The job market is competitive, especially for recent grads. The unemployment rate for young workers hovers around 10%, and the underemployment rate is much higher. It’s tough to stand out as a newbie in the working world, but it can be done. There are so many people looking for work right out of college that hiring managers are more selective than ever before. If you want to land that first job post-graduation, you need to set yourself apart from the pack in a positive way. One way to do this is by showing your future employer how much you love your chosen field by becoming an expert on all things related to it and its specific role within it. Read on for some tips about where the best jobs for fresh graduates can be found.
You’ve heard it over and over again, but it bears repeating: networking is essential. If you want to get a job in a specific industry, you should try to make connections within that industry as soon as you can. You might not know exactly where you want to work, but you know what kinds of jobs you want. Start talking to people in those industries—at school, at networking events, and even on social media. This is a great way to get your foot in the door, whether it’s at a company in your desired field or at a company that has nothing to do with what you want to do. You don’t necessarily need to make connections with people who work at the companies you want to work for. You can also make connections with people who work for other companies, such as suppliers. The more people you know, the more people who know you. People are naturally drawn to people they know, so your job is to get to know as many people as possible.
Try working as a temp for a company in the industry you want to work for. This is a great way to get your foot in the door and make connections with people in the industry. Temp workers are always in high demand, and companies value temps who are hardworking and efficient. It’s a great way to learn the ropes and show your potential employers that you have what it takes to be a permanent part of the team. Working as a temp might not pay as much as a full-time position, but it’s an excellent way to establish yourself as an asset and show your potential employer that you’re ready to make the transition to full-time as soon as possible. Many startups also bring on independent contractors such as growth marketers, designers, and software engineers to begin on projects with the potential to become full-time employees after the project is delivered. Consider these types of positions because it could be the perfect way to begin working and land your first full-time role with a team you have experience working with.
Big companies often hire young, inexperienced workers and train them from scratch. Entry-level positions are a great way to break into a large company and learn the ropes. Large companies often have prestigious names and offer a wide range of jobs, but smaller companies usually do not. Working for a big and reputable company is great for your resume, no matter what department you’re working for. When applying for a job at a big company, make sure you’re applying for an entry-level job. Big companies often hire recent grads to work their way up from the bottom, so don’t be afraid to apply for an entry-level position.
Small companies are often more flexible and willing to train recent grads right away. Entry-level positions in small companies might be more focused on junior positions, in which you’ll be doing a lot of the same work as more senior employees. This could be a good thing, though, as it means you’ll be able to learn more and advance faster. Small companies often don’t have the same prestige that large companies have, but they have other advantages. For example, many small companies are more flexible about their hours and allow employees to take time off for vacations or family emergencies.
As you can see, there are many ways to get a job right out of college. Whether you work for a big or small company, a contractor, or even on a part-time basis, you’ll be setting yourself up for success. You might not be making a ton of money, but you’ll be gaining valuable experience that will help you to advance and make more money in the future. When you’re looking for a job, make sure you’ve got a clean and professional appearance. Be punctual and show up to interviews early so you’re not late. Finally, make sure you have a solid grasp of the company’s history, products, and services, as well as the competition.