If you’re a senior in college, chances are you’ve given some thought to post-graduation plans. If you haven’t, this is a good time to start!
The first step to finding the right job is to think about what you want, where you want to go, and where you’ll feel the most fulfilled. If you don’t know the answers to all these questions, that’s okay! While the job you take after graduation may not be the perfect fit in the long term, it can still be an invaluable experience and a way to determine what kind of jobs you’d prefer in the future.
The key to finding a job is to start looking. Don’t put it off just because you’re unsure of what you want. Start talking to the people around you—professionals, teachers, or bosses—to better understand their day-to-day responsibilities. By intentionally focusing on the aspects of a job, you’ll have a better idea of the opportunities available to you.
Make the most of the connections you’ve made. The people you’ve met and the relationships you’ve cultivated during summer internships and on campus are the people who will recommend you to future employers. These people might even hire you one day.
Only apply to jobs that you would accept. Instead of applying to anything and everything, be intentional about the organizations you’re looking at and the positions available. If you wouldn’t accept the job if it were offered to you, don’t spend your time filling out the application.
The goal of a résumé is to land you an interview; the goal of the interview is to land you a job. Your résumé should be a reflection of you as an individual and a professional. Make sure it showcases your skills and accomplishments and don’t let it become a laundry list of activities.
There is no denying that job seeking is stressful and time consuming. It is also incredibly rewarding once you find that role that makes you excited to wake up for work every day.
