BROWSE HOW TOs

How to Get a Job after College

By eHow Careers & Work Editor

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Getting the perfect job after college is the goal for most graduates. The ease in which you gain employment may vary depending on your field. If this will be your first professional job, it can be a nerve-wracking experience. Finding job openings, writing a resume and interviewing are time consuming, but with some planning, securing the right job after college is possible.

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Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Step1

Start early. Before graduation research the companies that you are interested in working for. Contact their personnel departments to determine if they are hiring. Determine if your college has any services to help students find employment after graduation.

Step2

Write a resume. Because you are a recent college graduate you may not have any experience in your field but everyone has to start somewhere. Highlight any relevant skills you have. List volunteer work, clubs and extracurricular activities that may help in the job you are applying for.

Step3

Diversify your job search. A recent college graduate may not have the professional connections a more established employee has. It's important to use all sources to find employment. Read the newspapers and journals in your field. Use employment agencies and websites.

Step4

Dress the part. Especially if you are young, it's important to convey an attitude of professionalism. Depending on the type of job you are seeking a man should wear a suit and tie. A woman should wear a business suit. Not all places of employment are so formal. However a good rule is to wear something a little more professional than the employees.

Step5

Show enthusiasm. A new college graduate may not have a lot of work experience, but they should be able to convey a willingness to learn and excitement about the job. Be sincere and explain why you should be hired.

Step6

Be willing to work your way up. You may not land the perfect job fresh out of college. It takes time and hard work to be able to obtain your dream job. Keep in mind you are more likely to get where you want if you work hard and pay your dues.

Tips & Warnings

Hang in there. Without a lot of work experience it may be somewhat difficult to get that first job after college. It will happen. It just may take a little time. As you gain employment experience job searches may become easier.

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Comments

bjakovcic said

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on 5/4/2008 After years of hard work, I found that the hardest part of college was not actually getting through it alive, or graduation, but actually getting a job. I found it really frustrating that even my own career services department at school was not really able to help me find a career after college.
Since we are all in the same boat here I figured I would Google some sites that could help (like Monster) but everything was for those with more extensive job experience. One website I found was UVisor at www.uvisor.com which seems to be a really solid resource in linking up college students with employers as well as helping us students really figure out our career path. I forget what the statistic was specifically, but I remember it being something like 80% of people do not choose career paths that are pertinent to their majors.
Anyway; definitely check out UVisor or AfterCollege or CollegeGra