Career Advice For Recent Grads

By Karin Eldor
Monster Contributing Writer

Congratulations! After hours of classes and all that studying, you finally earned your degree. Cue panic mode: now what?

It seems that no matter how well you fared academically, it can still be intimidating to pound the pavement and find a job – and a job that you love, no less.

So, recent grads, here are five tips on how to successfully navigate your way through that hunt and land a job.

Network, network, network

One of the most important ways to start your search is by using the resources at your disposal. The amazing part? They are free!

Start by contacting your professors (if you feel comfortable enough to do so) and asking them whether they know of any companies currently recruiting. Professors can have wonderful access to their industries and intel about which companies are currently hiring; some might still be in touch with alumni currently in the workforce, or might be part-time teachers who have other jobs. If you have a positive relationship with your Profs, they can be a valuable resource!

As well, open up your virtual Rolodex and reach out to your network of contacts: this includes everyone from former classmates to general acquaintances. Send each one a personal e-mail letting them know that you recently graduated in [fill in the field] and that you are actively looking for a job opportunity.

Stay on top of career fairs & listings

It’s key for recent grads to visit career fairs held at your school, at the municipal level and organized by companies such as Monster. When attending, make sure to dress professionally, be prepared with printouts of your updated resume, and research the companies in attendance.

Remember to create a profile on job sites and visit them daily – you never know what job can pop up from one day to the next – timing is everything! And don’t forget to check your local newspapers and even trade magazines for current job opportunities, as well as your school’s career and placement service office.

Find a mentor

A mentor need not necessarily be from the same industry you are interested in – think of a mentor as someone who can guide you career-wise, offer you objective advice, and help steer you during your search.

Mentors are a great resource to learn from and it’s a great idea to stay in touch with yours throughout your career by touching base every now and then and even reconnecting over coffee. A mentor can be a former professor, a classmate, a former manager, or maybe even simply a family friend who you admire or view as a role model. You might even stumble on a great candidate for a mentor when you least expect it, so keep your eyes open!

Consider an internship or a volunteer gig

During your search, consider trying your hand at an internship or even a volunteer opportunity in your industry. Companies from diverse fields seek out recent grads for internships: they are a great way for you to learn the ropes, make valuable contacts and build up your resume, and most importantly, can lead to full-time employment. If a particular internship you’re interested in doesn’t compensate, perhaps you can even take on a part-time sales associate job to earn some income in the meantime. You never know; maybe the sales associate job can even lead to a career in retail!

Brand yourself

Consider every interaction with a potential employer as an opportunity. First impressions are key; make sure to use them to your full advantage. On that note, take the time to work on and improve your resume and if you think it can help, consider printing some simple business cards with your contact information.

Here are some other branding tips that can help you on your job search as a recent graduate:

· Differentiate yourself: Think about your skillset and what you bring to the table. What makes you unique in the workforce? The answer can help you stand out to potential employers.

· Always be respectful: You never know who you will encounter while on your search. That person might be instrumental in you landing that first job.

· Listen to your gut: Finding a job as a recent graduate can be overwhelming, so use your instincts as your guide. While it’s important to love what you do, you might just stumble on a job opportunity you never considered before. And it could lead to greatness, so always keep an open mind!

However you start your job search, think about how much you’ve accomplished so far and get out there with confidence. Good luck!