How to Find a Job After College

Recent college grads often lament the difficulties of finding a job within their respective majors. Although some students luck out and find their true callings immediately, others are forced to take jobs they aren't interested in for the sake of earning income. Students in any field of study may face similar difficulties when deciding what to do next. As a former English major and Psychology minor, I too felt the pressure of trying to fit my major and minor into a career path. Luckily, there are many options to consider once you have received your Bachelor's; here are some suggestions to get you started on the job hunt.

First, don't panic! Remind yourself that you will find a job somewhere. Even though the state of the economy has made it a bit more difficult to find jobs, there are still many available. Many students immediately feel extremely stressed at the thought of searching for an entry-level job somewhere. Instead, use your newfound freedom to plan your next month, six months, year, and so on. After entering the work force, it will be a rarity that you will have large amounts of time for yourself. Relax for a bit, take a vacation, do a bit of volunteer work - anything that will help you to transition from college life to a career path.

Next, make sure to research companies that you are interested in learning more about. Don't rely on the name of the company; seek out information on the company's work ethic, goals, and workload. Your basic research can be completed just by reading the company's website; you might also conduct a simple search online for more information. If possible, seek out workers within the company and ask them what to expect in the particular line of work that you are interested in. Finding out the company culture can help decide if the job is a good fit; it will also help narrow down how many resumes and cover letters you wish to send out.

Naturally, a good cover letter and resume will help for any position. Make sure that you revise and tailor each resume and cover letter to the position and company you are applying for; a generic copy of either will be noted by the company and most likely tossed into the trash. Your resume should serve to list relevant work experience, not just every job you've ever had in your life. Make sure you have a good list of references with accurate contact information. Finally, make sure your cover letter stands out and explains both whom you are and how you would fit in with the particular job or company. Think of your cover letter as a way to advertise and package yourself - what impression would you want someone to have of you? How would you like to be remembered? Make sure to stand out as much as possible.

Once the resume and cover letters have been written, it's time to get in contact you're your potential jobs. Don't be afraid to post your resume on job listing websites like www.craigslist.com, www.careerbuilder.com, or www.monster.com; however, I would advise to research any company that you apply for on these websites, as it is sometimes difficult to separate the serious jobs from the pyramid schemes. For companies that do their hiring via the Internet, make sure that you send all supporting documents in the format suggested. If you have applied for a position and have not heard back in a week, give the HR department a call to confirm that they have received your information.

While on the job hunt, you can also try visiting temp agencies, where seasonal or temporary positions can often lead to full-time work. While you meet with a representative of the agency, he or she will assess your skills, educational background, and work experience and find a spot where you would be a good match. With this option, you may be able to start by filling in for a worker on leave and eventually move up in the company.

Most importantly, make connections with professionals in your field. One good way to get started would be to apply for an internship in your field. Even though you might not get paid, you will get rewarded with experience, thus making you a strong candidate for a position. Companies often like to hire interns, as they are familiar with the intern's work ethic and skills. Finally, seek out family members or friends who work in your desired career and ask for help. Some may feel that this is a cop out or a way to avoid having to search for a job; however, employment is often about who you know. If anything, you'll be able to get advice about what steps to take next.

Hopefully by the end of this arduous process, you will have found your dream job, or you will at least be on the right track! Best of luck to everyone entering the job market these days; with hard work and diligence, you will succeed!