Mock Interview
After you’ve spent time practicing your skills, you should stage a complete mock interview and video it. This allows you to hear how you sound, observe your body language and see for yourself just what type of image you’re portraying to hiring managers.
-
Polish Your Resume
An entry-level resume can appear a little thin, but you don’t want to add words just for the sake of making the document appear longer. Work with a recruiter or resume coach to develop an effective resume that will grab a hiring manager’s attention.
-
Rethink Your Immediate Goal
Your goal may be to get a full-time job as soon as possible, but the job market can be tough. If you’ve struggled, consider opening yourself up to opportunities in short-term contract work. You’ll gain valuable experience, beef up your resume, get exposed to a variety of employers, and grow your skills.
-
Get an Inside Line On Hot Jobs
If you really want to accelerate your job search, don’t attempt to do it alone. Instead, reach out to an experienced recruiter who can help connect you with opportunities you may not know about by perusing job boards. A recruiter can also help you polish your resume and improve your interviewing skills. As a bonus for a recent grad, their services are 100% free.
If you are a recent college graduate looking to accelerate your job search, the recruiters at Contemporary Staffing Solutions are here to help. We will partner with you to match you with positions that align with your goals. Contact us to learn more about our commitment to your success.