Looking for a full-time job after graduation can be a daunting process. Mark Anthony from the Career Center has provided some insight and tips to help soon-to-be graduates get their first job.
“The average timeline for the job hunt should begin around six to nine months before graduation,” Anthony says. “We’re just about at that six-month timeline so it’s a perfect time to start the process.
There are perks for starting early: Students who begin looking for a job at least six months before graduation end up making an average of about $7,000 more than students who start their job search after graduation, Anthony says.
Here are a few ways to get your search started.
- Activate your Handshake account. Handshake is where employers post jobs for recent college graduates. Filter for full-time, entry-level positions to narrow your search.
- Make sure your resume is visible and updated. Many students activate their Handshake account freshman year and forget to update with internships, job experience and new skills.
- Check out the student toolbox to find ways to perfect your resume before applying and schedule an appointment through Handshake to have it reviewed through the Career Center.
- Take advantage of job fairs hosted early in the spring semester. These are great opportunities to get in front of employers and jumpstart your search. Be sure to read over our job fair tips for both in-person and virtual events.
- Network. At the end of the day, this is the most important key to the job hunt. Your network starts with family and extends to friends, professors, mentors and beyond. These relationships are great resources for connecting you to your next opportunity.
Finally, don’t stress yourself out looking for that perfect fit. Building a career is a lifelong process of learning what you like, what you’re good at and how you adapt as your goals and aspirations change over time.