Congratulations! You’ve finished all your finals, passed all your classes, and finally walked across the stage to receive your college diploma. While you might be attending graduation parties and relaxing, it’s time to start thinking about life after college—more specifically, getting a job.
But before you can start earning income and building your future career, you first need to land a job interview. Here are some steps you can follow to increase your chances of getting a call from a potential future employer.
1. Update Your Resume and Online Profiles
The very first step you should take is to make sure your resume and online social media profiles, like LinkedIn, are up to date. Since you’re just starting life after college, your resume shouldn’t be any longer than a single page. This makes it easier for recruiters to look at your experience and education at a glance.
You may only have a few part-time jobs and internships under your belt, but list all your work experience and describe your responsibilities concisely. Also be sure to update your education section with any honors or awards you might have received during your last year of school.
2. Research Jobs Online
Once you’ve updated your information, it’s time to start looking for jobs that match your interests and skills. Use websites such as LinkedIn, Indeed, Monster, and ZipRecruiter to search for jobs by location and industry.
It’s early in your career, so start by looking for entry-level positions. These jobs give inexperienced young professionals the opportunity to grow and learn more about the business and industry. Entry-level jobs often serve as a stepping stone toward higher-paying positions with greater responsibilities.
3. Reach Out to Job Posters Before Applying
Now that you’ve identified open positions you are interested in, it’s time to start planning how you’ll apply. Before you send your resume and cover letter, consider reaching out to hiring managers or recruiters for these jobs either through email or professional social media.
Introduce yourself by giving a brief description of your education, skills and interests and explain that you plan on applying. This shows you are determined and serious about the position and also builds your professional network. Not to mention, if you give the company a heads up that you’ll be applying, they might keep their eyes open for your application and take quicker action when it comes through.
4. Apply, Follow Up, and Keep a Log
Now it’s time to apply! Follow up with whatever contact you have from the business a few days after you’ve applied. Don’t harass anyone by sending a follow-up for every day you don’t hear back—give whoever you’re reaching out to time to review your application and respond. Give it four or five days after you’ve sent your first follow-up before sending another.
Keep a log of what positions you have applied to and when. Also note when you’ve sent follow-up messages. Consolidating all this information will make it easier to see your progress at a glance. Apply to as many positions as you can: landing a job interview can be a numbers game, and if you continue a consistent application cadence you will likely get one sooner rather than later.
Start Your Life After College at Barton Associates
Just graduated college and want to start your career? Apply to Barton Associates! We have openings in all of our nationwide locations—find one today online.
