Five Tips for Graduating Students Looking to Break into the Job Market

Entering the job market after graduating is terrifying, however these five tips will help you succeed.
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It's that time of the year again where graduating students find themselves on the brink of the school-to-work transition. For many, if not all, this is a scary period. This is the time where you're discovering that entering the job market isn't as easy as it sounds. Here are five tips that all graduating students will find useful as they head out on the hunt.

  1. Use your career services office

    The career services office on your campus is there to help you, offer advice and cultivate relations with employers and alumni. Never underestimate the power of the network they can assist you with. The career services office has resources to help with your career readiness, and are filled with experts who can help students take the necessary steps in order to be successful in their job search.

  2. Build a strong personal brand

    Your personal brand consists of your passions, key personal attributes and your strengths rolled into a clear focused and targeted message that defines who you are and how you are different. Having a strong personal brand can be just as important as your resume. By presenting yourself as someone confident in your skills, knowledge and what you can offer, you are one step closer to the job you've always wanted. Your online presence is the first place employers will search to get a better sense of who you are and what value you might add to their organization. It's also great to take part in activities which will allow you to showcase and build credibility around skills and attributes, for example joining clubs or student associations.

  3. Switch it up

    Getting a job the traditional route can be difficult, often times leaving you frustrated. If you're willing to take the risk, switch it up by checking out the many websites and applications advertising freelancing and temping opportunities. Freelancing or temping is a great way to get the inside scoop on various organizations and get valuable experience in different environments. This can lead to making valuable contacts and also growing your network. You can work this to your advantage to show that the experience you have in different environments shows your ability to adapt. Keep in mind this route is risky and it offers little stability, but it could be just the thing to set you apart.

  4. Don't undersell or oversell yourself

    Being self-aware is key to understanding if the job or industry you are applying to will suit you. When it comes to your first job, don't undersell or oversell yourself during the application process. Be realistic and honest about the value you will bring to the organization. Employers are interested in the people who are willing to work hard, so it is important to highlight this in your application and during the interview process.

  5. Approach the job like you're dating

    Approach the job like you would dating. It would be strange to put on your dating profile that says "I'm willing to date anyone", but there are a lot of students who approach their job search saying, "I am willing to do anything". This is equivalent to sending out the same resume to every job hoping an employer will bite, and sending out a generic message to everyone on a dating website hoping to find someone who will message you back. Get to know more about the organizations and show a genuine interest in them and build relationships with people who work there.

Ultimately, students are the one driving their own success. By using the tips provided here, students can equip themselves with the necessary tools to break into the job market.

 

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