In today’s modern world, the emphasis on experience has become a large deciding factor hiring managers look for when screening suitable job applicants. For newly graduated students entering the job pool without the proper amount of experience, this can create a substantial amount of frustration and difficulty when unprepared. Here are 3 things every graduating student can do in preparation for looking for positions after graduation.
Get Experience Outside of the Classroom
It is imperative for students to take advantage of opportunities throughout the duration of their college careers. Make use of the opportunities schools may offer such as co-ops, internships, and job fairs. Getting the experiences you need from co-ops and internships during the duration of your education ensures that you are able to speak on some type of professional experience when constructing your resume.
Attend job fairs or reach out to potential employers about your interest in working with their company. Ask about the required skills needed for the position or what type of potential candidates they prefer to hire. It is important to use this information to get an idea of what kind of skills you should highlight on your resume or which skills you need to acquire in order to gain a position in their company.
Build Meaningful Connections
Use every presented opportunity to make a meaningful connection. Use social events, study groups, or classes to speak with like-minded individuals. Stay connected with your classmates on a professional network such as LinkedIn. You never know who they can introduce you to in the future.
In addition to building relationships with your classmates, it is useful to look for a mentor through a staff member, professor, or individual during an industry-related networking event. Having an experienced professional can guide you through difficult situations and advise you on how to avoid problematic obstacles. A mentor has the ability to help direct your efforts towards finding an appropriate position, compose an impactful resume, or consult you on future career goals.
Take Advantage of Your Network
If you haven’t already, set up a LinkedIn profile to begin building your professional network. Make an attempt to find and add professionals in a desired field or company to help you gain more meaningful connections. If you have the chance, take some time to schedule an informational interview. Speaking with someone in your desired industry will help you answer any questions you may have and help you further understand what it takes to work in that field.