It’s graduation season, and students everywhere are making the transition into the job market. Are you hoping to find your dream job now that you’ve gotten your degree? We have a few tips for new grads, and anyone looking to break into a new career!
Clean Up Your Online Presence
The first thing most recruiters and hiring managers do when they get your resume or find your LinkedIn profile is search your name and look for you on social media to see what you’ve put out there. Take time to update your LinkedIn and make sure your information is current. Next, look at your privacy settings on everything from Instagram to that Facebook account you rarely use. If you’re sharing content with the general public, take down anything you’d be embarrassed for a prospective boss to see. Don’t forget to check what other people have tagged you in!
Learn How to Network
Networking is something you’ll do throughout your career, so learning to do it well will serve you for a long time. Start with LinkedIn – connect with individuals who know you in a professional context, or who are in the same industry. Remember that professional networks are different from social ones; keep your business and personal contacts relatively separate. Once you’re using LinkedIn correctly, move on to other resources like local Chamber of Commerce networking events and industry-specific meetings. Using networking sites like meetup.com to find groups or events specific to your field can be a great opportunity as well. Participate in local events and make connections who can help introduce you to companies and opportunities you otherwise wouldn’t know about.
Make the Most of Your Loose Ties
Social connections are important in today’s job market. It’s not that you have to know someone at a company in order to get a job, but the wider your network is, the more likely you are to find out about an opportunity. If you have an idea of which companies you might like to work for, see if anyone in your outer circles has a connection they could introduce you to. Maybe your friend’s cousin works in the industry you want to break into, or your sister’s roommate met a recruiter who can help you get your resume in front of the right people. It’s worth asking for an introduction when possible – growing your network is never a bad thing!
Use Your Alumni Network
Alumni resources are often overlooked by new grads, but they are a great way to connect with people who are where you’d like to be. Use LinkedIn and your college’s networking site to find alumni who work in your field of interest. Send them a friendly (and professional) note, and ask if they’d chat with you and share the story of how they got their career started, plus any advice they have for you. You can also attend alumni events sponsored by your college or department.
Ask a Professional
Okay, you knew we were going to mention this one, right? 🙂 Working with an experienced recruiter who specializes in your career field is one of the best ways to find great job opportunities. A good recruiter will take the time to learn about you, what you’re looking for in your next role, and how they can help you get where you want to go. They can help you with your resume, prepare you for interviews, and share their knowledge about their clients to help you find the best fit possible.
Congratulations to the class of 2019! Do you have any tips for new college graduates as they enter the job market? Let us know on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter!
