Job Search Tips for New Grads

Job hunting has changed drastically over the last 10 years. Even if someone was on a job hunt only a few years ago, it’s important to recognize how the process has changed. Of course, if a student is preparing to graduate or is a very recent grad, they automatically have the upper hand here as job search techniques are now being taught in the classroom. However, there are many things to be aware of when entering the job market regardless of one's age or educational background.

Be prepared for possible rejection

The truth is that the Internet has dramatically changed the way hiring works. There are aspects of a resume and online profile that can easily harm an applicants chances of getting an interview. Employers are spending little time reviewing resumes nowadays. Since many companies cut personnel to save on costs, hiring managers and human resources departments have less time these days. This has increased workloads, which sometimes pushes the hiring process farther down the list of priorities. Because of that, applicants have less than 20-30 seconds to make an impression on their resume.

If an employer likes the resume, they may do a Google search to make sure that what they see is positive, and that person is active and professional online. In order to proactively tackle potential issues, try doing a Google search of yourself. The first thing to pop up should be a professional website or LinkedIn page. If it’s not, take a look at the profile and make sure it’s filled with keywords that apply to the field of interest. This is also a good time to remove anything that isn’t professional and clean up all other public social media accounts like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Most companies are also active on social media and can easily determine if content is not in line with company values.

Many years ago, most job seekers applied blindly. Today, all of the necessary tools are available to conduct a thorough search on the company of interest and the people that work there. Try to find common connections or reach out to professionals in the desired field to build up a professional community. Networking isn't for everyone, but it never hurts to have a solid network of colleagues, professors, and mentors to validate the character and work ethic of an individual. Find people who are successful at companies that are appealing and talk to them about what they do. This is considered the norm in today’s job market and it’s encouraged that young graduates take the initiative to ask for an introduction if need be. The most common title for recruiters that hire new graduates are Campus Recruiters network and connect with as many on social media as you can they can provide additional insight into your job search.

Be proactive and start your search early - especially in the IT/Engineering field

Just because someone has never held a full time job before, doesn’t mean your resume should be blank. Think back to any volunteer opportunities or campus involvement that applies and add it to the resume. Obtaining a part time job on campus is extremely beneficial in the long run, especially within Engineering because the opportunities are endless and can really boost your resume. For students of CS, MIS, Information Technology, or other subjects in the general IT vein, this could be anything from help desk, tech support, or computer lab work on campus, to "junior IT" jobs in the production IT infrastructure at one's school (or someplace similar), such as system operator, backup operator, PC technician, and so forth. Many programs offer work/study options that provide connections to local employers off campus, particularly for more experienced upper-division students with more courses (and hopefully also, work experience) under their belts.

Students should also dig deeply into internships and summer placement through their academic departments and on-campus job or work placement programs. Companies and organizations usually begin recruiting graduates during the fall semester prior to graduation. This gives students almost nine months to scope out opportunities, get a sense for salary ranges, learn more about potential jobs and employers, and start developing some sense for their impending entry into the workforce.

Pending graduates want to start thinking about work no later than their junior year, then start researching the job market, where and what kind of opportunities are available, thinking about salary requirements and suitable positions, and so forth. If they can get their creative juices flowing early, and start thinking about what kinds of jobs might be of interest, where those jobs might be easiest to find, what kinds of employers are offering them, and so on, they'll be well-positioned to start trying some potential opportunities on for size at the start of their senior years.

Even with just six weeks to go before graduation, there's still time to talk to the recruiting and placement folks on campus to see if they have any ideas for potential work, or know of employers still looking for recruits. It's definitely time to start working your personal network right now (as previously mentioned), probably with an emphasis on those most likely to roll up their sleeves, pitch in, and really help try to find work: immediate family, best friends, strongest former and current employers, and faculty.

Why companies rely on new grads

When someone had  recently graduated, employers' perceive them as still being in 'learning' mode.  Which can be true and also be a compliment. Being someone fresh to the industry and the workforce makes employers believe that the new grad can adapt to the company, culture, and work responsibilities. Sometimes more experienced employees become rigid and unwilling to try a strategy that is different from what they have done in the past. Being a new grad in tech is especially beneficial because there’s no need to “brush up” on the latest, it’s all still very fresh in the mind. A new graduate might even be asked to help teach some of the other team members on the latest in programming, coding, or whatever the specific field may be.

Staying on top of what is happening in your industry is extremely important. As a new graduate, that is one the greatest assets someone new to the industry can possess. Colleges and Universities always ensure that their students have a good understanding of current research, theories, and buzz words. Because new graduates are often so happy to have full time jobs, they are usually the most enthusiastic members of the team. This positive attitude is valuable because these employees are willing to take on tough challenges and they can bring up the morale of the entire company. The cold, hard truth is that most new graduates expect lower salaries than their more experienced counterparts. Once a recent graduate gains more skills and experience, the salary will reflect that.

Some things to remember:

1. Job searches aren’t measured on the number of times you’re rejected but the number of quality offers generated
2. Network, network and network again
3. Start your search sooner than later

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