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How do I get started on finding jobs post-grad?
Hello, I am a graduating senior this coming Spring 2023. I am quite nervous about finding a job before I graduate because I am unsure what are the next steps. Since I am still in school, how do I kickstart the process? The time is ticking and I am quite nervous about it.
My background:
- I am going to graduate with a BA in Psychology.
- I've had experience working with children from K-8th grade.
I am looking for people-oriented jobs where I work with others to help them learn and grow. I am not interested in going to grad school at the moment, so I'd prefer jobs that would train me or is easy to pick up.
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17 answers
Updated
Ryan’s Answer
Hey Nghi,
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! It's natural to feel nervous about finding a job, but with your background in psychology and experience working with children, you have a solid foundation to build upon. Embrace this exciting new chapter in your life and trust that you have the skills and passion needed to succeed.
Begin by taking a moment to reflect on your interests and skills. Consider the type of work environment in which you would thrive and the specific roles that align with your interests and strengths. As you mentioned an interest in people-oriented jobs, think about roles in education, counseling, or human resources.
Next, explore different industries and job titles that fit your criteria. By researching potential roles, you'll gain a clearer understanding of where your passion lies and can focus your efforts on suitable opportunities.
Ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date, showcasing your relevant experience and skills. Remember, your online presence can be the first impression potential employers have of you, so make it count.
Networking is crucial during this time. Reach out to professors, classmates, and professional contacts you've made along the way. These connections can provide valuable advice and might even lead to job opportunities.
Attend career fairs and events, where you can meet employers and learn about job openings. These gatherings can be an excellent way to discover potential opportunities and make connections with professionals in your field.
When you find jobs that align with your interests and skills, apply with enthusiasm and confidence. Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, emphasizing how your background and experiences make you a strong candidate for the role.
Lastly, prepare for interviews by practicing with friends, family, or career counselors. This will help you become more comfortable discussing your experiences and qualifications, as well as answering common interview questions.
Remember, job hunting can take time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore various opportunities, as you never know where your career journey might lead. You have the passion and tenacity to create a meaningful and fulfilling career, so trust yourself and embrace the adventure ahead. Good luck!
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation! It's natural to feel nervous about finding a job, but with your background in psychology and experience working with children, you have a solid foundation to build upon. Embrace this exciting new chapter in your life and trust that you have the skills and passion needed to succeed.
Begin by taking a moment to reflect on your interests and skills. Consider the type of work environment in which you would thrive and the specific roles that align with your interests and strengths. As you mentioned an interest in people-oriented jobs, think about roles in education, counseling, or human resources.
Next, explore different industries and job titles that fit your criteria. By researching potential roles, you'll gain a clearer understanding of where your passion lies and can focus your efforts on suitable opportunities.
Ensure your resume and LinkedIn profile are up-to-date, showcasing your relevant experience and skills. Remember, your online presence can be the first impression potential employers have of you, so make it count.
Networking is crucial during this time. Reach out to professors, classmates, and professional contacts you've made along the way. These connections can provide valuable advice and might even lead to job opportunities.
Attend career fairs and events, where you can meet employers and learn about job openings. These gatherings can be an excellent way to discover potential opportunities and make connections with professionals in your field.
When you find jobs that align with your interests and skills, apply with enthusiasm and confidence. Customize your resume and cover letter for each application, emphasizing how your background and experiences make you a strong candidate for the role.
Lastly, prepare for interviews by practicing with friends, family, or career counselors. This will help you become more comfortable discussing your experiences and qualifications, as well as answering common interview questions.
Remember, job hunting can take time, so be patient and persistent in your efforts. Keep an open mind and be willing to explore various opportunities, as you never know where your career journey might lead. You have the passion and tenacity to create a meaningful and fulfilling career, so trust yourself and embrace the adventure ahead. Good luck!
I am really grateful you took the time to answer this question.
Nghi
Updated
Sarah’s Answer
Everyone else has great responses! I'll just add one additional strategy - I would recommend searching through LinkedIn and seeing career paths people have taken with your given background & experiences. You can look at the companies they work at and the internships / relevant experience they have done to get where they are at today. This can give you insight into roles you could apply to / a longer view into your career. Additionally, you can reach out to them via LinkedIn! You could ask to set up a call and ask them about their experiences / where they see the most opportunity (reaching out to alums at your school is one of the best ways to get a response). Best of luck!
