Finding a Job 101: The Ultimate Guide to Jobs for College Grads

Did you know that a recent survey found that nearly 67% of college graduates don’t have a job lined up?

The reality is that many students either do not think about employment after graduation or have been unable to secure full-time employment.

It can be stressful to find a job that’s right for you, especially if you are also attempting to relocate cities or states in the process as many grads do.

Moreover, with 70 percent of college students in owing loans that average to $37,172, it’s no wonder employment is urgently on many of their minds.

That considered, finding a job after graduation doesn’t have to be a difficult ordeal.

In fact, with a few key tips, you can better prepare for your job search whether you have your diploma in hand yet or not.

Read on to learn how to find jobs for college grads after the academic regalia has been enjoyed and stored away.

How to Find Jobs for College Grads

There are many different strategies for landing the perfect job after graduation, and the best one for you will ultimately depend on your journey.

While it can be tempting to put it off, it is better to start the planning process for your career as soon as you can.

Here are a few ways to begin working on your post-college plan as soon as possible.

Identify a Career Path

The process of career development may be a lifelong feat, but it is first important to identify which direction you would like to start in.

As your graduation approaches, you should begin to think about how your education and skill set could transfer to a full-time job.

A first step is to understand the types of jobs people do within your major, and then to think about what is important to you in a position.

However, try to remain flexible in your options as some jobs may require to pivot a bit outside your exact field.

Research Potential Jobs and Employers

Once you have a general idea of what you are looking for, narrow down a list of potential employers and titles you are looking for.

Consider flagging certain keywords for job boards, and broaden your search geographically if need be.

Consider Post-College Internships

If you do not have a full-time job offer lined up after graduation, or if you are unsure of exactly what type of job you’d like to do, apply for a few post-graduation internships.

These can help you get more work-experience for your resume and potentially lead to a full-time offer once the internship ends.

Tap into Your Network

Do not hesitate to use all the resources that are available to you in your network. Connect with old friends, co-workers, and employers on LinkedIn.

Attend networking events, and speak with your professors about what types of jobs you’re looking for. You never know what opportunities might present themselves.

Write a Great Resume

In terms of your resume, the most important part is that you cater to each job description and company.

If you need help writing that initial resume, consider visiting the careers center at your University or using resume writing services.

While it may be a lot of work, this is extremely important. Moreover, never skimp on the cover letter, as almost all employers will expect this.

Audit Your Social Media

Before you begin sending any applications, do an audit of your social media profiles. The last thing you want is facing rejecting because of some not so tasteful posts.

Stay Positive

Overall, try to remember to stay positive through the whole process. Your ideal position is out there. You miss 100% of the chances you don’t take, and the hard work is bound to pay off.

Land the Perfect Job

Finding the best job prospects for you will depend on your field and experience, but in reality, many employers have the right jobs for college grads.

Simply remember to start with a career path and goal, to do the research, and to take a few tactical steps to prepare for applications, and you should be good to go.

Interested in jobs with a high payout? Check out this post for some of the top paying positions on the market.