Turning Post-graduation Opportunities Into Employment

If you are a recent or soon to be new graduate, getting a post-college job in this economy requires a new way of thinking about the overall job search process. Despite the high unemployment rate, college grads can find opportunities in this job market. Opportunities do exist, but today’s college graduates must be willing to be flexible with their plans to accommodate changes in the job market i.e. (lengthy hiring process, and increased competition).

Here’s how you can do it:

Broaden Your Horizons

Don’t limit your job search too narrowly; consider expanding the range of career fields of interest to you. For example, if you’re interested in the field of Human Resources, explore all the jobs related or even vaguely related to that field. Having a brainstorming session in addition to using the Internet to search all of the positions within this field can create more ideas. This activity will triple your job prospects, internship possibilities and may even change the way you think about your future career. Keep in mind that if your first job isn’t your dream job, that’s okay. You can use the experience and knowledge you gain from your current role towards a greater opportunity.

Act Globally

If you are unsuccessful in finding the job you want where you currently live, consider relocating to other geographic areas or working abroad. As globalized activities, continue to increase, being aware of cultural differences and being able to operate efficiently within them increases employment opportunities. Having language and managerial skills that can be utilized internationally is an asset to businesses looking to network with markets in other countries, as many businesses are doing today.

Do Your Research

Your best chance at standing out among a pile of resumes is to show that you “get it,” Most employers are concerned with recent grads understanding how their area of study fits into the overall picture of business. Do you comprehend the importance of the work the organization does as it relates to the mission and objectives of the company? Are you eager, not for pay, but to contribute, and to learn? Would you fit in with the company’s current team? Do you understand that school was the first step in a career-long education? Understanding employer concerns and being able to address them effectively is critical. Researching your company of interest is a start. Then, figure out how your skills will benefit the organization and include this in your cover letter.

Be Productive

If you are unable to obtain a paid position, consider volunteering or taking an unpaid internship. It is extremely important particularly for a young person, to use time productively at the beginning of your career. Employers are not typically fond of the image of a college grad hanging out at home or doing odd jobs represents; it can be perceived as a lack of engagement.

Get Help

The Career Placement office at your college is a great place to start for leads, but don’t overlook off-campus resources like the local chamber of commerce. You can also tap into your school’s alums for employment resources. For starters, they have something in common with you. They once attended your school. These former students have likely been in your shoes themselves, and are generally among the most willing to help your career development if you ask. They also have a natural connection with you and your institution’s current students and graduates. Because of this connection, alums can often give specific career advice you probably wouldn’t get from anyone else. Failure to reach out to former graduates is one common mistake to avoid when embarking on your job search.

Look out for Post-graduation Opportunities

Employers are often eager participants in job fairs that cater to recent grads. Events like this are a great opportunity to make contact with potential employers. Contact state and local employment agencies to find out about upcoming career fairs and employment events in your area.

Tell Everyone You’re Looking

It is important to let everyone know you are job searching. This includes networking with family, friends, former bosses and colleagues — everyone. Communication is critical; you never know who has a job lead to share. Likewise, you never know which of these activities will turn your unemployment into the first Monday of your professional career. So try them all for best results.

Stay Positive

No one will ever care about your career as much as you do. Being flexible and persistent is the key to any job search. More importantly, don’t forget to remain positive. Always stay focused and maintain a positive outlook with your employment search. Therefore, continue to build your skills and your resume instead of passively waiting for the phone to ring and the opportunities will come.