College graduation season is fast approaching, but you have more to worry about than ordering your hat and formal gown. The point is, you won’t necessarily have your first job by the time you graduate.
Of course, the job market is booming. Concrete example: According to the results of the Job Outlook 2019 survey (Employment Outlook 2019) by the NACE (National Association of Universities and Employers), employers plan to recruit 16.6% more young graduates of the promotion 2019 for positions in the US than they did for the Class of 2018. However, finding a good first job is always difficult.
Monster spoke with career management experts to understand why so many recent college graduates find themselves in a bind and what you need to do to not become one of them.
You do not do what is necessary for your application to pass the robot stage
To get your CV to a hiring manager, you’ll likely need to go through a candidate tracking system, says Wendy Enelow, CV Editor and co-author of Modernize Your Resume : Se to stand out is to be hired. That means you’ll have to use the right keywords , says Mr. Enelow; you will find it by consulting the language used in the job posting.
Formatting is also important Even if your CV contains the necessary keywords if you have a complex presentation (eg, you use a sophisticated font selection ) the document may not be readable on the hiring manager’s computer or smartphone. “Don’t be too creative,” says Kim Carbia, Millennial Career Coach.
You are not creating personal links
“When college students hear the word ‘network’ they often forget to think of their larger social network, which includes parents, friends and even their parents’ friends,” says Courtney Templin, president of JB Training Solutions, a professional development firm based in Chicago. “These people have already invested in you and want to help you succeed. “
Take a targeted approach by creating a list of companies where you would like to find your first job, then share it with those around you. “Talk to everyone in your network,” Carbia says. “You can’t know where your next job will come from. “
You lose your footing during the interview
Your CV and experience alone are not enough to get you the job. You must pass the face-to-face meeting to get the job.
You probably don’t have much experience with this kind of professional conversation yet, where you need to showcase your strengths, use anecdotal information and storytelling to show off your skills, without being overly pretentious. It is therefore essential that you practice with interview simulations.
Seek help from a professor at the university, recommends Joan Kuhl, founder and president of New York-based research and career counseling agency Why Millennials Matter. You should always be on the lookout for information in your field and be aware of what employers are looking for in entry-level applicants.
The job interview is an opportunity to show that you are familiar with the organization’s brand, so stay on top of company news and incorporate those topics into the conversation. “You have to show that you’ve done your homework well,” says Carbia.
Your expectations are unrealistic
You have to accept the fact that your first job is unlikely to be your ideal job. The point is, it takes time – and usually a number of contributions – to make an ideal career. Don’t settle for just anything, but also don’t dismiss an opportunity that isn’t 100% perfect. You will have the opportunity to gain more experiences that interest you when you walk through the door and make an impression on people.
It is not easy to write a compelling cover letter, especially when you are looking for a first job. It’s a common mistake, however, says Templin: “People make the mistake of putting back what’s on their CV. Instead, describe experiences that show your strengths in order to present yourself as a solution to the business problem.
Your cover letter looks like your CV
It is not easy to write a compelling cover letter, especially when you are looking for a first job. It’s a common mistake, however, says Templin: “People make the mistake of putting back what’s on their CV. Instead, describe experiences that show your strengths in order to present yourself as a solution to the business problem.
“Talk about what you bring to the organization,” advises Carbia, who recommends not exceeding one page for your cover letter.
Your CV is standardized
Submitting a generic resume won’t get you all the way to the interview, Templin says.
It’s true that customizing your resume for each job you apply for can be tedious and time-consuming (especially when trying to enjoy your last few months of freedom before stepping into the real world). So, rather than applying for dozens of job openings online, find five or ten great job vacancies and take the time to personalize your resume.
Would you like a hand in polishing your CV? You can now have your CV evaluated for free by the experts at Monster’s CV Writing Service. You will receive detailed feedback within two business days, including an assessment of the layout and content of your CV, and a prediction of a recruiter’s first impression. It’s a quick and easy way to give your job application a professional touch.
