From Campus to Career: Navigating The Job Market Post-Graduation

Congratulations, you did it! You just spent the last few years making long-lasting memories and working hard to earn that degree; you should be very proud of yourself! As you transition into your new post-grad life, you may be thinking, “What now?”. All those years of hard work have led you to this moment, and we’re here to help!

Transitioning from campus to career can feel overwhelming, but don’t worry, you’re not alone. Here you’ll find all the best job-searching strategies that will help increase your chances of landing your first job. Let’s get started!

Whether you’re moving to a new city or living back at home, the future that lies ahead is unknown. While this big change may be scary, remember that there are endless opportunities out there waiting for you. Embrace the unknown and be open to all opportunities moving forward.

Learning doesn’t stop when you graduate college. As you enter the job market, it’s incredibly important to stay eager to learn as most entry-level jobs will teach you a lot of new skills. If you’re looking for ways to enhance your current skillset or beef up your resume, try earning free online certifications through resources like HubSpot Academy!

When it comes to creating your resume and cover letter, it’s not just a one-and-done process. The key to standing out in job applications is to tailor your resume and cover letter to each position. Be sure to add important keywords from the job description to your resume and customize your cover letter by emphasizing how excited you are for the possibility of taking on the specific duties of the job.

You might ask, “What if I don’t have any industry experience to put on my resume yet?”. Don’t worry, most new grads don’t! Most entry-level positions are looking for potential rather than experience. In this case, make sure to incorporate any class projects, leadership experiences, volunteer activities, and don’t forget to add those online certifications to your resume too!

Now that you’ve got your resume and cover letter down, it’s time to start applying! LinkedIn and Indeed are both great platforms to start your search and set up job alerts. A job alert is something you can create to stay updated with new job postings that match your preferences. You can select any criteria like: location, experience level, salary, etc., so that you can be alerted when a match is posted. Are you local to Southeastern Wisconsin? Set up a job alert with Extension!

While it’s common for college students to gain internship experience before graduation, don’t shy away from applying for internships post-grad too! Even if it’s part-time, it’s still good experience and there’s a good chance the company could bring you on full-time after the internship is over.

Also, consider working with a staffing agency. Connecting with recruiters can be very helpful during your job search as they have direct connections with hiring managers and can personally recommend you to them if you’re the right fit. If you work with Extension, it’s also free!

Did you know that 67% of employers use social media to research potential job candidates? In that case, you’ll want to consider cleaning up your social media profiles. If you wouldn’t want your future employer to see certain things you’ve posted, it’s a good idea to delete those or consider making your accounts private.

If you haven’t already, a good way to enhance your professional image is to optimize your LinkedIn profile. By using a high-quality profile photo, writing a compelling headline, completing your experience section with detailed descriptions of your work experience, and listing relevant skills, you are bound to attract the attention of potential employers. Don’t forget to start networking too!

Another important thing to note is your phone and email etiquette. Hiring managers will be calling you to set up interviews and you probably won’t want them to hear your old voicemail recording from 2016. Update your voicemail greeting if necessary and make sure your email username is professional to avoid any negative perceptions.

Once you’ve landed your first interview, the best way to proceed is to research and prepare. Dig into the company’s website and re-read the job description so you can familiarize yourself with their mission and how your potential role will contribute to their overall company goals. Also, make sure to practice answering common interview questions in front of a mirror or with a friend; this will help boost your confidence during the actual interview! Check out our blog for more tips to nail your next interview!

A great tactic for after your interview is to follow-up with the hiring manager. By emailing them a day or two after to thank them for their time, it will not only show your further interest in the position but will also help maintain a positive impression.

If you aren’t chosen for the first few jobs you interview for, don’t be discouraged. Each rejection will bring you closer to the right opportunity. You got this!

In your journey from graduation to the workforce, we hope this blog will equip you with the necessary tools to get you through your first job hunt! Remember, this is just the beginning. Stay optimistic, remain adaptable, and always remember to keep learning and growing in every pursuit. Here’s to the exciting road ahead and the countless opportunities waiting for you!

If you are looking for more personalized help during your job search, reach out to Extension! Call us at 414-727-1715 or email team@extensionrecruiting.com to be assisted in your professional journey and finding your dream role!