This Is How You Can Be One Step Ahead During Your Job Search (as a Fresh Grad!)

Congratulations on graduating, Batch 2023!?

Your graduation signifies such an important milestone in your life. It marks the culmination of years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. Remember that you should be incredibly proud of yourselves for reaching this point in your academic journey.

Now that you have graduated, you are certainly going onto the next stage of your life. It’s time for you to start your job search! Whether you want to take a few months off before embarking on the job search journey or want to start right away, know that the world is full of endless possibilities and that you have the power to shape your own future.

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TOPICS

• Why it’s important to be proactive
• Challenges you might face during the job search process
• Here’s how you can be one step ahead in your job search

Why it’s important to be proactive

The job market can be a competitive field, and being proactive sets you apart from other applicants. As a fresh graduate, you’re likely competing with other candidates who have similar qualifications. Employers often value candidates who take initiative and showcase their dedication to personal and professional growth. When you show the right kind of enthusiasm, employers are more likely to remember you and their time interviewing you.

By actively seeking out opportunities, networking with different individuals and groups, and being updated on your industry’s trends, you are showing your commitment to building a successful career. The job search can sometimes be a difficult and long process, especially for fresh graduates who are entering the professional world. However, when you are taking proactive steps, this empowers you and gives you a sense of control over the kind of job you would want to get into. You are able to gain confidence in your abilities and reduce job search anxiety. This positive mindset can greatly impact your overall job search success.

Remember that when you are in control of your career journey and have the intent to pursue opportunities, you can increase your chances of finding meaningful employment and set yourself up for long-term career success.

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Challenges you might face during the job search process

Fresh graduates often encounter specific challenges when entering the job market. This may be caused by the following:

• Limited networks?
• A lack of professional experience, and, of course;?
• The fierce competition that might get overwhelming

These challenges may cause you to start doubting yourself and your capabilities. Please don’t do that! Even if the job market is competitive, there will always be companies that are looking for specific people like you, which is why you shouldn’t give up on the job hunting journey. Other challenges you may encounter are:?

• Transition from being a student to being a working professional – This may be a huge change for you, meaning you will have to adapt to new environments and expectations from the people around you.?
• Job search is taking too long – It may be a long journey but that is part of the process. You don’t always have to get it right on the first try. Your pace may be different from that of your block mates, friends, and batch mates, but remember that making small progress is a win too.

When you’ve come to realize the challenges coming your way, addressing these obstacles head-on can help you seek more growth opportunities and continuously develop your skills and networks. This can aid you in successfully navigating the job market and carving out a fulfilling career path for yourself.

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Here’s how you can be one step ahead in your job search

Graduates, are you ready to be one step ahead in your job search journey? We’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips from graduates and a fellow graduate (aka me) to help you get your ideal job!

1. Developing a Strong Personal Brand – Being able to identify your unique qualities, strengths, and skills that will help you stand out is important. Determine what sets you apart from the other candidates, and this is what you should focus on developing. Also, being able to build a strong, professional online presence on different platforms is important. Optimizing your profiles, showcasing your achievements, and even engaging in industry discussions can help you establish an image in your specific field. Make sure that you are consistent across all your channels. Your personal brand messaging must align with your values because consistency helps create a strong and memorable brand image.?
2. Enhancing Skills and Knowledge – Before going into an interview, research the skills and qualifications employers in your desired field are seeking. Identify areas where you can improve or acquire new skills. Another way to enhance what you already know is to take advantage of online courses, workshops, webinars, and industry certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge. Stay up-to-date with industry trends and technologies. Personally, another tip I can give you is to look for internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer opportunities that allow you to apply for and develop your skills. Hands-on experience is highly valuable and can boost your resume. At Kalibrr, you can find many different internship opportunities to help you gain that experience you need.?
3. Researching and Identifying Potential Opportunities – When looking for potential jobs, make sure to research companies that align with your career goals and values. Look into their culture, values, and the opportunities they offer. Another tip is to utilize job boards, company websites, and professional job hiring platforms to find job openings. Set up job alerts to stay informed about new opportunities. If you have the connections, try to connect with industry professionals, attend industry events, and join relevant professional groups. These activities can provide valuable insights and help you discover hidden job opportunities.
4. Leveraging Your Network – Other than the actual job search, don’t forget to engage in meaningful conversations, offer support, and provide value to your professional network. Building genuine connections can lead to referrals and recommendations. You may also participate in industry-specific events, and career fairs. These events provide valuable networking opportunities and allow you to expand your connections.
5. Following Up and Staying Persistent – If you haven’t received a response within a reasonable timeframe, don’t hesitate to follow up with a polite inquiry. Express your continued interest in the position and inquire about the next steps. There is no harm in trying and letting your future employer know that you are still available and up for the job you applied for. If you think that there aren’t any more chances for you to be contacted for the position, there are many other companies out there that are interested in having you join their team. It just takes time, and you’ll eventually land your dream job.

You can always start with your inner circle, especially if you are still in college. If you were able to participate in projects or activities in your respective college organizations, this can be a big help in helping you build your network and gain experience working and collaborating with others. As someone who has been part of an organization in college, there are really a lot of valuable opportunities in store for you, especially if you really make sure to participate in the activities they have. Though, if you were not actively involved in any organizations during your college years, it’s never too late to grow your network and develop skills to help you in your career. At the end of the day, you are the one who gets to decide your career path and how you want it to play out.

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Remember, your fresh perspective, adaptability, and hunger for success give you an edge in the job market. Embrace your potential, stay productive, and continue to chase your dreams. The right opportunity awaits you, and with your proactive approach, you will undoubtedly make a lasting impact in your chosen field. Embrace your potential, seize the moment, and let your journey to a fulfilling career begin! Congratulations again, Batch 2023!?

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Kalibrr is a recruitment technology company that aims to transform how candidates find jobs and how companies hire talent. Placing the candidate experience at the center of everything it does, we continue to attract the best talent from all over, with more than 6 million professionals and counting. Kalibrr ultimately connects these talents to companies in search of their next generation of leaders.

The only end-to-end recruitment solutions provider in Southeast Asia, Kalibrr is headquartered in Makati, Philippines, with offices in San Francisco, California, and Jakarta, Indonesia. Established in 2012, it has served over 18,000 clients and is backed by some of the world’s most powerful start-up incubators and venture capitalists. These include Y Combinator, Omidyar Network, Patamar Capital, Wavemaker Partners, and Kickstart Ventures.

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