It’s graduation season, and young adults everywhere are making the transition into the job market. Are you hoping to find your dream job now that you’ve gotten your degree? Matt Richard, Director of Business Development at Market Street Talent, shares a few tips for new grads and anyone looking to break into a new career.
Clean Up Your Online Presence
The first thing many recruiters and hiring managers do when they get your resume or find your LinkedIn profile is cross-reference social media to see what you’ve put out there. Take the time to update your LinkedIn and make sure your information is current. Next, look at your privacy settings on social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. If you’re sharing content with the general public, take down anything you’d be embarrassed for a prospective boss to see. Consider asking your friends to un-tag any questionable content as well.
Learn How to Network
Networking is an important skill 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. “Use networking sites like meetup.com to find groups or events specific to your field,” suggests Matt. “Participate in the 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 professional networking sites like LinkedIn and your college’s network to find alumni from your school who work in your field of interest. Then, send them a note, make the Alumni connection, and ask if they have any openings at their company or for advice on how they got their career started,” says Matt. You can also attend alumni events sponsored by your college or department. This is particularly helpful if you’re moving to a new area and your alumni association has a local chapter.
Do you have any tips for new college graduates as they enter the job market? Let us know on Facebook or Twitter.
