Once I'm out of college how do I find a job
#jobs #job-search #first-job #job-market
23 answers
John’s Answer
GAIN WORK EXPERIENCE NOW – WHILE IN COLLEGE
The catch-22 of looking for a job after college is that even most entry-level positions are hiring for someone with experience. Many recent grads find themselves in the predicament of looking for their first job, only to learn that employers are looking for someone who has already worked in some capacity. Granted, this isn’t the case with all employers. Some employers still like to hire people who are very green. But most employers still prefer a college graduate who brings some sort of experience to the table. Your best bet is to work while you are in school, whether it’s an internship or a part-time job or summer job. Is it easy? No. Taking on a full load of courses and working at the same time 2009 (2)is not easy. But it is going to give you a major edge when you look for a job after graduation. The best-case scenario? You find a job related to your field and then get promoted once your degree is complete. Worst-case scenario? That doesn’t happen, but you still have experience on your resume when you graduate.
START LOOKING WORK NOW – BEFORE YOU GRADUATE
If you know what you want to do, you can start looking for a job in your field even before you graduate. Fortunately, there are endless ways to do this now, thanks to the internet. LinkedIn and other job search sites, one extremely effective way to get a job is to network. It’s much easier to get a job when you have a personal referral than to try and get in the door without one. And the earlier you start building your professional contacts, the better. This can actually also help give you an edge when looking for work. Start attending events related to your industry to meet people and expand your network. There are also other techniques you can use to start looking for work before you graduate. For example, January is a very busy time for recruiters as they look to fill new spots. It tends to slow down in the spring (Easter), and practically comes to a screeching halt in the summer (when everyone is on vacation). It’s it’s a good idea to start getting your feet wet during late winter/early spring of your last semester of college. Even if you don’t get hired right away, you can start building contacts – you may have a job waiting for you when you’re done.
NETWORK, NETWORK – START WITH YOUR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
Personal referrals can go a long way when looking for a job, but they can be hard to build from scratch. Fortunately, your school already has a group of personal referrals ready to go – your alumni association. Most people like to help people. This is especially true if it’s people who went to the same college. When I worked in recruiting, there were definitely instances where young grads were practically hired on the spot just because they went to the same college as the hiring manager. Don’t underestimate the power of your alma mater, and start making some connections as soon as possible. Even if you can’t attend any alumni events yet, you can still find alumni on LinkedIn with their Alumni Tool. You may also want to consider volunteering to help during the events if you can’t yet join the association.
Good Luck Grant
John recommends the following next steps:
Deijana’s Answer
Jody’s Answer
1. Apply for ALL the jobs you want. I was given valuable advice my senior year in college. You will not get any job offers until after you apply.
2. Develop an elevator speech introduction 1-3 minutes in length for the first introduction when you meet somebody. You tube has examples. Invest time in learning how to interview better.
3. Consider joining Toastmasters International and give your first Introduction speech . Toastmasters changed my life for $7 / month and helped me learn to speak very well and lose my fear of giving presentations. This is a non-profit org. that will help you develop at your own pace. Visitors are always welcome for free attendance. I owe this group a lot for what they did for me.
4. Be yourself in your interviews. Write down your strengths : 1. Hard worker 2. dependable employee 3. Very trainable etc, write down possible weaknesses that sound good: I over extend myself sometimes and take on more work than I can handle because I want the experience . I recommend you do not give weaknesses that lower your marketability. Give weaknesses that everybody struggles with : time management is my biggest challenge to this day. Or I tend to help my coworkers more than I should and my own work can get a little behind.
5. Use recruiters if possible - recruiters get paid big $$ for every candidate they place. Thay have a vested interest in getting you hired and they will interview you and help you all they can. A recruiter got me an interview with a global manufacturing company and my GPA was a weakness to them. I interviewed well and the Hiring manager offered me the job anyways after Human Resources told them I was not qualified. Then I asked for more money. I very respectfully said : " that is a very generous offer, where does that salary figure fit into the hiring range for this position? and is it possible to go just a little bit higher ??? and the immediate answer was NO, take or leave it. and I said : That is a very generous offer and I will gladly accept that offer. And I got my first salaried job making more money than my fellow graduating peers.
6. Research the company you will interview with. Find the Annual report if the company has one. Look at their annual sales history and make a cheat sheet of their sales numbers and look at their stock growth history. Learn the names and positions of the people you will be interviewing with. Look them up ahead of your interview and look for common interests and anything notable to talk about. Anybody you interview with will be impressed you looked them up. It will make your interview more memorable to them.
7. I always save the money talk for last. How much money are you looking for ?? is the most common question. My most answer is : I want a competitive salary that will not force me to look elsewhere or be tempted to accept other interviews because they are offering a lot more money.
They still will want a "number". Another question I ask - what does this position normally pay ? is there a salary range ? I always try to fit in the middle if I can utilize my previous work experience. I worked summer jobs as a carpenters helper and that helped me.
8. When I really want the job I always ask - If I am blessed with a job offer how soon can I start? I am ready to go to work.
Good Luck, and stay positive no matter what.
Cheers !
Allison’s Answer
Gaining work experience while you're in college is the most important thing you can do. I would also argue that it's extremely important to learn what you don't want to do. Eliminating things can be a really powerful way to discover where your interests actually lie. For example, if there are folks you can network with locally, you can talk to them about their jobs, what they like and dislike, and maybe find an opportunity to shadow them. Hearing from other folks about what they like and don't like about their jobs can give you some insight into opportunities you may want to seek out later.
Networking and relationship building are critical pieces to finding jobs throughout your career. Look for local volunteer opportunities, this is a great way to get connected to folks in a variety of careers and types of jobs. They can tell you about their journeys (people love to talk about themselves! and give advice!) and may be able to offer insight into next steps for you. Volunteering can lead to part time jobs, which can help lead you to internships or co-op experiences during college. Without pro-active undergrad working experience, I would have found it hard to start my career.
