Job Searching

Job Search Advice for Graduates

Starting the job search as a college student can feel overwhelming, but it’s also an exciting opportunity to explore your career path and gain valuable experience. The key to success is preparation. Understanding how to craft a strong resume, network effectively, and navigate job applications will help you stand out to employers. This guide will provide practical tips and strategies to help you confidently take the first steps in your job search journey.

Starting the Job Search Process

Begin the Process Early

The job search process doesn’t start the day after graduation. It begins months or even a couple of years before. Internships are a great way to explore your interests, gain relevant experience, and discover career options within your major. Additionally, take time to build a strong network of contacts in college, as they can be valuable resources when you begin applying for jobs.

Treat the Job Search as a Full-Time Job

The effort you put into your job search will directly impact your success. Dedicate time each week to researching opportunities, tailoring your applications, and networking with professionals in your field.

Focus on Building Your Skillset

Your first job may not be your dream role, but every position offers an opportunity to develop skills that will help you advance in your career. Use each job as a stepping stone to gain experience, build expertise, and position yourself for future opportunities.

Don’t Overlook Small Companies or Nonprofits

Smaller companies and nonprofits can provide hands-on experience and opportunities to wear multiple hats. These environments often allow you to develop a diverse skill set, which can be a significant advantage as you progress in your career.

Be a Life Long Learner

Career development is an ongoing process. Continuously assess your goals, explore new opportunities, and seek out learning experiences that enhance your skills. Whether through formal education, mentorship, or self-directed learning, staying adaptable and curious will keep you competitive in the job market.

Successful Networking

Networking is the process of creating, developing, and nurturing relationships to exchange valuable information. It’s not just about handing out resumes or business cards, asking for jobs, or being overly persistent. To network effectively, you must:

Show a genuine interest in others.
Build rapport by being friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic.
Understand that networking is a two-way exchange, where both parties share information and advice to support each other’s goals.

Assistants in the Job Search

Networking is a great way to explore career fields by talking to those who work there.
Assists in identifying leads in your job search and increases your chances of securing job offers through referrals.
You can build and manage your career by surrounding yourself with those with more experience who can give good advice.

Benefits to Your Career

Greater satisfaction in a job as you may have influenced the job description or role.
Avoid the advertised market where positions may be non-existent or close to being filled.

Networking can be an intimidating or daunting process for some. Here are tips on how to network.

Create a personal pitch. This may include information on your education, skills, or areas of expertise. It can also include the job or workplace you would like to have.
Identify potential mentors or contacts. Ask friends and family to connect you with people who work in the field you are interested in.
Find the contact’s phone number. When you call, explain the nature of your call. Ask to meet with them, preferably at their office, for an interview lasting 20 minutes. If another person referred you, mention this to establish a frame of reference for the individual.
When meeting with the contact, establish a rapport. They will be more willing to refer you to others or pass your resume along if you establish a good relationship.
Don’t be afraid to ask for the names of other professionals you might want to interview. These contacts may be inside or outside the organization. Also, ask for advice about breaking into the profession.
If you were given other potential contact names, follow up with them promptly. Make sure to occasionally check back with your original contact to advise them of your status or progress. Be professional and send a thank you note to express your appreciation for their help.

Your initial networking list can come from a variety of sources:

Personal Contacts: family, friends, neighbors, classmates, acquaintances, organizations, church groups
Work contacts: co-workers, supervisors, colleagues
Educational contacts: teachers/professors, academic advisors, athletic coaches, alumni networks
Professional Group Contacts: Chamber of Commerce, professional trade association, career centers
Professional contacts: Doctor, lawyer, accountant, banker, insurance agents, realtor

Don't underestimate chance encounters—supermarkets, buses, or social events can lead to valuable connections. Expand your network through volunteering, job shadowing, clubs, and informational interviews. Face-to-face meetings in a contact's familiar environment are ideal, fostering relaxed conversations and potential introductions to other key individuals.

Share Your Passion, Authenticity, And Story
People connect with your real side, and everyone has a story. It’s the new “elevator pitch.”
Target Your Audience
Learn about the community where you are meeting. Research through websites, blogs, connections who know about them, or are members of the group.
Know The Guest List
If you know some specific people attending an event who you will want to meet, do your homework and find out about them: their company, awards, community activities, or accomplishments. This singles you out as genuinely interested in them and what they do.
Work The Room
Mix and mingle, and try to have several warm interactions. Don’t monopolize or be monopolized. Instead, engage and encourage mutual conversation and include others in it.
Pair Up With A Mentor
Find someone who knows the crowd and group and rely on them to introduce you. Coming with someone others know and respect says something about you. “You are judged by the company you keep.”
Set Goals
Have goals for what you want to accomplish and come out of the experience with five warm connections, new friends, and someone you can refer business to.
Be Inclusive
Be inclusive and see how making connections for others makes sense at and after the event.
Ask HCIHY (How Can I Help You?)
This is the new benchmark for networking. Not what can I sell you, but how can I serve you. “Serving is the new Selling.” The relationship naturally grows when people know you are in it for the right reasons and motives. Building trust by freely sharing knowledge and being who you say you are takes time. Invest and commit to people you feel have good potential and demonstrate mutuality.
Follow Up
Follow up promptly and purposely with those warm connections you made. Lunch, coffee, guest blog, mentor, referral, Skype, phone call, collaboration, and link swap are only a few reasons to reach out and continue.
Relationships take time, effort, and commitment. Some grow, some go, but you won’t know which until you take action.

