Essential Tips to Boost Your Post-College Career Prospects

Are you looking for ways to elevate your post-college job search? Do you wonder what the best practices are for securing a specific job? Or how to improve your chance of being considered for that perfect role? Whether you are a seasoned professional adding to your skillset or a recent college graduate stepping into the workforce for the first time, here are some ways to enhance your job prospects and continue on your path toward your dream career.

Create a LinkedIn Profile

As a college graduate, you need to think outside the box when engaging in your job search. It’s easy to get stuck in the rut of just going online to search specific job sites and blindly applying to everything you see. When going this route, you may only hear back from a minimal number of jobs you’ve applied for. Though it may be tempting to throw your resume at the proverbial wall to see what sticks, the likelihood of hearing back is becoming less likely.

LinkedIn allows you to include a professional photograph and a summary section that includes your skills, experience, and knowledge relevant to the type of work you are interested in. You can also begin to build your network and connect with others, which can be pivotal to locating long-term career options and supercharging your career trajectory.

Networking also allows you to connect with leaders and hiring managers at the organizations you are interested in working for. You can message these individuals directly to gain more information on specific openings and referrals. LinkedIn allows you to share and seek recommendations that are included on your profile page. Any of your network connections and employers can view the recommendations to get a better sense of who you are as a person and professional. This is a great way to narrow your search focus while increasing your chances of success.

Stay Connected with Your College Peers and Network

Your network of college connections shouldn’t disappear after graduation; in fact, they may even become more relevant as you move forward. Whether you attended college in person or online, maintaining relationships with your peers goes a long way. Today’s job market requires continuously building upon your network to advance your chances of being noticed by employers.  

The support system you make while in school is not solely with your fellow peers, but also with campus staff and faculty. These individuals have a wealth of knowledge of your particular field and what to expect when entering into your career, they have gotten to know you and can help target opportunities especially well-suited for you. The power of networking keeps growing and can strengthen your chance of finding the right role.   

Be Willing To Volunteer

Volunteering is an excellent way to gain the skills, knowledge, and experience needed in the field you want to work in. You can build upon current skills and develop new ones can help set you apart from other candidates. This type of experience can be included on your resume and attract employers. Volunteering is an unpaid opportunity, so it shows an employer the passion and dedication you have to better yourself and gain the additional skills to set you apart.

Being dedicated and persistent in your job search can help you stand out. Creating and maintaining your professional network will have a lasting impact on the opportunities presented to you and the potential of getting hired at your dream job. Continue to build on the skills you already have and take risks in developing new skills. When your network and connections see what you have to offer, new career pathways can reveal themselves and you could be on track to saying “yes” to the job offer you’ve been looking for.

Matt Sedlar is a senior career development coach at Herzing University, where he has worked since 2012. His knowledge and expertise have helped  Herzing students gain the necessary skills to find meaningful employment.