3 Pieces Of Job Search Advice Every New Grad Should Know

May 30, 2018

Whether you’ve just graduated high school or college, you have a tough question to answer: What now? Some people may choose to further their education, and others may choose to search for a job. Getting a job gives you life tools, real-world experience, and a sense of independence. So what if you just graduated high school and aren’t sure if you can get a job or make a career without getting a four-year degree? Business Insider recently published a list of the 40 highest paying jobs that don’t require a four-year degree. Together, these careers have an average annual salary of at least $60,000. These positions include detectives and criminal investigators; commercial pilots; transportation, storage, and distribution managers; radiation therapists; transportation inspectors; and power distributors and dispatchers. There’s a wide variety of high-paying positions available to those who choose not to pursue a four-year degree. However, when applying for any job, there are useful tips to make yourself stand out to employers.

There’s been a steady increase in job opportunities in today’s workforce, making the market competitive for young adults. Although there has been a significant rise in the number of jobs over the past two years, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the unemployment rate for people between 16-19 years of age in April 2018 was 12.9% compared to the national average of 3.9%. Because today’s market is competitive for recent graduates, it has become increasingly important to polish your resume and interview skills to make sure you secure not just a job, but a job that will help you accomplish your career goals.

Resume Building

When consulting with Integrated Human Capital Senior Staffing Supervisor Erica Santana, she offered insight into what resume and interview skills some of her clients look for in high school or college graduates. “What I know with Forma [Automotive] what they look for is somebody that’s been involved in a sport or a club or something that’s going to require them to be somewhere at a certain time. . .” Many employers are looking for employees with skills ranging from hand-eye coordination, physical strength and ability, and involvement in the community or school activities. Highlighting these skills will help make you stand out to employers. When you’re researching a job or career, not only do you want to research how your skills can benefit the company, but you also want to research if the company will be a good fit for you. Ask yourself: Do I meet the requirements? Am I qualified for the job? Do I like what the job entails? When employers review a resume and conduct an interview, they’re looking for a candidate that has researched their organization, shares their company values, and genuinely wants to work for their company.

Interview Skills

Now that you’ve researched and perfected your resume for the job, it’s time to prepare for the interview. When you’re scheduled for an interview, make sure that you’re on time and properly dressed. If you currently have a part-time job, it’s important to ask for time off for your interview. It’s also important to make sure you let the interviewer know if you have prior obligations that will require time off should you be hired. It’s imperative to always remain professional before, during, and after the interview. Finally, don’t be afraid to call. Always let the interviewer know if you won’t be making it to the interview or if you need to reschedule. Being open with the interviewer about prior obligations shows that you value their time and are serious about the position.

Career Services

Creating a resume, perfecting your interview skills, and applying for jobs on your own can be stressful. What if there was a way to make it less stressful? Many companies partner with staffing agencies to find the best candidates for their organization. This means working with a staffing agency can give you a direct line of access to hiring managers. Staffing agencies also specialize in helping job seekers find their best-fit careers, even if they aren’t sure what the right fit is yet. Integrated Human Capital for example, takes the time to help you build your resume and coach you for interviews to make sure you’re prepared to land a career that’s right for you. Just like any team project, staffing agencies are committed to doing everything together. As a team, together everyone achieves more. Career building is important, and when you have the right tools, things are made more seamless and less stressful!

Resume building, interviewing skills, and staffing agencies are different ways to leverage the experience you already have. Taking advantage of these tips will help put you in the right direction for your career and tackle today’s workforce. Odds are you won’t interview for your dream job right away. However, it’s important to remember that the experience gained and skills learned at any job can be of value to the career you intend to pursue!