Being a recent college graduate in this job economy can be difficult. Navigating all of the channels to find this right position is almost as time consuming as school was. What should a recent grad who is still looking for a job do?
1. Make sure people know: Make sure you have sent your actual resume to anyone who would be able to help you, either now or in the future. Some good starts are former professors, friends of parents, and your career services office . People are more like to send something your way if they know exactly what you have to offer.
2. Highlight Specific Skills: While your degree is important, make sure you list specific career-related skills. Did you take statistics with SPSS? Have you made a PowerPoint presentation? All too often resumes from recent grads read very vague. Instead of saying something like “Ability to forecast using computer software” write the tools that you have used.
3. Get Listed: Make sure you have a LinkedIn profile that is at least 75% complete. Make sure you put specific classes, skills, and interests. This is what differentiates you in search. Make sure you have sent your resume to HR agencies. We don’t just mean filling out the online form, we mean researching recruiters in your field and sending them your resume. It is perfectly fine to say “I saw your profile on LinkedIn and I thought I’d reach out with my resume” (but don’t harp on anyone).
4. Experience is Experience: Extracurriculars, internships, volunteering, even certain classes count as experience. If an activity you did demonstrates reliability and capability it can be used.
5. Keep Yourself Busy: Don’t spend all day alone in the house online searching. Get out, stay active. This could be through volunteering or networking. Anything that keeps you active and in touch with your interests or industry will help you stay relevant.
6. Be Reasonable: The first caveat to this is have clear expectations. Don’t turn down perfectly great positions because you are waiting for your dream job. Remember when you were applying to college you had “safeties” and “reaches”. The same would be good for a job search. Know your baseline and know your limits. Don’t turn down an acceptable offer.
That said, please feel free to send your resume to dcollins@unitedstaffing.com!
