Job Search Tips for the Class of 2024

Congratulations to all the graduates! Graduation season brings excitement and new possibilities as grads enter the workforce. However, it's no secret that the Class of 2024 faces a slightly tougher job market compared to the post-COVID boom of 2021 and 2022. At that time, workers were quitting their jobs at the fastest rate in history (a.k.a.the great resignation) amid ample job opportunities and the relative ease of finding a higher-paying gig.?

This year hiring is expected to decrease by 1.9% according to NACE's Job Outlook 2024 survey. In 2022, there was a job opening for every applicant, according to LinkedIn. In 2024 Six people are hired every minute through LinkedIn, down from 8 people per minute in 2023.

Yet, despite these challenges, the current labor market offers its own advantages over the red-hot market of a few years ago, which ultimately proved unsustainable.

So, how long might it take for new grads to secure a job? The answer varies from person to person and job search to job search depending on various factors such as experience level, geographic flexibility, and salary expectations. Former FlexJobs Career Expert, Cidnye Work, suggests that, on average, it takes about 3-6 months and 10-20 applications to land one interview. And even then, it may require 10-15 interviews to secure an offer. While it's important not to fixate on a specific time frame, having a general understanding can keep you motivated throughout your job search journey.

What does all this mean for new grads? It means being strategic and diligent in your approach. Here are some pro tips to kickstart your job search:

1. Define Your Goals and Prioritize: Before you start sending out your resume, take some time to reflect on your career aspirations, values, and passions. What roles and industries align with your vision? What type of role are you looking for? What industries interest you?? Draft a list of dream companies and follow them on LinkedIn to stay in the loop.This approach will streamline your job search and keep you focused on your objectives.
2. Build a Strong Online Presence: Your online persona matters. Make sure your LinkedIn profile is complete and professional, highlighting your skills, experiences, and achievements. Consider creating a personal website or online portfolio showcasing your work and projects. And most importantly, clean up your social media profiles to present a professional image to potential employers.?
3. Network Strategically: Networking is a game-changer. Connect with alumni, professors, and industry pros for coffee chats or informational interviews. Attend events and conferences to expand your circle and discover job opportunities that may not be posted on a job board.
4. Tailor Your Resume: Avoid submitting the same generic resume and cover letter to every job opening. Instead, highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job requirements. Avoid using buzzwords, or overused phrases that make recruiters cringe. Replace “Responsible for…” with stronger words such as built, launched, increased, decreased, transformed, created, developed.
5. Create a Job Search Strategy:?

• Develop a tracking system you’ll stick with (use a spreadsheet, Google doc, or one of the many free online job trackers
• Set realistic goals for each day (one application or 5 networking contacts)
• Evaluate your activities — what is producing results and what isn’t?

6. Be Resilient and Persistent: Rejection emails? Brush 'em off. As Bruce Lee wisely said, "Defeat is not defeat unless accepted in your mind." Embrace setbacks as stepping stones to success. Keep honing your job search strategy, and learning from every experience, until you snag that dream job.

I’m Melissa Duran, a Certified Digital Career Strategist and Recruiter. Need more personalized help with your job search? Contact me at: [email protected]

#graduation #jobsearchtips #careercoach