Job Search Tips for Recent Grads!
By Meghan Thomson
As graduation for college and university students slowly approaches, many soon-to-be graduates are gearing up for the big leap into the workforce this spring. Whether you’ve had several jobs during your studies or this is your first serious job hunt, entering the job market can be exciting—and a bit overwhelming. To help you navigate the process and successfully apply for your first entry-level role, we’ve put together some useful tips.
Tailor Your Resume and Cover Letter
The job market can be competitive, meaning you might send out dozens, even hundreds, of job applications. While using a resume template or writing a generic cover letter might seem like a time-saver, one of the most important steps in standing out is customizing your application materials for each specific job. Hiring managers are often sifting through numerous resumes, so tailoring your resume and cover letter to match the job description can give you an edge.
How to Make Your Cover Letter Stand Out
Personalize your greeting - if possible address the hiring manager by name, make whoever is reading it feel like you are talking directly to them and not sound like a generic a letter.
Highlight your interest in the company - explain why you want to work for the organization and how you would be the best candidate (i.e. your skills, education, background), focus on what excites you about the company’s mission or culture.
How to Make Your Resume Stand Out
Highlight relevant experience - even if your previous roles don’t exactly match the job description, focus on transferable skills. For instance, skills used to schedule corporate meetings and plan out project deadlines are similar to those used when having to juggle assignment deadlines, group projects and meetings with professors. Additionally, as communicators we are continuously faced with communicating to others, be it clients, internal and external stakeholders, or even employees. Retail/service jobs that you may have during your post-secondary education, hold many transferable skills that can be leveraged in other communications roles. For example, customer service teaches you how to handle inquiries, deliver difficult/unfavourable information, as well as how best to educate your audience about a product or service.
Showcase relevant coursework and projects – another way to showcase what you bring to the role if you are lacking professional experience, is to highlight academic projects, volunteer work, or internships that are relevant to the job. This can demonstrate that you have practical experience, even if it was gained through a different context.
Build and Leverage Your Network
You may have heard the phrase “Good people know good people”, and while that mostly applies to relationships in a general sense, building a strong professional network can certainly give you an advantage when searching for a job.
Networking doesn’t always have to be a formal event like a conference or speaking engagement—it could be as simple as joining an association like IABC or attending a casual gathering where people attending are in the same field of work you are looking to get into.
While a connection might not land you the job directly, it could lead to an introduction to someone who’s hiring, or even better, they may know about opportunities you wouldn’t otherwise find. It’s all about growing your network and getting the word out that you’re looking. Plus, you never know when someone in your circle might know of an opportunity.
Gain Experience Through Volunteering or Freelance Work
If you are struggling to land the first job immediately after graduation, consider volunteering or taking on freelance work. This is a great way to build your resume and gain real-world experience that you can add to your portfolio. Even part-time or short-term commitments—like writing for a blog, managing social media, or assisting in event planning can showcase your skills and dedication.
Contract work is another great alternative. Temporary or project-based positions can serve as stepping stones, allowing you to gain experience, expand your network, and even potentially open the door to a full-time position down the line. Plus, those contract gigs can often lead to glowing references for future job hunts.
Persistence and Patience
Job searching can be a marathon, not a sprint. On average, it takes about 3-6 months to land a job, so it’s crucial to stay patient and persistent, even when faced with rejections. One piece of advice I’ve found helpful is: “You can’t control how many interviews or offers you receive, but you can control how many jobs you apply for.”
Keep refining your resume, practicing your interview skills, and building your network. Every step is progress. With time, you’ll find the right opportunity, and all your hard work will pay off. Each experience is a chance to learn and grow. You’re on your way to your new career!