What to Do If You Can’t Find a Job After College

If you are a recent college graduate, many people you know must have asked you about your plans after graduation. It may seem like simple small talk, but this question stresses out a lot of college students. In 2022, getting a job after college can be difficult, especially in your field of study. Thankfully, in this article, we will tell you how to find a job after college.

Even though you know the right path to get a job, you might wonder what to do if you can’t find a job after college. Continue reading this article to understand how to find high-paying jobs without experience.

Why Is It So Hard to Get a Job After College?

From highly competitive job candidates to unreachable professional experience requirements, there are a lot of factors that make it hard to find a job after graduation. In fact, in 2019 only 52 percent of students reported that they were “somewhat confident” about finding a desirable job after college graduation.

College graduates may find it difficult to transition from the college experience into the professional working world. In addition, they often lack a solid professional network and may not understand successful job search strategies. Students’ interview skills may have also been neglected during their studies. All of these factors can make it difficult to impress prospective employers after graduation.

Reasons Why College Graduates Struggle to Find a Job

• Little work experience. Companies always prefer experienced talent and candidates that understand the fundamentals of the industry. However, college degrees sometimes may not offer hands-on experience, which results in a poor employment rate. An internship experience or gaining relevant skills through bootcamps can significantly increase your chances of getting a job.
• Few skills. Companies around the world are looking for skilled candidates who have technical skills and interpersonal skills alike. However, many college courses don’t necessarily teach job-ready skills.
• Lack of preparation. College grads often aren’t properly prepared when they go through their first round of interviews. You need to research the kind of job you want and the skills you need to do that job so you know how to present yourself.
• No networking. Networking plays a crucial role in finding jobs. A lack of networking and social skills may result in the loss of incredible job opportunities. Therefore, it is crucial to attend networking events.
• Uncertainty about their career path. College students often have a hard time choosing their major. Even if they receive a degree in a particular major, they might not be very interested in it. This leads to college graduates getting lost in the sea of job postings without determining what they are best suited for.
• Competitive job market. Despite an excellent academic career and a college degree from a reputed college, many students struggle to find jobs due to high competition amongst qualified candidates. The population of college degree holders has been steadily increasing over the years. As such, job candidates now need more than a college education to set themselves up as attractive candidates.

How Do I Find a Job After College?

To find a job after college, the first thing you need to do is market research. Make a list of all the industries you would like to work in and compare their job outlooks. Also, research the top in-demand careers you should consider.

Finding a job is difficult for college graduates, but not impossible. With the proper preparation and some knowledge of the current job market, you can get a high-paying job. Below, we have listed some tips to help you get started in the job search process.

Getting a Job After College: A Complete Guide

Job seekers can make many mistakes that can stop them from finding a good job. What students need to do is plan thoroughly and strategically. We have listed some job search tips to help recent graduates and current students improve their chances of getting hired.

1. Prepare to Enter the Workforce

The professional world will likely be drastically different than your college experience. As such, you may need to put some effort into presenting yourself more professionally. This may include getting suitable interview attire or even changing the nature of your online presence.

According to a 2017 survey by CareerBuilder, 70 percent of employers evaluate candidates through social media. As this percentage has likely increased in the last few years, it is crucial to make sure your social media feeds are representing you appropriately.

2. Start Networking

Students often neglect the power of alumni networking programs. However, college alumni can help you understand the process of getting a job after graduation. You can also ask them about the common mistakes most candidates make while applying for a job. In addition, former students may be willing to refer you to their companies.

You can also begin networking within your industry through relevant professional organizations as well as platforms such as LinkedIn. Who knows, you might be able to connect with your future employer. Networking opens many doors in the professional world.

3. Gain Experience

There are multiple ways to gain experience while you are in college or after you graduate. For example, an internship position or even volunteer opportunities can be great if you are just starting out in your field. You can also look for an entry-level position.

Another way is to sharpen your skills by working as a freelancer. While you might not be able to work as a freelancer for all roles, there are some roles you can explore. These include graphic designers, content writers, software developers, and product managers. You can take on small, simple projects to begin building your portfolio.

4. Do Market Research

Once you gain a little experience, you need to understand the outlook of the job market. It is helpful to understand the growth and future opportunities an industry holds for you before you commit to it.

You can talk to your subject professors and mentors to understand the best way forward. You can also speak to a career counselor or visit college career centers to explore the right career path for you. Moreover, you should also keep up with the latest industry news to understand the job market.

5. Develop Relevant Skills

A growing number of employers are looking for skilled candidates who are up for a new challenge every day. In-demand soft and hard skills can help students stand out. According to Monster’s Future of Work global report, more than half of employers have a hard time finding candidates with the right skills. Research the most in-demand skills in your industry and work hard to develop them.

6. Build a Portfolio

You can create a work portfolio while you gain experience and skills. A work portfolio is a great way to show your skills and work experience in an organized manner. It can help employers look at your previous work and assess your skills. While a resume only lists down your career history, a portfolio can give an in-depth detail of how you can benefit an organization.

7. Create a Solid Resume

Gaining skills and experience alone won’t help you get a job. It is equally important to present your aptitude in your resume. Students will have to write a fantastic resume that shows their achievements and strengths. It can help you make an excellent first impression with your employer. On the other hand, a bad resume will make sure that your job application gets tossed out right away.

8. Prepare For Interviews

An interview is a make-or-break moment that decides whether you will get the job. You have to show your potential employer that you are the perfect fit for their company at this stage. To prepare for the interview, start researching the most common questions. Also, learn how to answer tough interview questions by spending time in mock interviews with your friends or family.

9. Frequently Check Job Openings

Every company has a different hiring schedule. So, it is a good idea to develop a habit of checking job openings online frequently. Professional social networking sites like LinkedIn can help you stay updated about recent job openings. You can even set up a notification alert on many job sites to know about a vacancy as soon as it is posted.

10. Sign Up For Job Search Websites

Sign up for job search websites like Indeed or Glassdoor as early as possible. These websites have a simple user face that allows job seekers to learn about the jobs they’d like. Once you find a job that you are interested in, then start applying.

What to Do If You Can’t Find a Job After College

The evolving Internet age has transformed every industry and created an increasing demand for people who possess technical skills. If you have already applied to many job vacancies and still don’t hear back from them, it’s time to sharpen your skillset. You can consider enrolling in specialized courses to work on upskilling. Alternatively, you can also attend a coding bootcamp and explore the ample opportunities the tech industry has in store for you.

Getting a Job After College FAQ