Thank you so much!
Nghi
Updated
Sharon’s Answer
First, check with your school to see if they have a service that helps you build your resume. You would have to do most of the work obviously. If you do not have a resume started, I would get to work on it soon. Include any certification and all the education that you have received thus far from undergrad on up. After you spit-polish your resume, open a LinkedIn account and post your resume there. A lot of employers look at LinkedIn so it's to your advantage. Once you are on a roll to get your education, I would advise to you that you continue. It's difficult to start and stop. I advise you to set your goal and list your objectives (what it takes to get there) and go for it. I work with kids as well. I will receive my master's in clinical mental health counseling diploma and I also will receive a certification in play therapy in a few days. If you go this route, try to make sure your school finds you an internship. I really struggled to try to find a mental health counseling internship in my area. I ended up having to travel out of state to get an internship.
Thank you, this is amazing! I really needed it.
Nghi
Updated
Jerel’s Answer
Hi Nghi -Based on your background and interests, it sounds like you could be a good fit for roles in education or youth development. Look for positions such as teaching assistant, youth counselor, or after-school program coordinator. These jobs may not require prior experience, and they can be a great way to gain valuable skills and experience working with children and young adults. You can look for job openings on job boards like LinkedIn, Indeed, or Glassdoor, and research companies that align with your interests and values. Finding a job after graduation can take time, but with the right mindset and approach, you can find a great opportunity that aligns with your interests and skills. I hope this helps. Good luck!
Updated
Mary’s Answer
Before graduation work with your career services department prior to looking for a job. Have them review your resume and advise you on career fairs and opportunities. Practice your interview techniques. There are great books that can help such as Acing the Interview. Post your resume on LinkedIn and Indeed several months prior to graduating. Network with family connections. Use a good cover letter when applying to a job custom tailored to that job. Best of luck!
You rock! This advice is very helpful.
Nghi
Updated
Adrian’s Answer
Excellent question. There are so many different options to choose from and it could be overwhelming to the average person. A lot of it depends on where you want to work, how much you want to get paid, and who you want to work for. I recommend to consider looking into USAjobs.gov. They will have many job options with your area of expertise. Wish you luck on your journey!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Nghi
Updated
Gennie A’s Answer
Have you looked at internships to get an idea of companies and jobs you might be interested in? Some businesses even pay their interns like Verizon does.
Updated
Keith’s Answer
Networking is KEY! Start with those individuals you already know who are in the industry and ask what opportunities they are seeing for those in your position. Attend to job fairs and speak to as many people as you can. Reach out to schools and ask about available opportunities.
Updated
Adam’s Answer
the most important step I will advise you with is start building a network . friends and professionals.
also check your school career service, sometime they are able to get you interviews inside the campus
if you already know what you want to work for. start by taking some elective or classes that will help you be more competitive .
you will be amazed what an excel class or a python class can do for you when you are looking for a job.
also check your school career service, sometime they are able to get you interviews inside the campus
if you already know what you want to work for. start by taking some elective or classes that will help you be more competitive .
you will be amazed what an excel class or a python class can do for you when you are looking for a job.
Updated
michelle’s Answer
Congratulations on your upcoming graduation. First I would definitely reach out to your university's career development department which will help you work on your resume and possibly help you find internships or job fairs. Additionally, I would reach out to businesses or entities that align with your desired career path. While they may not have any openings at the time, I would ask those in jobs of interest if they would be willing to do an informational interview with you. Most people like to provide guidance and talk about their experiences. In the informational interview, be prepared and ask thoughtful questions. They can provide you with ideas of how to approach entering into that specific workforce and what worked for them. In addition, you are creating relationships with folks that may have open opportunities in the future. Ideally they would think of you and champion you for a future role. Informational interviews can also open the doors to mentorship. Don't be afraid to take a job not aligned with what you want to do, but within the business or entity that you would be interested in working for. Often once you are in the company, it is easier to move to other positions that are more closely aligned with your passion. Also, internships often lead to permanent full time roles, so be open to those as well. Be comfortable knowing that this initial job is not your forever job, but is a first step up the staircase to where you want to be. Lastly, when you do interview do your homework before. Know about the company, the person you are meeting with, the position, why you qualify and what you will bring to the table. Additionally, after your interview follow up with an email or even better a personal card. Be early to the interview and dress the part. Set yourself apart from the rest. Good luck!!!
