8 Most Effective Tactics on How to Find a Job -Everything College Doesn’t Teach You
This post is about how to find a job.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!Did you just graduate college? Are you a first time job hunter? Or are you simply looking for a new job? You have come to the right place.
Finding a job in today’s market is extremely difficult and it is not talked about enough in school or in the real world. Everyone older than you will tell you it is easy and to just apply everywhere. Wrong.
The Secret on How to Find a Job Immediately after College: Strategy, timing, and hard work,
The resume, the cover letter, the research, the companies, the pages and pages of job options are 100% overwhelming (especially for a new graduate). You are taking classes full time and maybe working a part time job and then BOOM: you graduate and and are dumped into the real world with no knowledge on how to go get a real job.
Job searching is also very defeating. You apply and either 1. get ghosted or 2. get rejected. No one truly mentally prepares you for that process either.
Now, for the positive of job hunting (because there is plenty to be excited for!). The best is yet to come! There so many opportunities in the real world that no one even knows exists! You will find your passion and you will make money…..speak it into existence now!
This post is all about how to find a job.
How to Find a Job – Here are 8 Things to do that college does not teach you, but you NEED to know!
1. Update your resume & cover letter.
The resume and cover letter is your way to stand out in an application process. Before an interview, you are known for this single piece of paper. Because this is the #1 most important thing in job hunting, it needs to be a 10/10.
How to make your Resume Stand Out:
- Use a simple template.
- Etsy & Google Docs have multiple different resume templates that are great for beginners.
- Make sure your resume is only 1 page.
- No hiring manager wants to read through pages of fluff or old projects you did in school. Stick to the necessities and most valuable information about yourself and experience.
- Leverage AI.
- AI will help you craft an outstanding resume, plug in your experience and education to generate a professional resume. Just ensure you reread and tweak it slightly to not sound too generated.
- Do not include pictures on your resume.
- I was shocked that people had a headshot on their resume, this is a big no no. Only text.
- Use numbers.
- When talking about your projects or experience, you numbers to represent your success. For example: “This initiative generated 15% additional sales.”
- Have someone review it.
- Professor, parent, counselor, or anyone you see as successful will 100% give you valuable feedback on your resume.
2. Create multiple profiles on job search tools.
Jobs are posted all across the internet. No company uses the same job posting applications.
ALWAYS apply directly on a business’s website, DO NOT apply from a job posting site. Way less people will be going directly from the posting to the company’s website, so you want to ensure your name is in that pile (it shows you took the extra step).
Update your headshot. Add a professional photo to your platforms. You would be surprised at how many recruiters or hiring managers do a google search on you before the interview.
Which is best online job website?
- Indeed
- Handshake
- Google Job Search
3. Be intentional with your applications.
Although it is important to apply across different company’s and roles, you also want to be intentional with the applications that you are putting out there. There are millions of companies looking for employees, apply to jobs that you truly see as a good fit.
How to Find a Good Job Quickly:
- Filter job posting to 24 hours or within a week. Be the first to apply to new postings. If the posting has been up for a couple weeks, there is a good chance they are already interviewing.
- Experience – do you actually qualify? Don’t apply for a job where it is completely out of your range, you would only be setting yourself up for failure.
- Read the description. Just because it says “Marketing Analyst” does not mean it is in the marketing world. Double check the description and see what the role would actually be supporting.
4. Do your research on companies.
The company you chose to work for is often one of the most crucial parts of accepting a job offer. Although the people and work is important, that is often completely based on the company. Doing a quick search on the company will help you get to know their values.
Questions to Ask when Job Searching:
- Do you know someone who works there already? Ask about their experience.
- What benefits do they offer? Vacation, 401K, stock options, etc.
- In office, hybrid, or remote?
- Do they value work life balance?
- How many employees?
- What is their mission statement?
- Do they do volunteer work.
5. Be prepared for job interviews.
While applying and waiting for someone to call you, spend that time preparing for a potential interview. You could get a call at any time after submitting an application.
Most of the time, someone from HR will call you before an interview to give you a quick virtual screening. Have your resume memorized in your head so you can quickly give a brief summary of your experience, education, and reason for interest in the role.
If you are then selected for an interview, it could come very quickly. Practice interview questions and have your examples of situations ready to go for the interview.
TIP – Have a friend, significant other, parent, or coworker run through a practice session.
6. Be patient.
Unfortunately looking for a job is a long, exhausting process. Most likely there will be companies who ghost you, never reach out, or reject you. You cannot let that defeat you because the right job is out there, it just takes time.
Time block a couple hours a day to apply for jobs, check statuses, or review your resume. This will ensure you are staying active and continuously putting effort into finding a job.
7. Create a Job Application Tracker.
Creating a job application tracker is a GAME CHANGER! Not only does it help you stay organized, but it helps you clearly see what roles you are applying for and which ones are getting back to you.
Use a simple excel sheet and include title, company, date applied, where you found the posting and status of application.
8. Attend networking events.
As a college student, there are SO many networking events going on all the time. Companies are always looking for fresh talent to add to their team.
How to Find a Job at a Networking Event:
- Professional outfit. Order a blazer and put on some heels, it is time to make small talk (with meaningful intent)!
- Print out 10-20 resumes. Companies will ask for a resume to take with them at the networking events. Throw them in a neat folder and you will be all set.
- Ask questions.
- Is your company local?
- What types of roles are available for new grads?
- What is your company’s mission and values?
- What kind of growth opportunities are available?
- Bring a friend.
- It can be very scary to go to these events alone. Grab another jobless friend and go to the event together.
As an adult, it will not be as easy to find a “networking event”. However, you most likely know WAY more people with real jobs. Grab coffee or lunch with someone that works for a company or is in a role that interests you. This is a great way to get a reference for an application or to just get more insight to the company/role.
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