New graduates in the spring of 2017 have something different to worry about when entering the job hunt: a highly competitive job market. A shiny new degree leads to better job opportunities following graduation, and well-prepared students should already land a job before donning their cap and gown. If you're still trying to find your first post-graduation position, examine these 10 tips from HR expert Liz Ryan.
1. Build Up
Don't worry if you can't find your perfect job once you leave school. A job hunt has a lot of complicated elements that come together, and you're one of the many candidates who just graduated college and needs a job. There's nothing wrong with taking a lower-paying job just to pay the bills and put food on the table.
2. Gain Experience
Remind yourself that your job hunt is a learning experience. When you apply for jobs and interview for various employers, learn from each experience so you know how to prepare yourself for the next and better opportunity.
3. Leverage Your Network
Although you just graduated college, leverage your network to find a job. Get in touch with professors, your college's career center and any recruiters you met on campus to land a career-starting position. Put those people to good use rather than relying on job boards to apply for positions.
4. Use Your Instincts
When you sit in an interview, notice the energy in the room. If the vibes feel right to you and your professional goals match with the company culture, then you have a winner on your hands. If not, don't be afraid to move on and find the next possibility on your job hunt.
5. Notice the Ethics
If a potential supervisor seems unethical as you go through the hiring process, step away. There's nothing wrong with finding smart, innovative and compassionate business leaders who speak your language as you look for your first major gig.
6. Compete Well
In 2017, new graduates stand to make nearly $50,000 in their entry-level jobs right out of college. Your personal brand and network become vitally important as you seek the best opportunities, especially if the best jobs don't appear on job boards or company listings.
7. Get Used to LinkedIn
If you don't have a LinkedIn profile already, get one as soon as possible. Write blogs, connect with others, and seek out a viable network through LinkedIn to find hidden opportunities. Remember, recruiters search through social media to find people who aren't necessarily looking for jobs.
8. Run a Marathon
Your job hunt is a long-distance marathon rather than a race. Keep your entire career in mind when seeking your first major opportunity.
9. Land a Job for You
The people around you may try to pressure you to take the first job that comes your way. Rather than trying to make other people happy, find a position that edifies your goals and makes you happy. It's your career, after all.
10. Recognize Your Uniqueness
You're a great catch because you stuck it out and earned a degree. Never forget that, and keep a positive attitude during your job search.
Your job hunt is only as good as you make it, so make it a good one and thrive after graduation.
Photo courtesy of David Castillo Dominici at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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