On the verge of graduating, seniors know the next few months will be filled with job applications and updates to their LinkedIn profiles.
As you prepare to put your newly acquired degree to work, you may be confused about where to start. We overlook a lot of the options available to us, and although your first position may not be the job of your dreams, we all have to begin somewhere.
Talk to your school
USF St. Petersburg has tons of resources to help you in the post-grad job search. The Career Center can offer helpful resume and cover letter advice, and joining the alumni association opens up a wide array of opportunities.
Talk to your parents’ friends
You never know who might need an intern or an assistant, so be sure to talk to your parent’s friends, just in case. Make a point to ask them yourself instead of having your parents talk to them. This shows a level of professionalism that separates you from the child they watched grow up.
LinkedIn is your friend
Tons of corporations use LinkedIn to scout and recruit potential employees. Make sure you keep your profile updated with skills and professional experiences. It’s also a good idea to add an introduction – it makes you seem more personable and showcases writing skills to potential employers.
Go to networking events
Keep an eye on your social media and local publications for mentions of young professional meetings. These get-togethers often offer plenty of chances to network with people in all kinds of industries, and may give you, at the very least, a better idea on the direction you’d like your career to go.
Clean up your social media accounts
We hear this one all the time, but it’s because employers do take notice of your Facebook, Twitter, and other accounts. Make sure pictures of you slamming beers with your buddies are wiped off there before you go applying for that dream job.
Tailor your resume to each job
One thing many recent college-graduate job-seekers ignore: the chance they have to custom tailor their resumes for each job application. It only takes a few extra minutes to add some of the keywords from the job listing, and it could help you stand out from hundreds of cookie-cutter resumes.
Explore different career paths
As a recent graduate embarking on the job-searching journey, there are a lot more choices available than you may be aware of. Don’t be afraid to try new things, take internships and explore jobs you didn’t know existed – the experiences may just end up sparking that passion you’re looking for.