Updated
Jodie’s Answer
Congrats on your upcoming graduation! I would do 3 things:
1. Write a great resume!
2. Go to your school's Career Services department. They can help with your resume and can help you navigate to the roles that might be a fit. They'll connect you with companies that are looking to hire entry level. Many Career Services departments set up career days where companies come to your school and meet with students to talk about the opportunities they have available.
3. Spend a lot of time on LinkedIn. Build your network - connect with anyone and everyone you know. Join groups, and explore different companies and roles. LinkedIn also has a jobs site where you can set up notifications for the types of opportunities you would be interested in. Apply for roles you think would be a fit and then look for people you know who work there. Reach out to them and let them know you've applied. Ask them if they can get your resume in the right hands. This way your resume comes in from 2 sources and is more likely to be seen!
When I think of 'people oriented jobs', I think of HR; Recruiting, Learning & Development, HR Generalist. Marketing is another area you might want to explore. Good luck!!
1. Write a great resume!
2. Go to your school's Career Services department. They can help with your resume and can help you navigate to the roles that might be a fit. They'll connect you with companies that are looking to hire entry level. Many Career Services departments set up career days where companies come to your school and meet with students to talk about the opportunities they have available.
3. Spend a lot of time on LinkedIn. Build your network - connect with anyone and everyone you know. Join groups, and explore different companies and roles. LinkedIn also has a jobs site where you can set up notifications for the types of opportunities you would be interested in. Apply for roles you think would be a fit and then look for people you know who work there. Reach out to them and let them know you've applied. Ask them if they can get your resume in the right hands. This way your resume comes in from 2 sources and is more likely to be seen!
When I think of 'people oriented jobs', I think of HR; Recruiting, Learning & Development, HR Generalist. Marketing is another area you might want to explore. Good luck!!
Updated
Rebecca’s Answer
Thank you for your question.
It is good that you have already had some job scope in mind.
Below are my suggestions:
1. You can start to look for relevant job advertisements now and acquire understanding on the requirements
2. Prepare your cv that having the job relevant requirements focus
3. Explodes any intern opportunities.
4. 3-4 months before graduation, you can start submitting your job applications
5. Keep an eye on any job opportunities in the college career office
Hope it helps! Good Luck!
It is good that you have already had some job scope in mind.
Below are my suggestions:
1. You can start to look for relevant job advertisements now and acquire understanding on the requirements
2. Prepare your cv that having the job relevant requirements focus
3. Explodes any intern opportunities.
4. 3-4 months before graduation, you can start submitting your job applications
5. Keep an eye on any job opportunities in the college career office
Hope it helps! Good Luck!
Thank you so much for the advice.
Nghi
Katherine Avery
Run a music studio and teach private music lessons; teach college-level religion classes
222
Answers
Updated
Katherine’s Answer
Keep in mind that until you have the job you want, it would be good to think of job-hunting as your part-time or full-time job (part-time if you also have some other job that just keeps you being able to pay your bills, full-time if you're able to not work for as long as it takes you to find the full-time job you want), and so you'll be putting in effort and hours to job hunt to the same degree you'd work if you were working at a full-time job.
Also keep in mind that they say for every $10,000 you want to earn in a year, you should expect that it might take a month of serious hunting 5 days a week full-time to land a job that pays that. So if you'd like to have a job that earns $60,000 a year, it might take you six months of job hunting to find a job like that.
Those things established, it might be helpful to read Gorick Ng's book The Unspoken Rules in case some of what he says is stuff you haven't heard before.
And it might be good to look through this workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/find-a-better-job-na-eng.pdf?lang=eng&download=true).
You can also follow this advice from someone who was very good at helping people use LinkedIn to find good jobs: "Want RECRUITERS to contact YOU on LinkedIn?
Then do the following:
1. Make sure your headline is an actual
job title.
2. Make sure you have an “About”
section.
3. Make sure you have relevant
keywords in your “About” section.
4. Make sure you have All-Star status.
5. Make sure your photo is professional.
But most importantly….
6. Make sure you are actively
ENGAGING on the platform.
