Even if you’ve had part-time and seasonal jobs before, landing a job after you graduate feels like a big deal. Now, you’re searching for employment related to your degree — even though you may not have much (if any) experience in your field. Since you may keep your first post-graduate job for several years, it’s important to make a good choice. This means making yourself attractive to employers to ensure you land a position you love.
1. Make Full Use of All the Resources Available to You
An advantage of being a university student is the huge number of resources available to you. For instance, the campus career centre can let you know about jobs you may like to consider, help you improve your resume, and check your applications before you send them. There are also likely to be frequent job fairs you can attend to meet potential employers.
Don’t forget you already have useful contacts in your professors, faculty members, people from your internship, and even other students. Alumni networks are great for connecting you with graduates who were in your exact position once. They may be able to give you tips or let you know about job opportunities.
Lastly, consider finding a mentor. This may be possible through the alumni network or by asking someone you met during your studies or at work. This is a great way to take advantage of someone else’s network and gain expert advice for succeeding in your field.
2. Spend Time Improving Your LinkedIn Profile
The easiest way to stay in touch with everyone you meet in a professional capacity is LinkedIn. The platform is also ideal for meeting others in your field, such as by joining groups or reaching out to users you find by searching for keywords. You should also use the platform to search and apply for jobs.
To use LinkedIn to your advantage, you’ll need to complete your profile. Use a professional headshot, a headline that explains what you’re looking for, and a summary that explains your background in greater depth. This will help employers assess who you are and decide if they want to offer you an interview.
3. Practise Your Interview Skills
Make a great impression at interviews by practising in advance. The staff at the careers centre on campus will be able to give you a mock interview with the kinds of questions you’re likely to encounter.
4. Work Short-Term Projects
If you’re struggling to find a job because you lack the necessary experience, one strategy could be to take on freelance projects. Contact local businesses that need support on a casual basis, look for projects online, or start your own blog or YouTube channel where you discuss topics within your expertise. All this will help you develop skills and build a portfolio to show employers — many will be impressed by your initiative, perseverance, and creativity.
You still have a while left at university. Enjoy it to the full by moving into student apartments. Oshawa has platinum suites at Foundry 1805, where you’ll live in comfort just steps from campus. Use our high-speed internet to start your job search, work on assignments in the 24-hour study rooms, or unwind in your fully-furnished bedroom. Contact us for more information.