Allison recommends the following next steps:
Victoria’s Answer
Allison’s Answer
Gaining work experience while you're in college is the most important thing you can do. I would also argue that it's extremely important to learn what you don't want to do. Eliminating things can be a really powerful way to discover where your interests actually lie. For example, if there are folks you can network with locally, you can talk to them about their jobs, what they like and dislike, and maybe find an opportunity to shadow them. Hearing from other folks about what they like and don't like about their jobs can give you some insight into opportunities you may want to seek out later.
Networking and relationship building are critical pieces to finding jobs throughout your career. Look for local volunteer opportunities, this is a great way to get connected to folks in a variety of careers and types of jobs. They can tell you about their journeys (people love to talk about themselves! and give advice!) and may be able to offer insight into next steps for you. Volunteering can lead to part time jobs, which can help lead you to internships or co-op experiences during college. Without pro-active undergrad working experience, I would have found it hard to start my career.
Allison recommends the following next steps:
Zonda’s Answer
You are in the best time to begin a job search - Right now! Be diligent while you are learning and increasing your skills. Join community volunteer organizations. Opportunities in these forums give you an opportunity to meet people from all walks of life and expertise. You are now networking and build relationships. You also gain 'free skillsets' as you learn to communicate, create and build (ex. homes, furniture), and understand how to lead and manage. Take part time jobs in any field you can. Again, these are transferable skills that will only build your attractiveness in the job market.
Also, attend sponsored networking meetings from corporations that are looking for young, eager minds to add to their company. Even if you are not yet ready to apply, you can learn of the company's culture, what they are looking for in candidates, and yes - pay scales.
Take advantage of every opportunity presented to you, as you never know where it may lead. You may even find a new interest or hobby - which can also lead to a wonderful and lucrative career.
Good luck!!!
Zonda recommends the following next steps:
M’s Answer
Danielle’s Answer
Kruti’s Answer
Apurva’s Answer
Think outside the box and create the profile for yourself where you've stood out, gone the extra mile or dedicated time towards. People respond to passionate people and if you can show that - you will go far!

Meighan Middleton
Meighan’s Answer
Join professional organizations in college, and get to know your fellow students. These are also good connections in your future job search, and many businesses look favorably on membership in professional organizations.
The next step should be your college's Internship and Career Center. They can help you develop your resume and Linked In Profile and assist as you apply for part time jobs and internships. Many majors grant credit for internships so its a win-win. You get credit toward your degree AND are building relationships with a firm/organization/corporation/business you may want to work for once you graduate.
Taylor’s Answer
Here's a few steps i would advise to you, based on my own experience at Vanderbilt University (I was a 2017 graduate).
Taylor recommends the following next steps:
Blake’s Answer
Great question! The important thing is to start working on a job BEFORE you graduate from college. Some of the answers above are excellent! I would recommend going to your career fairs early, even if you aren't looking for a job. This will get you practice and exposure to interviews, etc. I would also recommend getting an internship. Most internships are meant to convert to full time employees. Hope this helps!
Thanks,
Blake
Jody’s Answer
1. Apply for ALL the jobs you want. I was given valuable advice my senior year in college. You will not get any job offers until after you apply.
2. Develop an elevator speech introduction 1-3 minutes in length for the first introduction when you meet somebody. You tube has examples. Invest time in learning how to interview better.
3. Consider joining Toastmasters International and give your first Introduction speech . Toastmasters changed my life for $7 / month and helped me learn to speak very well and lose my fear of giving presentations. This is a non-profit org. that will help you develop at your own pace. Visitors are always welcome for free attendance. I owe this group a lot for what they did for me.
4. Be yourself in your interviews. Write down your strengths : 1. Hard worker 2. dependable employee 3. Very trainable etc, write down possible weaknesses that sound good: I over extend myself sometimes and take on more work than I can handle because I want the experience . I recommend you do not give weaknesses that lower your marketability. Give weaknesses that everybody struggles with : time management is my biggest challenge to this day. Or I tend to help my coworkers more than I should and my own work can get a little behind.
5. Use recruiters if possible - recruiters get paid big $$ for every candidate they place. Thay have a vested interest in getting you hired and they will interview you and help you all they can. A recruiter got me an interview with a global manufacturing company and my GPA was a weakness to them. I interviewed well and the Hiring manager offered me the job anyways after Human Resources told them I was not qualified. Then I asked for more money. I very respectfully said : " that is a very generous offer, where does that salary figure fit into the hiring range for this position? and is it possible to go just a little bit higher ??? and the immediate answer was NO, take or leave it. and I said : That is a very generous offer and I will gladly accept that offer. And I got my first salaried job making more money than my fellow graduating peers.
6. Research the company you will interview with. Find the Annual report if the company has one. Look at their annual sales history and make a cheat sheet of their sales numbers and look at their stock growth history. Learn the names and positions of the people you will be interviewing with. Look them up ahead of your interview and look for common interests and anything notable to talk about. Anybody you interview with will be impressed you looked them up. It will make your interview more memorable to them.
7. I always save the money talk for last. How much money are you looking for ?? is the most common question. My most answer is : I want a competitive salary that will not force me to look elsewhere or be tempted to accept other interviews because they are offering a lot more money.
They still will want a "number". Another question I ask - what does this position normally pay ? is there a salary range ? I always try to fit in the middle if I can utilize my previous work experience. I worked summer jobs as a carpenters helper and that helped me.
8. When I really want the job I always ask - If I am blessed with a job offer how soon can I start? I am ready to go to work.
Good Luck, and stay positive no matter what.
Cheers !