The algorithm has the power to suppress or elevate profiles based on engagement.
So:
Put a like on posts.
Write an insightful comment of at least one full sentence.
Like your own comment (get over it!)
Like and reply to other meaningful comments.
Engagement needs to be consistent.
You can monitor your daily profile view activity via “Profile Views.”
If you want to get something out of this platform, you need to put something in first.
You reap what you sow, as the saying goes.
Anything to add, please?"
Also keep in mind that they say for every $10,000 you want to earn in a year, you should expect that it might take a month of serious hunting 5 days a week full-time to land a job that pays that. So if you'd like to have a job that earns $60,000 a year, it might take you six months of job hunting to find a job like that.
Those things established, it might be helpful to read Gorick Ng's book The Unspoken Rules in case some of what he says is stuff you haven't heard before.
And it might be good to look through this workbook (https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/ldsorg/topics/self-reliance/find-a-better-job-na-eng.pdf?lang=eng&download=true).
You can also follow this advice from someone who was very good at helping people use LinkedIn to find good jobs: "Want RECRUITERS to contact YOU on LinkedIn?
Then do the following:
1. Make sure your headline is an actual
job title.
2. Make sure you have an “About”
section.
3. Make sure you have relevant
keywords in your “About” section.
4. Make sure you have All-Star status.
5. Make sure your photo is professional.
But most importantly….
6. Make sure you are actively
ENGAGING on the platform.
The algorithm has the power to suppress or elevate profiles based on engagement.
So:
Put a like on posts.
Write an insightful comment of at least one full sentence.
Like your own comment (get over it!)
Like and reply to other meaningful comments.
Engagement needs to be consistent.
You can monitor your daily profile view activity via “Profile Views.”
If you want to get something out of this platform, you need to put something in first.
You reap what you sow, as the saying goes.
Anything to add, please?"
Updated
Terrell’s Answer
How do I get started on finding jobs post-grad?
Congratulations on your accomplishment first of all!!!
Here are a couple of things that could help assist.
1. Look into companies that offer students fresh out of college programs
2. Review some online recruiters that are looking for college grads in order to obtain an entry level job
3. If this is the field you want to continue growth, look possibly into victim advocate/ counselor.
4. Check your local shelters, or outreach programs as option to obtain hands on skills based upon the degree.
Congratulations on your accomplishment first of all!!!
Here are a couple of things that could help assist.
1. Look into companies that offer students fresh out of college programs
2. Review some online recruiters that are looking for college grads in order to obtain an entry level job
3. If this is the field you want to continue growth, look possibly into victim advocate/ counselor.
4. Check your local shelters, or outreach programs as option to obtain hands on skills based upon the degree.
Mark King
2 business owner -Chef service & handyman service-Proud Military Veteran
32
Answers
Updated
Mark’s Answer
Look into Government Jobs.
USAjobs.gov & state/local government job boards are good places to start. Your state/local government has job boards which is free to post your resume on. Make sure to let them know that they can send you updates on all jobs you are qualified for as they become available. Example: I posted my resume with my state/local government & very shortly got a notification of a need for a court officer in my town. Special Process Server. A field I had no idea even existed.
Look into volunteering. That also opens doors.
Good luck.
USAjobs.gov & state/local government job boards are good places to start. Your state/local government has job boards which is free to post your resume on. Make sure to let them know that they can send you updates on all jobs you are qualified for as they become available. Example: I posted my resume with my state/local government & very shortly got a notification of a need for a court officer in my town. Special Process Server. A field I had no idea even existed.
Look into volunteering. That also opens doors.
Good luck.
Thanks, can't wait to put this advice into action!
Nghi
Updated
Paul’s Answer
Job fairs can be a good learning experience.
Also looking into public schools
Also looking into public schools
Updated
David’s Answer
As you are approaching graduation, start by getting exposure to your career of choice. Quite frequently people change their career direction after they get exposure to the field of choice. Reach out to people who are in the field and get exposure to choices in that field. Post your resume on linkedin prior to your graduation and reach out to some of the people on linkedin who are in your field of choice. Many people try and get into their "ideal job" right out of college. You can target companies and find related positions because companies allow and encourage their employees to gain experience in multiple areas. If you target a company then you can see what options are available and target those positions.