New Grads, Take These Steps to Find Your First Job

This is a scary time to be entering the job market. So, what should you do if you’re a recent graduate hunting for your first job in the midst of this crisis? First, hone the skills that will make you a more marketable candidate for the field you’re trying to break into. Do your research. Ask around to find out which skills are highly valued. Could you learn a new programming language, software package, or sales technique? Second, find someone in your network who already works in the field you’re most interested in. Well-connected professors or your university’s career services office are a good place to start. Reach out to that person. If they’re responsive, ask them if they’d be willing to review your resume and cover letter. You want honest and constructive feedback. Third, give structure to your days by finding a part-time volunteer role. Job searches typically involve a lot of downtimes, so make sure you’re doing something useful that also gives back to your community or a cause that you’re passionate about. This will keep you feeling productive and fulfilled, while also giving you another line on your resume. But more important than helping yourself, you’ll be helping people — and there are many — who need it right now.

Adapted from “Graduates, Position Yourselves to Get Hired,” by Art Markman