Launching Your Career: Navigating the Job Search as a New Grad

Congratulations, new grad! You’ve officially crossed the finish line of your academic career. Next stop: Navigating the job search. Getting started in the job search and application process as a new graduate can be a daunting task. With limited experience and a competitive job market (but don’t worry, you’ll be fine!) It's important to approach your search with a strategic plan in place. Here are some tips we think will ease your mind and help you navigate the process:

1. Tailor your resume and cover letter to the specific job you're applying for. Sounds like a lot of work, but it will work in your favor. Think of the job description as the problem your employer is looking to solve and your resume should have the skills and expertise needed for the position. Demonstrate your expertise and how you’ll add value to the company in addition to the position you are applying for. If you need help in this area, consider checking out our resume writing service.
   
2. Network, network, network! Reach out to your professors, alumni, and other professionals in your field to see if they know of any job openings or can provide you with advice or a referral. But don’t stop there: if you’re interested in a specific role, or company, reach out to their HR or someone in that position/at the company to connect. Not only could you learn about the company’s culture and more about the job, you might be able to land yourself an internal referral.
   
3. Utilize online job search platforms, such as LinkedIn and Indeed, to find job openings and connect with potential employers. Social media could also be a great spot to look as many companies now advertise openings on multiple platforms.
   
4. Consider internships and entry-level positions as a stepping stone to your dream job. These opportunities can provide valuable experience and help you gain the skills needed to land your desired role. Don’t forget - everyone starts somewhere and the experience you gain in these roles is oftentimes immeasurable.
   
5. Let your passion shine! Let potential employers you're serious and passionate about the industry you're striving to break into. Create a portfolio, a blog, join networking groups, and more. Get out there and participate in the many events available to you while marketing yourself as a professional in the space.
   
6. Be open and flexible to opportunities that may not be exactly what you're looking for, but can provide valuable experience and help you expand your talents. Dying to get into social media, but you landed a role in marketing? Try rolling with it! You could pick up some new skills and potentially a new career path you’re interested in exploring.
   
7. Practice interviewing skills, research about the company (don’t skip this step!) and the position you are applying for. The more you know, the more confident you’ll feel. And remember, you can ask your own interview questions too! Consider asking about the company culture, opportunities for career growth, professional development resources offered, turnover rate, etc.
   
8. Our last bit of advice before your journey takes off: be persistent. This isn’t just a strategy to finding that dream job, it's the best kept secret to driving your confidence forward. Maintain a positive mindset throughout the process - understanding that landing the right job is a journey that takes time. Don’t be disheartened if a role doesn’t work out; if the shoe fits, it fits!

We’re not even going to wish you luck because we know you’ve got it!