8 tips to help you get hired after graduation
Graduating from university, college or any form of higher education is a huge milestone, but what happens next? Do you just start sending out resumes, or does something more strategic need to happen first?
First of all, relax and take a breath. This time can be overwhelming but it’s the beginning of your career journey and it's very exciting!
Landing a job as a new grad isn’t easy, but with the right strategy and preparation, you can increase your chances of being hired quickly and efficiently.
Here are some helpful tips on how to land a job after graduating:
1. Know what kind of job you want
The first step to getting a job after graduation is to decide what kind of job you want. You might want to start out in a job where you can learn some new skills and then transition into your ideal career path after a few years of work experience.
You might also decide you don’t want a 9-5 job at all, and instead want to be an entrepreneur working from home. No matter what you want to do, the first step to getting the job is knowing what you’re looking for.
2. Find the companies you want to work for
The next step is to find the companies you see yourself joining and actually like. While your first instinct might be to just search job boards and apply to every open position you see, that’s not enough.
Research companies in your desired field and find out what their values are and what their company culture is like. Look up reviews left by past employees and check out the social media of the company to get a feel for their general vibe and if you think it'd be the right fit for you.
3. Network
One of the best ways to make sure a company remembers you is to build relationships with people at the company. This can be done through networking events and online groups where you can meet people at the company.
You can also join industry organizations and create a presence online where your followers and connections can learn more about you and your interests.
By doing these things, you make yourself a more unique candidate and show the companies you want to work for that you are passionate about the industry, you know what you’re talking about, and you have what it takes to be a valuable team member.
4. Build your brand
Companies receive thousands of applications for each job opening, so you need to do more than just apply for a job. You need to make yourself stand out from the crowd and actually get the company to take notice of you and invite you in for an interview.
To do this, you need to do more than just submit a resume. You need to build a brand that makes you memorable, a brand that companies want to hire.
Having a strong brand for yourself can make you much more likely to get the job offer you deserve. Use social media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn and TikTok to share your knowledge of your desired sector and grow your network.
This also means really engaging with people and creating strong relationships. You never know who could help you land your first job or be assets in the future.
5. Know your value as a job seeker
This is a critical aspect of getting a job as a new grad: knowing your value as a job seeker. In other words, you need to know what you bring to the table: what skills you have, what your talents are, and what your passions and goals in life are.
You need to know who you are and what makes you unique and valuable. This is the only way to know how to market yourself to potential employers. You need to know what you want to do, why you want to do it, and the skill set you have to make it happen.
Once you have this information, you are ready to tell your story to potential employers: what you’re looking for, what skills you have that would be useful for their company, and which company you want to work for.
6. Create a great resume
Your CV is a key part of getting a job. Create a fresh resume custom-made for each specific job offer you’re interested in. Include keywords right from the job description.
You also want to make sure your resume is formatted correctly and that it is easy to read. Many job seekers struggle with getting their CV right, but if you want to get a job after graduating, you need to make sure your resume is a top-notch piece of work.
You also want to make sure you’re not making any of these common mistakes on your resume. Taking the time to get this right is an investment in your future career and is an important part of getting a job.
7. Follow-up and send thank you notes
One very important step to getting hired is thanking people for helping you along the way. Whether that’s an old professor or a friend who got you in the door for an interview, you need to follow up and thank people who have helped you.
This shows the people in your network that you are grateful for their time and effort, and it can be a deciding factor in getting a job.
Take the time to research the company and people you interviewed with and send a follow-up email to thank them for their time and reiterate why you are the best person for the job. This shows that you’re serious about getting the job and puts you one step ahead of your competition.
8. Be optimistic
Remember to be hopeful and positive. Getting a job after graduation can be difficult, but you can make it happen with the right strategy and some hard work. The most important thing is to keep going and not give up, even if it takes you longer than you’d like to find the job you want. You’ll get there, and in the meantime you can use your free time to master some new skills and prepare yourself for the future.
Once you’re ready, check out our job offers here. Find entry-level positions in your own languages and get the opportunity to work in another country. There’s no easier way to advance your career than with a chance like this!
The job market is busy and full of candidates looking for work. So how can you stand out? Want to know how to get closer to landing a job? Read more here →
