Starting a job search after graduation may be daunting. Breaking into your new profession or finding that dream job takes patience and determination. Here are a few ideas to get started:
- Identify Your Strengths & Highlight Achievements – It is important that you quantify or highlight achievements on your resume as well as for interview responses. When starting a new career you might have limited or no experience; in this case identify your transferable skills such as customer service, attention to detail, accuracy, relationship building, follow up, or sales etc. These are “soft skills” but have value to other qualifications. As well volunteer work, leadership roles, research or internships should be mentioned. An excellent resource is the article How to make your resume the best on the hiring manager will see written by Isabel Thottam.
- Update Your LinkedIn Profile – Update your resume on LinkedIn and let your network know that you are “seeking opportunities”. You may have a friend refer a new job opportunity that you would not otherwise be aware of. As well, recruiters or hiring managers will see your profile and will be able to contact you.
- Get Out There and Network – A lot of jobs are through referrals or networking. Don’t be shy to tell friends or colleagues that you are seeking a career opportunity. Dig deep into industries that you are interested in working in and call companies to set up information meetings to learn about jobs.
- Work Hard – At your current job or temporary assignment work hard. You may have opportunities for other work or even a referral to a better job. Often having a job while looking for a more career oriented position will keep you in a positive mind frame during your job search.
- Stay Positive – Keep a positive mindset through the job search and interview process not to become discouraged. Remember that you don’t want the first job, rather the “best” job. Interviews are a great way to meet people and learn about your career – you may not receive a job offer with each job interview however, however you will gain knowledge and experience – don’t give up.
Please feel free to contact myself with any questions or for assistance at andrea@careercontacts.ca
