If you're a recent college graduate, the beginning of the new year means a search for a job. Though the economy is not in the clear yet, it can be beneficial to begin looking for a job in the winter.
As this article points out, not as many young people are looking for a job in December since most students graduate in May. This is the perfect opportunity to network in the area you want to live in, or if you're traveling for the holidays I urge you to explore new cities and see what they have to offer.
Fox Business suggests that December graduates have an advantage due to less competition. “[It] can make them more attractive job candidates since they are available to start right away, while their peers may have to wait until after May,” says Christine Gaiser, career services director at Bryant & Stratton College Online. This is a point that one must make when contacting potential employers. While May graduates are beginning to look for jobs in the spring, availability can be a big deciding factor for employers. If you begin your job search now AND are available now, you will be a more attractive candidate.
The article also suggests that you tap into holiday-inspired networking, like I mentioned in my last article. Use your free time to talk with potential mentors or do volunteer work. If you can't find work immediately, see if you can do an internship to hone your skills. You'll be surprised how much you can learn, even post-graduation.
Do you have any post-graduation success tips? Let me know!
Amy M worked in corporate public relations for three years before returning to graduate school to become an English and Social Studies teacher. She is also a freelance writer for CollegeJobBank. In her free time, Amy likes to practice yoga. She is a self-proclaimed 'American history nerd.' Read more of her blogs at collegejobbankblog.com. Find jobs and other information at Nexxt.
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