GET THE JOB

5 JOB SEARCH TIPS FOR NEW GRADS

If you haven’t implemented these ideas, now’s the time

The one thing they don’t teach in college is how to find that first job. Follow these tips to increase your chances of getting your first post-college job.

Use your school’s career services

office: Even if you’ve visited your campus’s career services office, chances are you haven’t taken full advantage of it. Search for jobs and internship opportunities, learn about job fairs, meet with recruiters and get job search advice from the professionals who work there.

Join talent networks: Are there companies you’re interested in working for? Most have talent networks you can join to learn about new positions that may be a fit for your skills and interests.

Follow companies on social media:

Many companies today advertise jobs and engage with job seekers on social media. If there are companies you’re interested in, follow them on social media and try engaging with them on those platforms. (And while you’re at it, make your own social media profiles “employer-friendly.” More and more employers check up on would-be employees on social media, so make sure your own social media pages don’t include anything you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see.)

Join professional associations:

Look for local chapters of professional associations dedicated to the occupations and areas in which you majored or completed studies. Not only are professional associations a great networking opportunity; they may also have an exclusive job posting board or directory of member companies you can access. Most associations also offer student discounts or discounts for the unemployed.

Join your college’s alumni

association: By joining your college’s alumni network, you will have numerous opportunities to expand your professional network and meet others who can give you advice and refer you for jobs.