Job Search Tips for New College Grads

Tips for Recent College Grads

For recent college grads who’ve just entered the working world, it takes time to grow acclimated to its pace and culture. Certain standards and basic etiquette are important to know in this vast new world, and it takes an upbeat attitude to persevere through these tougher expectations.

For new college grads, here’s a few general pointers to know while trying to land, or navigate, that first big job.

It can take 4-6 weeks for a job offer to be extended after an interview. Many companies take a very long time to finally decide on a candidate. Don’t worry if you haven’t heard back for several weeks. Continue searching for other jobs while keeping in mind this time frame.

Turn off your cell phone before walking in the building. Do not turn it back on until you have left. This is general etiquette. You DO NOT want your phone to ring during an interview.

Volunteer work and managing activities for frats/sororities and sports teams is relevant experience. Employers also consider social media experience, such as writing blogs and managing social networking pages. It is OK to include college experiences on your resume.

Don’t assume you should be entitled to a job. You first have to master the assigned tasks and expectations before you have any claim to a job. As a recent grad, you are short on experience.

During your transition phase, be a sponge. Absorb and learn everything that it takes to do the job you want well.

Bring a freshness of vision to outdated practices. As a new grad, your youth and freshness of perspective is going to be especially attractive to certain companies. Use that hip outlook to your advantage, and apply it to the office space.

Communication skills, and being able to work as part of a team, is essential. Problem solving skills, and being able to work with others, is what can set you apart from older candidates. Because you will be light on actual work experience, it’s important to cite your work in student organizations or your time playing on a sports team. These experiences can highlight some of those soft skills that employers are looking for.

Use your intuition. For the first few months, you’ll find yourself in situations where you’ll be unsure of what to do. Read the moods of the people around you—employers, co-workers, and customers—and just do it. Do not be a deer in the headlights. Use your intuition and, most importantly, be proactive.