7 answers
Everlee
Student
Riverside, California
1
Question
Updated
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What's the best way to find jobs for those who have recently graduated college, or will be graduating soon?
I feel like there's been a lot of talk about the lack of entry-level opportunities, and combined with the huge number of job boards, I want to make sure I'm making the most of my time.
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7 answers
CHUNTING DONG
36
Answers
Updated
CHUNTING’s Answer
Hi Everlee, you can make the most of campus recruitment resources:
- Join campus job fairs: Lots of companies come to campuses to hire new people, offering great job chances. Graduates should join in, find out what companies are looking for, and show what they can do.
- Use career guidance services: Schools provide help like career planning, resume checks, and interview practice. Students should use these services to get ready for job searching.
- Join campus job fairs: Lots of companies come to campuses to hire new people, offering great job chances. Graduates should join in, find out what companies are looking for, and show what they can do.
- Use career guidance services: Schools provide help like career planning, resume checks, and interview practice. Students should use these services to get ready for job searching.
Cole Dapprich
Software Development Engineer in Test
5
Answers
Richardson, Texas
Updated
Cole’s Answer
Job fairs are by far the most effective way to get your first job, in my experience. Even if you don't find a good fit at a particular event, you can network with others and sign up for email lists to get notified about future opportunities - which is exactly how I got my first job out of college.
Other good ways to build your network could include participating in tech communities, attending webinars, and contributing to open-source projects.
As far as which job boards in particular, I had the most success with just making a LinkedIn and keeping it up -to-date and well-written. That way, recruiters can come to you, and you can also leverage your profile for applications both on- and off-platform. LinkedIn also has really good job alerts that you can create and customize to your liking. While I had some limited success with Indeed as well, I think LinkedIn is better overall.
Other good ways to build your network could include participating in tech communities, attending webinars, and contributing to open-source projects.
As far as which job boards in particular, I had the most success with just making a LinkedIn and keeping it up -to-date and well-written. That way, recruiters can come to you, and you can also leverage your profile for applications both on- and off-platform. LinkedIn also has really good job alerts that you can create and customize to your liking. While I had some limited success with Indeed as well, I think LinkedIn is better overall.
Marianella Alvarado
Senior Director - AMS Contact Center Operations
1
Answer
Heredia, Heredia Province, Costa Rica
Updated
Marianella’s Answer
Hi Everlee! It's completely understandable to feel a bit lost in the job search world after graduation (or even right before!). You're right, it can feel like there's a lot of noise out there, and the "no entry-level jobs" talk can be discouraging. But trust me, there are opportunities out there! It's more about being strategic and knowing where to focus your energy.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the recommendations I can provide for this:
• Tap into Your University's Resources – They're Your Secret Weapon! Your college or university likely has a career services office, and they are goldmines! They often have job boards specifically for alumni and soon-to-be grads, host career fairs, offer resume and cover letter workshops, and even provide mock interviews. These resources are designed to help you specifically transition into the workforce, so definitely make the most of them.
• Network Like It's Your Part-Time Job (Because It Kind Of Is!): Reach out to professors, alumni you might have connected with, internship supervisors, and even friends or family who work in fields that interest you. Let them know you're on the job hunt and what kind of roles you're looking for. You never know who might have a lead or be willing to make an introduction. Don't be afraid to send informational interview requests – it's a chance to learn about different roles and companies and make a connection.
• LinkedIn – Your Professional Online Hub: If you haven't already, make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished and up-to-date. Connect with people in your field, engage with their posts, and actively search for jobs there. Many companies, especially for entry-level roles, post directly on LinkedIn. It's also a great place to research companies and learn more about different career paths.
• Don't Underestimate Internships (Even After Graduation): While you might be aiming for a full-time role, consider short-term internships or contract positions, especially if you're finding it tough to land a permanent job right away. These can provide valuable experience, help you build your network, and sometimes even lead to full-time opportunities down the line. It's a way to get your foot in the door and prove yourself.
• Be Persistent and Patient: The job search can take time and effort, and it's normal to face rejections. Don't get discouraged! Keep applying, keep networking, and keep refining your approach. Each application and interview is a learning experience. Remember, landing that first "real" job is a big step, and it's okay if it doesn't happen overnight.
• Consider Volunteering or Freelancing: These can be great ways to gain experience in your field, build your portfolio, and make connections while you're searching for a full-time role. This can be incredibly valuable.
The key is to be proactive, strategic, and persistent. Utilize all the resources available to you, focus on building meaningful connections, and don't be afraid to explore different avenues. You've invested time and effort in your education, and that's a significant asset. With a focused approach, you'll find the right opportunity!
All the best in your journey!
Marianella
Here’s a breakdown of some of the recommendations I can provide for this:
• Tap into Your University's Resources – They're Your Secret Weapon! Your college or university likely has a career services office, and they are goldmines! They often have job boards specifically for alumni and soon-to-be grads, host career fairs, offer resume and cover letter workshops, and even provide mock interviews. These resources are designed to help you specifically transition into the workforce, so definitely make the most of them.
• Network Like It's Your Part-Time Job (Because It Kind Of Is!): Reach out to professors, alumni you might have connected with, internship supervisors, and even friends or family who work in fields that interest you. Let them know you're on the job hunt and what kind of roles you're looking for. You never know who might have a lead or be willing to make an introduction. Don't be afraid to send informational interview requests – it's a chance to learn about different roles and companies and make a connection.
• LinkedIn – Your Professional Online Hub: If you haven't already, make sure your LinkedIn profile is polished and up-to-date. Connect with people in your field, engage with their posts, and actively search for jobs there. Many companies, especially for entry-level roles, post directly on LinkedIn. It's also a great place to research companies and learn more about different career paths.