Crafting Your Elevator Pitch

If you’ve ever been on an elevator and between floors and someone asked you the question, “What do you do?” Even if your response was “I’m a student,” you delivered an elevator speech.

An elevator pitch is a brief, clear introduction about yourself that should feel natural and come across conversationally. It should grab attention and invite further discussion in under 30 seconds. Create different versions for various situations, such as networking, interviews, or casual encounters, but the goal is always to highlight your strengths and spark interest.

Set the stage by introducing yourself and your career interest. Be a little creative and think about it from the listener’s perspective. Employers most likely want to hear about motivated people with relevant talents that can help them.
Tell your unique story in a few words to set yourself apart and communicate your value. Give quantifiable information if possible, such as, “achieved a double major and graduated cum laude in three years.” Facts make an impact.
Express emotion and enthusiasm, showing excitement about your career. Action words can be helpful, but use jargon and terminology sparingly, if at all. Smiling when you speak can help continue the conversation. Practice how you present with friends or in the mirror.
Talk about how you benefit an employer. If you are in marketing, say how you help to develop and sell innovative services. Culinary arts? Deliver delicious dishes that keep customers coming back. Teaching? How about you positively impact students and prepare them for academic success? The benefit statement is persuasive and influential when well crafted.
Use a hook to make it memorable and extend the relationship. Good advice is to “Stroke the corporate ego” or in some way complement the employer or interviewer. Genuine compliments are always well received, but be factual and not pandering.
Handing out a business card or resume works wonders. Try to exchange email addresses, phone numbers, and links, or offer your social media profile if appropriate.
Keep the door open. Be prepared to explain, support, or defend any part of your elevator speech. Consider questions or challenges that could arise.

Additional Resources

Start Early - Don’t wait until after graduation to begin your job search. Start the process as early as possible to give yourself ample time to explore opportunities.
Learn About Yourself – Take the time to understand your strengths, skills, and what you can offer an employer. Also, know what you're looking for in a job and workplace environment.
Set Objectives – Establish daily and weekly goals for your job search. Regularly evaluate your progress and adjust your strategy as needed.
Dedicate Time for Research and Networking – Set aside time each week to research organizations, explore industries, network with professionals, and make new contacts.
Prepare a Strong Resume and Cover Letter – Ensure your resume and cover letter are concise, well-written, and tailored to highlight your skills and qualifications.
Sharpen Your Interviewing Skills – Practice through mock interviews to improve your confidence and communication skills.
Create a Job Portfolio – Develop a portfolio that showcases your work and achievements. This will help you stand out from other candidates.
Perfect Your Elevator Pitch – Craft a 30-second pitch about yourself—who you are, what you do, and what you can offer. Use it at job interviews, career fairs, and networking events.
Leverage LinkedIn – Build a strong LinkedIn profile and use it to network, search for job opportunities, and connect with professionals in your field.
Make Business Cards – Create business cards with your contact information, major, career focus, and key skills/accomplishments. This will make you more memorable at networking events.
Research Your Online Presence – Take a moment to search yourself online and review your social media profiles. Ensure your online presence is professional and portrays a positive first impression to potential employers.
Develop Your Personal Brand – Work on building a personal brand that highlights your unique strengths and skills, making you attractive to employers.
Don’t Take Rejections Personally – If you receive a “no,” remember it’s a normal part of the process. Reflect, learn from the experience, and keep moving forward.
Follow Up After Networking and Interviews – Always follow up with employers after networking events or interviews. Sending a thank-you note can leave a lasting positive impression.
Consider Temporary or Part-Time Work – Temporary or part-time positions can help you develop valuable skills and lead to full-time opportunities.
Utilize Campus Resources – Take advantage of your faculty, career services office, and alumni association to help identify job leads and gain advice.
Consider Growth Potential Over Salary – Your first job may not be your dream job, and the salary might not be six figures. Focus on growth opportunities, benefits, mentorship, and tuition assistance as important factors in your decision-making.