So you have started with your degree or just graduated but have no clue what job profession is right for you and where to look? You have searched all the job portals and visited company pages but do not know what to expect? Do not worry, here are some obvious secrets so that you are closer to your dream job.
1. Take advantage of job networking platforms
A professional networking website like www.linkedin.com is not only great for showcasing your skills but can also provide tremendous opportunities for students, graduates and anyone who is looking for a job. To get access to the platform you first need to create a profile, but you don’t need to complete your job profile to be able to search the database. However, if you complete your profile the chances are higher that you will get noticed by recruiters and the people that have signed up. Keep in mind though, just like you might find it fishy to contact someone without a picture or invalid information, they might as well believe that they are being contacted by a scammer, even though this was not your intention. Still, only share information about yourself that you are comfortable with and keep in mind what is once on the internet is always somehow accessible, even after deleting the information.
Once you have your profile set up, start your search either by typing in a job role, company, or a person you know. Also, you can set up alerts for specific industries and do courses on the platform. Now comes the most important part, write the people you are most interested in a personal message. Don’t be shy and write to them, explain why you approached them and what you are looking for. Even if they can’t provide you with recruitment information, the majority of times the contacts will be willing to explain to you their job roles. Genuine people will explain their past and present professions, some will even go as far and meet you personally. Most importantly, reach out to university alumni as they might be more willing to help you, due to the personal connection from having graduated from the same university. Not only can they tell you about the typical and different career paths graduates went but they can also provide valuable information about which skills provided them the most advantage in the job market. Additionally, you might even explore career routes that you didn’t think of.
2. Job review pages
Work culture is really important, especially when you are seeking a job that is more related to your field of interest and if you are looking for a position where you can grow. Platforms like www.glassdoor.com and www.kununu.com are great web pages where you can read anonymous opinions about past and current employees. This is especially great when you aren’t familiar with the employer. Be aware though that negative comments can also be from those who left and if the majority of reviews are negative, re-think your application. Furthermore, job review pages are also great for getting an idea about your potential salary with your level of work experience.
3. Reach out to family, friends and lecturers
It is absolutely fine to ask others for help and advice. Everyone was at some point in your shoes one way or another. Who knows maybe your family or friends know someone at the respective employer who was an employee or still is. Lecturers are also great contacts, not only are they more likely to know more people in the respective field of your studies but they also tend to have a profession aside from teaching. Lecturers are also often approached by recruiters as they know that lecturers can reach the largest pool of fresh graduates. Some professors even have their own company and may be willing to offer you an internship.
4. Attend job fairs
If your university offers job fairs take advantage of them, make sure to bring your CV along and to dress professionally. Although some employers might not even send an actual recruiter to the job fair, you can still make a good impression. If you do, they can pass on your CV or keep it in their recruiting database. Try to attend job fairs from other universities, as not all employers visit the same universities. Additionally, register for free job fairs virtually, this way you are not limited to your region. Even if some will say that they don’t offer any positions it is still a great opportunity to see what is out there and to mentally note the booths that appeared most interesting to you.
Despite the suggestions above, keep in mind you won’t know whether your expectations will be met until you start working at the respective profession of your choice. Finding your professional calling is not linear. Some of your friends may clearly know what paths they want to go and end up being happy. Others might find their expectations not being met even though they thought they found their dream job when they started. Your career is never a competition, it’s all about you and finding your passion, trust the process and the rest will follow.
Related:
Your Fortune 500 Résumé – How to write a résumé that sets you apart from the crowd.
Common Cover Letter Mistakes to Avoid – The reason for rejection is oftentimes not about the level of work experience or skills.