5 Tips to Help Grads Land a Job

Recently I was asked to work on a campaign to attract graduates to SRG. I think I did a pretty good job if I do say so myself. But in working on that project it took me back to when I was a recent grad and all the thoughts that I had going through my head… “Woo hoo! I did it! Exams over! I never want to look at another textbook again!” I was euphoric and felt pure freedom. Then…. Reality. What was I going to do now?

Graduating, whether it be high school, or a post-secondary education, can be daunting at the best of times. You’ve just spent a good chunk of your life working towards a goal – you’ve reached it and… hmmm….. kind of feels like ‘what now’? But, it doesn’t have to feel that way. With the right attitude and following some of these tips, you’ll be on your way to bigger and better things.

1. Positive attitude and confidence (but not too much)
   You now have this shiny new diploma; a well-earned diploma. And you’re smarter than anyone out there. Wait, back up the bus. You’re in the working world now and everyone that came before you has more working experience than you. It’s great to come to an interview with confidence in what you’ve learned and can bring to the table. You’ve got a fresh perspective and likely the most up to date education when it comes to technology. Employers seek out young people for just that; new ways of doing things and learning more about the latest and greatest. Make sure you sell that! But, don’t become too overconfident. Be sure to respect the person who is interviewing you and those that may be your future colleagues as they have years of life and work experience under their belts and will be able to teach you a thing or two.
2. Clean social media
   In a world where anything and everything is on the internet, make sure that your latest school day prank isn’t one of them. Google yourself; your prospective employer sure will! Make sure that your social profiles are clean and professional and use key words that will help you with your job search, especially on LinkedIn. And if you just can’t redeem an account, delete it and start again. Although the internet ‘remembers forever’ at least it’s a step in the right direction to make a good impression.
3. Not too good for any job
   Brad Pitt? Wore a chicken suit for a restaurant. Walt Disney? Sold snacks on trains. Oprah Winfrey? Grocery store clerk. The lesson here: everyone has to start somewhere. Maybe the first opportunity that comes up isn’t what you had in mind. Don’t negate it. You never know where it could take you. Speaking from personal experience, when I graduated university I couldn’t find anything. I went and did an interview and testing with SRG thinking I would work in a temporary position somewhere until I could find something better. Soon after, I received a call asking if I would be interested in an internal position. Now, 15 years and 8 promotions later, I’m still here! You just never know….
4. Keep boosting your resume
   There are many different ways that you can amp up your resume until you start your career. Consider volunteering your time in a field related to your education. As well, working for an employment service or working at a part time job can both add to your resume and give you real-life experience until you get to where you want to be. And don’t forget service groups. Joining a club or group such as Rotary, Zonta, Optimist, etc., can be a great way to enhance your resume and a chance to network with individuals who may know of job opportunities in your field. All of these on a resume can do wonders to show that you are pursuing ways to increase your skills and abilities and that you are active in your community.
5. Keep at it
   In the end, nose to the grindstone. Searching for the perfect job is hard work. Sure, with a bit of luck, a job could land in your lap, but your best bet is to keep at it. Continue to hand out and email resumes, watch job boards and sign up for updates, and network as much as you can. You’re just starting down your career path so don’t expect to get to the end right away. You’ve got your whole life ahead of you now and your career is just waiting to be found.

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