• Don't Underestimate Internships (Even After Graduation): While you might be aiming for a full-time role, consider short-term internships or contract positions, especially if you're finding it tough to land a permanent job right away. These can provide valuable experience, help you build your network, and sometimes even lead to full-time opportunities down the line. It's a way to get your foot in the door and prove yourself.
• Be Persistent and Patient: The job search can take time and effort, and it's normal to face rejections. Don't get discouraged! Keep applying, keep networking, and keep refining your approach. Each application and interview is a learning experience. Remember, landing that first "real" job is a big step, and it's okay if it doesn't happen overnight.
• Consider Volunteering or Freelancing: These can be great ways to gain experience in your field, build your portfolio, and make connections while you're searching for a full-time role. This can be incredibly valuable.
The key is to be proactive, strategic, and persistent. Utilize all the resources available to you, focus on building meaningful connections, and don't be afraid to explore different avenues. You've invested time and effort in your education, and that's a significant asset. With a focused approach, you'll find the right opportunity!
All the best in your journey!
Marianella
Chris McAllister
Data Scientist
2
Answers
Berkeley, California
Updated
Chris’s Answer
Good question Everlee! Landing your first job is one of the most difficult parts of your career. To get your foot in the door, you'll have to stand out to recruiters and talent sourcers. I would have a few neatly organized and well explained projects on your github and LinkedIn profile under the projects section. The goal here is to show that you can write well documented code that will stand out to a non-technical person. I would argue the most important part here is having an amazing README in your repo.
Also, have a career expert at your school provide feedback on your resume. This is a free service at most universities.
Once you have the recruiter's attention, they will hopefully schedule an interview with you. The goal of this interview is for you to demonstrate immense interest in the company and role you're applying for. They will ask a few surface level questions about your resume, projects, and education. Focus on your communication skills and keep it relatively light from a technical perspective. If they want to know more about a project, they can always just ask! Or you can offer to go into more detail if they're interested.
At some point they will likely ask you whether you have any questions for them. It's VERY important you brainstorm ahead of time what you want to ask. This is your chance to signal that you are interested in the company / role and that you did prep work ahead of time to research it. This is the most important part of a call, especially for an internship.
If this call goes well, they will schedule time with the hiring manager or a technical screening depending on their interview process. In either case this is your chance to demonstrate your technical skills now. These can be hard to practice for since you don't know what they may ask, but people I know have done problems on LeetCode to help prepare here.
Lastly, it's a just a numbers game. Try not to get to down on yourself. Even the best technologists will rack up literally thousands of rejection emails in their career. Good luck!
Also, have a career expert at your school provide feedback on your resume. This is a free service at most universities.
Once you have the recruiter's attention, they will hopefully schedule an interview with you. The goal of this interview is for you to demonstrate immense interest in the company and role you're applying for. They will ask a few surface level questions about your resume, projects, and education. Focus on your communication skills and keep it relatively light from a technical perspective. If they want to know more about a project, they can always just ask! Or you can offer to go into more detail if they're interested.
At some point they will likely ask you whether you have any questions for them. It's VERY important you brainstorm ahead of time what you want to ask. This is your chance to signal that you are interested in the company / role and that you did prep work ahead of time to research it. This is the most important part of a call, especially for an internship.
If this call goes well, they will schedule time with the hiring manager or a technical screening depending on their interview process. In either case this is your chance to demonstrate your technical skills now. These can be hard to practice for since you don't know what they may ask, but people I know have done problems on LeetCode to help prepare here.
Lastly, it's a just a numbers game. Try not to get to down on yourself. Even the best technologists will rack up literally thousands of rejection emails in their career. Good luck!
Darrell H
5
Answers
Los Angeles, California
Updated
Darrell’s Answer
Make the most of the resources and connections your college’s career center offers. They provide job boards, resume and interview workshops, and special networking events for students and recent graduates. Attending career fairs or recruitment events organized by your college or local community is a fantastic way to meet employers eager to hire new talent. Reach out to your professors, alumni, and other contacts to see if they have job leads or can introduce you to potential employers. Informational interviews are also a great way to explore different career paths. Building a strong LinkedIn profile can help you find entry-level jobs, connect with professionals in your field, and apply for job openings. Joining relevant LinkedIn groups can also be helpful. Customize your resume, cover letter, and application for each job you apply to, and avoid using generic submissions. Even if you’ve already graduated, consider short-term internships or contract work to gain experience and get your foot in the door. Remember, finding the right entry-level job takes time. Stay positive, keep applying, and don’t lose heart; the right opportunity is on its way.
Visit your college’s career center to access job boards, resume/interview workshops, and networking events.
Attend career fairs and recruitment events to connect with employers looking for entry-level talent.
Join LinkedIn groups relevant to your industry to stay informed about opportunities.
Darrell recommends the following next steps:
Muhammad Abdul Rehman
Software Developer
4
Answers
Windsor, Ontario, Canada
Updated
Muhammad’s Answer
Use the university portal to apply for jobs and have a chat with your advisor. You can also attend job fairs in your city. Don't forget to check out job portals like LinkedIn and ZipRecruiter for more opportunities. Keep going—you're on the right track!
Verónica Contardi
Programs Manager
6
Answers
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Updated
Verónica’s Answer
Hi Everlee,
Agreed to the above answers but additionally, go into the websites of companies you find interesting and check for any internships or entry level jobs posted in the career site.
Good luck!
Agreed to the above answers but additionally, go into the websites of companies you find interesting and check for any internships or entry level jobs posted in the career site.
Good luck!