August 22, 2022
For many young people, the journey from college to a career can be difficult. It’s hard to know what steps to take when you’re just starting in your professional life, whether you’re someone with multiple internships under your belt or someone who’s never worked before. If you’re finding it tough to land a job, don’t worry – you’re not alone. In this blog post, we’ll provide some tips for recent graduates and young professionals struggling to find their footing in the working world. Follow these tips, and you’ll be on your way to finding the job of your dreams!
First and foremost, don’t give up. The job market may seem daunting, but it’s important to remember that there are jobs out there – you just have to know where to look. Try reaching out to your network of family and friends, or even former classmates. Someone you know may have the perfect opportunity for you, but they won’t know to recommend you unless you let them know you’re looking for a job. This is not the time to be shy or ashamed.
PRO TIP: Connect with a Let’s Detroit Career Ambassador.
If you feel like you’ve been applying for jobs left and right with no luck, it’s time to switch up your strategy. Rather than just submitting your resume online, why not try reaching out to potential employers directly? Attend industry events or career fairs, or even set up informational interviews with people working in your desired field. Getting your face and name out there will make it more likely that an employer will remember you when a position opens up.
If you’re struggling to find a job in your desired field, it may be time to consider other options. There are many opportunities out there for recent graduates, even if they don’t seem like perfect fits at first glance. Sometimes, the best way to get your foot in the door is to take a non-traditional opportunity and show your employers what you’re made of.
Tip No. 4: Adjust Your ResumeDon’t forget to tailor each application to the specific job you’re applying for – generic applications are one of the surest ways to land yourself in the reject pile. Take the time to read through the job description carefully and focus on highlighting the skills and experiences that make you the ideal candidate for the role. If you do this for each application, you’ll already be ahead of the competition.
There are many individuals who thrive on helping job seekers like you find their dream roles. Consider talking with a career coach or attending a resume workshop to help you fine-tune your application materials.
PRO TIP: Join professional development groups for your target industry.
Just because you’re a graduate doesn’t mean you can’t take advantage of your alma mater’s resources. Many colleges have career centers that offer services like resume and cover letter critiques, mock interviews, and job-search advice. If you’re unsure how to use your school’s career center, reach out and ask for help!
Finally, the most important tip of all is to be persistent and patient. Job-hunting can be a long and difficult process, with some people submitting upward of 100 applications before hearing back, but it’s important to remember that, eventually, your hard work will pay off. So, keep applying, keep networking, and most importantly, don’t give up. The right job is out there for you – you just have to keep looking for it.
If you enjoyed this blog post, be sure to check out our other blog post titled A Young Professional’s Guide to Finding the Right Job, which provides tips for figuring out what you really want to do with your career. Alternatively, if you’re looking for tips on building your network, check out this blog post.
Written by Krishaun Burns, Let’s Detroit
