Each year, there are thousands of graduates entering the job market. The competition for post-graduate jobs is not an easy one. With so many students and such few jobs, a few pieces of career advice on how to navigate the job market without losing hope are necessary
Not a lot of people have a job lined up for them after graduation. You may start feeling anxious and worried about your lack of experience and how that will hinder you from getting a job. The classic catch- 22 situation. You can’t get a job with no experience, you can’t get experience with no job.
If you find yourself asking ‘what next?’ I believe this article is for you.
Your resume
For whatever job you are applying to, make sure your resume is tailored for each position.
Your resume is how you sell yourself. A poor resume will make you sell yourself short, even if you are well qualified for the job.
Read carefully through the instructions on the job description and use the main keywords and phrases to build the perfect resume for the position. This shows the employer that you are very well suited for the job.
Using a resume creator allows you to quickly adjust your resume when applying for the job.
Do you know what you want to do?
Now that you have finally graduated, you have to figure out what you want to do. You may have a clear idea but it’s time for execution now.
The biggest advantage of being a fresh graduate is, you have time to try out most, if not all of your ideas before you decide to niche out.
Use this opportunity to figure out what you really love doing and focus on that. After all, you may be doing this for the rest of your life. You don’t want to be stuck on something you do not have a passion for.
What are your long-term goals?
One of the most important career tips after graduating is focusing on long-term goals. Look for a job that will open doors for your career. Try as hard as possible to not get stuck in the same position you.
You are at a development stage in your career. Do not focus solely on salary, although it will be a factor to consider when choosing your job. A job that pays more but is short-term may not be suitable.
Are you patient?
‘Good things come to those who wait’, they say.
Although most of your friends and classmates may have jobs aligned for them after graduation while you may have to spend 1- 2 years tarmacking, you shouldn’t give up.
Sending resumes ad CVs and getting them all rejected will also be disheartening but this is where your patience applies. Top that up with consistency and you will eventually get that job you have dreamed of for years or months.
Are you networking?
As a fresh graduate, it may not be easy making friends outside as it was while you were in college. Lucky for you, you still have your contacts from school.
Stay in touch with your friends and lecturers and contacts you acquired while studying, they may be the ones to connect you with working opportunities after graduation. They will also be able to recommend you whenever a job arises that they believe would be suitable for you.
Have you considered internships?
Interning is the best way to gain experience after graduating. Not many places will hire you with no experience and how will you get the experience if you are not hired?
Consider offering your services for a while, to gain working experience. You may even be able to get a permanent job where you interned.
Make sure that the internship is beneficial and not just wasting your time. If possible, look for a paying internship, it will make life so much easier.
Did you get your first job?
Make a positive first impression when you get the job. Stay positive and enthusiastic.
If the work you are doing is too straightforward, you can ask your supervisor for a more stimulating and challenging task.
Your boss will be impressed by your attitude and the job will be more interesting.
These are a few tips we gathered on how to succeed in the cut-throat job market. Send this article to any recent graduate you know who hasn’t had an easy time finding a job after graduation. You can also create an action plan here to help you set goals and be organized while searching for work.
