Our top 6 job search tips for fresh graduates
Searching for a job can be a full-time job and can be quite disheartening considering the ratio of open jobs to several jobseekers in whichever country you’re in. Nonetheless, you can employ a few tactics (pun intended) to increase your chances of landing the right job for yourself. Here are our top 6 ways you can cast a wider net;
- Use more than one job board.
Do not rely entirely on just one job board to search for jobs. Certain jobs may be listed on some sites but not on others. Companies may also have their preferred job sites that are working for them. Using tools like Google Jobs can work for you since they aggregate job ads from various sources. If not Google, observe which sites have the most regularly updated list of verified jobs and stick to them.
2. Utilise social media well
The average person spends more than 4 hours a day on social media. You can transform this to favor you by using social media to get new contacts that could help you get connected to your next job or employer. Social media can also help you stand out in a less crowded space, as we discussed here. You just never know who’s listening or reading. In our latest article, we share more tips on building your LinkedIn strategy. More companies are also now using various socials to advertise jobs such as Facebook groups and Jobs for X. So make sure to get into the right spaces and follow the relevant hashtags online.
3. Go beyond job boards
As we mentioned in our earlier post on hiring technical talent, recruiters can opt for more targeted mediums, such as a tech community for tech jobs. So by limiting yourself to just job boards, you could be missing out on some good opportunities. For more on this, check out our earlier post on what you can still do while job searching.
4. Network
Being a keyboard expert will only take you so far. Google, for instance, receives over 50,000 resumes a week, so your chances of someone even looking at your resume can be minimal. Recruiters also admit that they don’t post/advertise all job openings through job boards. Some opt for referrals, which have proven to be the most efficient way to hire. Opportunities are connected to people. Carefully consider the network you have and the kind of value they provide to your professional career. Take the necessary steps to build the one you wish you had. Your network is your net worth. Check our earlier post on this for more networking tips.
5. Expand your search criteria
The 21st century has brought with it new job titles and descriptions. Instead of just searching for your new opportunity with the search item ‘sales executive’, for instance, widen your search by just checking the latest jobs overall in your area or check the career page of the company you’re dreaming about. You may just find your dream job but with a different title. On social sites like LinkedIn, it’s important to search for jobs under Posts as well, instead of solely relying on the Jobs tab, since most consultants and recruiters post jobs on their pages.
6. The unsolicited job application
I got my first job after campus through unsolicited emails. Instead of waiting for a role to open up, some companies, through their career pages, allow candidates to submit their CVs for future consideration. If you have an email address or physical address of an employer, sending your resume & cover letter expressing your interest can work for you. While some employers never look at these, some do. Here are sample emails you can use to reach out to a network or potential employer. Also, check out our latest piece on “The dos and don’ts of your job application email.” And while at it, do feel free to use this last bonus resource too;
- Bonus- Recruitment consultants & agencies
Recruiting agencies have access to hundreds of companies and jobs, from employers hiring through job boards to those opting entirely to hire through agencies, especially for entry-level roles or for efficiency's sake. Remember that all the open opportunities are not directly advertised on job boards so by keeping in touch with these agencies & sharing your updated resume every year, you stand a higher chance of landing a new job. Reach out to them by conducting an online search of the agencies available in your area. Be on the lookout for consultants who may be specializing in your specific profession or industry, too. Use social platforms like LinkedIn to identify and network and let them know you’re open for employment and are available for suitable roles. Some agencies may charge you for such matching services, but beware of fake ones too!
Are there any tactics you’ve used to get your dream job that you wish to share with others? Let us know below. All the best.
Read Part 2 of this https://medium.com/jobonics/our-top-6-job-search-tips-for-fresh-graduates-part-2-bef2ce319f9c
Still looking for more help? Check out https://medium.com/jobonics/3-things-we-wish-experts-told-us-earlier-about-finding-your-dream-job-9f2142f8087c
