Welcome to Part 3 of our blog about job search strategies for recent college graduates. We’ve already covered defining career goals and creating a strong CV and cover letter, networking, using online resources and creating a strong LinkedIn profile. We move on now to the final phase which outlines the value of volunteering, continuous upskilling, interview preparation and persistence.
Internship and Volunteering
If you have an experience deficit for the role you wish to get, an internship may be a good way to enhance your chances. This will allow you to gain practical experience of the role, working in the sector and allow you to make industry connections.
Volunteering will also give you experience of working with a team and managers and is a strong addition to a CV as it gives employers a sense of your commitment and dedication to a cause.
Continuous Learning and Upskilling
If there’s a time gap between finishing college and getting the job you want, you could participate in online courses to enhance your qualifications. Find a weakness on your CV and do a course to strengthen this topic. Employers are impressed by continuous professional development, and this may stand to you during a job interview. You could also gain certification in areas that would be required for the job you hope to get. Courses such as Manual Handling, Safe Pass, HACCP etc. are valuable to have attained and sends a strong signal to employers.
Interview Preparation
If you find you have time on your hands, you can use it productively by delving into interview preparation. Researching companies you’d like to work with, and new developments in the industry you’re aiming to work in, may give you an edge when you get the chance to do an interview.
Many job seekers are nervous about job interviews. To improve your chances of performing well, go online and research tactics for job interviews e.g. answers to typical interview questions, and apply this knowledge during your interviews. Another strong interview preparation tactic is to perform mock interviews with a friend or family member. This will allow you to polish your presentation skills and build your confidence levels.
Persistence and Positivity
Finding the exact job you’d like may take time so you’ll have to be persistent and keep going, even if you experience setbacks. Celebrate small victories along the way such as getting interviewed and gaining valuable feedback, as this will encourage you to keep going. Try to keep a positive attitude and remember what Babe Ruth said,
“You can’t beat the person who never gives up”.
Finally, if you’ve done several interviews and had no success, you may be doing something wrong. If you think this is so, you can seek support from a career coach or job search support group.
We hope you’ve enjoyed Elk’s three blogs about job search strategies for recent graduates. By implementing these strategies and advice, recent graduates can effectively navigate the job market, showcase their skills, and secure their ideal job.