Get Your Career off the Ground: Finding a Job after College

Graduating from college is more than a great accomplishment and a reason to feel proud. Earning a degree is one of the best investments you can make in your future. Congratulations! 

... now what? 

Lay the Groundwork Early

You may have heard some folks complain that you can't get hired without experience, and you can't get experience without being hired.

It's true, but it's not a riddle. Whether you're already gaining experience by working while in school, taking on an internship or externship through school, or participating in other relevant industry events, you can graduate with experience. And you'll be a much stronger candidate in the future. 

Laying this groundwork begins the moment you graduate--or even sooner. A hands-on college that utilizes interactive learning methods can help you comprehend more than theories and concepts. Immersive labs, internships, externships, and weekend workshops are all various forms of on-the-job training that take place while in school. 

Craft Your Personal Brand

You're not just a candidate anymore, you are a person with a brand to market to the workplace. Your personal brand will tell the world who you are, what you're about, and what you can do.

Craft an elevator pitch (a brief presentation that takes place in the space of 2-3 minutes and sums up everything pertinent). Can't think of what you want to say? Do some brainstorming, possibly with a friend or mentor. Talk about what you've accomplished, why you chose your major, and what sets you apart from everyone else.

Focus Like a Laser

You may feel desperate to get a job - we get it. With student loans looming and a strong desire to work, it's understandable that you want to take whatever job you can get.

But slow down for a minute.

Desperation comes across to employers, and it's not any more appealing than it is on a date. Don't be desperate in front of employers (even if you are!) [ Click to Tweet This ]. Take the time to really focus on the positions you're interested in and qualified to get and make a list. Write down what your skills are for each and how you can best present yourself as a candidate for those jobs. Don't just throw resumes out there at random and see what sticks, because you'll likely just be wasting effort. Spend a little more time on each resume for positions you're better suited for and it will help you get closer to a job.

Clean Up Your Image

Social media is a great way to stay connected with friends and family. But they're not the only ones who can see everything you post. 

Employers are searching your social media profiles to learn more about you, too. Pay attention to what information is available about you on these networks. Make sure there's nothing on your profile that could be the kiss-of-death to your job search. Untag yourself from inappropriate photos (these might be at a frat party or a political protest, or anything in between).

Remember, it's not about hiding who you are, or deceiving recruiters. It's about putting your best foot forward, and not giving anyone a reason to form a negative bias about you. Once you've cleaned up the more mainstream social media platforms, be sure you have a polished, up-to-date LinkedIn presence. 

Get Creative about Networking

You've surely heard that getting a job isn't just about what you know; it's also about who you know. But what if you have already asked everyone you know and you are running out of people you can use as networking contacts? It's time to get creative. Consider joining a professional society related to the field you want to work in; most have discounted student rates for membership. Many professional groups are also online. You should also consider using ECPI University's Career Services Department, where our counselors can not only provide job leads but can help you make sure your resume and interviewing skills are top notch. 

Get Career-ready!

Getting a job after graduation doesn't have to be a miserable experience; it just requires persistence and a little bit of creativity. It all begins with preparation . . . it all begins at ECPI University! Contact us TODAY - it could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

DISCLAIMER – ECPI University makes no claim, warranty or guarantee as to actual employability or earning potential to current, past or future students or graduates of any educational program we offer. The ECPI University website is published for informational purposes only. Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information contained on the ECPI.edu domain; however, no warranty of accuracy is made. No contractual rights, either expressed or implied, are created by its content.

For more information about ECPI University or any of our programs click here: http://www.ecpi.edu/ or http://ow.ly/Ca1ya.