So, you are finished. You’ve completed all your college credits and had your diploma in hand. Now you have to search for—or start—your first job.
Job searching after graduating from college can be a chaotic and stressful time. You have to deal with the demands of job-hunting, interviewing, and starting a new career.
Do you know the steps to transition from finishing college to a career?
While it helps to know your career path after graduation, don’t worry if your first job does not perfectly fit your plan.
Conduct a self-assessment and reflect on your skills, values, interests and short- and long-term goals. Identify any gaps in skills and try to obtain knowledge or experience to fill them.
Securing a position you will enjoy is critical to your job productivity and happiness.
Many recent college graduates change jobs after their first year; sometimes, determining what you want to do takes that long (or longer!). Your college major does not identify the jobs you can work in.
While there are specialized fields, such as engineering, where you need a degree in this area, most of the position requires a college degree. Focus your job search on the types of positions you want.
What You’ll Need
Creating a well-structured, keyword-rich resume and cover letter to land an interview is vital. Each job opening may draw hundreds of applicant resumes – your resume and cover letter must stand out to move through the application screening process. A resume writing service like ours can help you build a robust and targeted resume.
Focus your resume and cover letter on your contribution to the company where you want to work. Send your resume to potential employers, employment agencies, recruiters, and your network. Spend time daily networking, researching, setting reasonable goals, and looking for job opportunities. Check out job fairs, professional organizations, company websites, or job boards to locate positions of interest.
The majority of jobs available for college grads are entry-level. These jobs often require long hours, low pay, and hard work. Be open to various job opportunities, including entry-level positions, to gain experience and move up the company ladder or to another organization if needed.
Don’t refuse a job you think is below you; be realistic. You may have to start at a low level and move up. That is not to say you should take just any job offer; you should research your career path to determine which level most new hires start.
You’ve Landed Your First Job.
Soon, you will secure an interview and land your first job—congratulations! Are you ready to transition into a new career? What an exciting time it is for you! Landing a new job after college is an exciting and significant step.
Appropriate social action is much different in the working world than in college. It is much more formal and requires professional speech and style.
Job seekers’ potential job performance can be judged by their conduct in the job interview and during their employment search. Prove you are intelligent, articulate, motivated, and professional by sharing success stories about your career achievements.
Stay persistent and positive; job searching can be challenging and take time. Hone on your approach based on experiences and feedback.
Acting unprofessional in the workplace can get you fired. Never drink at work or even during a casual lunch with colleagues. Act responsibly at all times. Do not lie or gossip.
What to Expect
Most jobs require employees to arrive, take lunch and breaks, and leave at specific times. This strict schedule can be frustrating because you have been used to a more flexible schedule as a college student.
Learn to take short breaks to use the restroom or get a cup of coffee or some water. Always arrive on time.
Expect to work some overtime. Be ready to work at least eight hours daily and take only two weeks of annual vacation. It won’t be easy! Work will now be (and should be) your primary focus until you have a family.
Professional attire (a suit, clean clothes, neat hair, and appropriate makeup) is essential. Others may judge you based on your attire and appearance.
Always maintain good hygiene; shower, brush your teeth and hair, and wear deodorant before leaving for work.
Your ability to collaborate and get along well with individuals from different cultures and backgrounds to cooperate with other employees will be vital in doing well on your first job. Stay organized and manage your time carefully. Learn from your mistakes, and do not hesitate to ask for advice and assistance.
Things to Remember
The transition from attending college to a full-time career can be challenging. Stay in touch with compatible college friends. Initiate positive and genuine conversations with your new co-workers.
These are the connections that will encourage, motivate, and help you. Strive to get the best job offer from a reputable company, but be realistic about what you can expect in a new position.