by Kelli Robinson
Every graduating student hopes for a smooth transition from graduation day to the first day on the job. However, due to the poor economy and tight job market, many students will face a glitch in the transition. They’ll still be job hunting after they receive their diplomas.
Don’t panic if you don’t have a job waiting for you after graduation. The following ideas—along with a positive attitude—could help you land the job you’re seeking.
1. Know where to look for jobs
Temporary and Employment Agencies
Temporary and employment agencies can offer the foot-in-the-door opportunity you need.
Companies use employment agencies to complete the initial screening of applicants for a job opening. Companies may use employees sent from temp agencies to determine if a person is capable of doing the job on a permanent basis.
If you consider using a temp agency, do your homework. Avoid any agencies that charge fees. Additionally, know that if you take a job through an employment agency, you technically work for the agency and not the company. Translation: No benefits.
Internships
More and more companies turn to their intern pool when an entry-level position becomes available—and some companies offer internships to graduates. Companies like to hire their interns because these people are already familiar with the company and job responsibilities. This saves the company time and training. An internship may not be your best-case scenario because it may be unpaid, but an internship keeps your skills sharp and gives you the opportunity to showcase your talents.
Part-time Jobs
The ideal situation after graduation is finding full-time employment. But today’s job market doesn’t present as many ideal situations. A part-time position avoids an employment gap on your resume and helps pay the bills.
Consider a position with a restaurant. Wait staff and bartenders can earn a substantial paycheck. In addition, working the evening shift keeps your days open for job searching, networking meetings, and job interviews.
2. Look for networking opportunities
Networking is a key job-search tool. Many cities have young professionals groups that provide recent college graduates with opportunities to socially and professionally network. The groups sponsor meet-and-greet events at restaurants, attend cultural and sporting events, and even organize recreational sports leagues. You can search for the groups on the Internet, call the career services office at a local college, or check with the local Chamber of Commerce.
3. Use your campus career services office
Whether it’s your first time visiting the office or you’re a repeat visitor, your campus career services office can still be a great job search resource after graduation. Check with the office to find out what services are available to you as an alumnus.
4. Check with other college career services offices
If you move after graduation – either home or to another city using your alma mater’s career services office may not be helpful. But the career services office of a campus near you may. Many career services offices participate in a reciprocity program, which allows graduates of one college to use the services of another office closer to their location.
Contact the career services offices at colleges and universities near you to find out what services may be available for you to use. Shop around. Some colleges charge fees for reciprocity students and some offer more resources than others.
5. Remember: summer is slow
It’s ironic that college graduation usually occurs in the spring. Graduates are geared up for their job search just when companies are approaching a lull. Many companies tend to be more relaxed in the summer months and hiring isn’t as frequent. Organizations usually increase their hiring as the fall approaches. Keep looking and you’ll be first in line for those opportunities.
6. Be realistic
Even the most diligent job seeker must allow time. The average job search can take months to complete, depending on your geographic location and industry. If you’re expecting to find a job within weeks after graduation, you should reevaluate your timeline to avoid disappointment.
7. Keep looking
Finding a job is a full-time job. Develop a plan and stick with it. The job isn’t going to find you. Know you’ll have days that are more productive than others. The key is to keep searching.