The trend of sticking to one job and getting retired from it is almost gone. Now a person has to switch multiple times to enhance career growth and to survive in this inflated economy where the cost of living is rising day by day. For every demanding job, a quality experience is required, but you also need a job to gain some experience.
Many students after graduating scratch their heads about how they will be able to find a job. Why is getting a job for graduates so difficult? Because the graduate job market is highly competitive and there is an unlimited number of qualified graduates searching for a job like you. And there are more than 100 applications for a single post.
Then how to find a job? It is already an overwhelming question that arises in many minds. While a Job search is also not an easy task for anyone, either he is searching for the first time or searching many times. In this article, we will analyze the channels or ways that are helpful in finding a job as well as which type of jobs you can find as a student and where you can find them after graduation.
There are two types of part-time jobs that a fresh graduate can approach to kick start his career along with studies. They are on-campus jobs and off-campus jobs. As a fresh graduate, such jobs help you to become competitive in the available market.
- On-Campus recruiting
On-campus jobs mean the type of employment offered by the educational institutions for their students. So, students can gain some extra income while studying. In the USA, students are eligible to get a job after completing their first year. These jobs include work like teaching assistant, research assistant, IT assistant, library assistant, dining hall worker, laboratory assistant, receptionist and some administrative work.
In Asian countries, big companies often offer employment opportunities or internship programs to recruit students.
- Off-Campus recruiting
Off-campus jobs are not related to educational institutions. Students need to seek work manually by searching and sending their resume directly to the desired companies.
The salary offered in jobs outside educational premises is obviously more than on-campus jobs. Off-campus jobs are exhausting and challenging. You have to try twice, thrice and even more times to get the job.
In the USA, international students are not permitted to work in off-campus jobs unless they have adequate authorization in the form of OPT or CPT or provide evidence regarding severe economic hardships.
Channels to find a Job
After graduation, there are also many ways of finding a job or to start a job search:
- Referrals & Networking
Networking and referral programs are a great way to find the right person at a right time for job openings. Before posting job opportunities on the company’s web page or advertising, internal or former employees are asked to recommend new hires. If their suggestion is a strong fit, then employees are rewarded for their help. It’s a win-win strategy.
You should build a network and make connections with valuable people around you and remind them constantly about searching a good job. Make a list of all the people you know (your family, close friends, professor, neighbors, classmates and co-workers). They might have knowledge about job openings or rather contacts in the company you want to apply to. Before reaching out & activating your network, you should have a clear vision of exactly what you want to move forward in your career path.
- Headhunters or Recruitment Agencies
Recruitment agencies provide professional help in your job search by linking you directly to the recruiters or hiring companies. Such recruitment agencies work as a third party and earn on a commission basis. Many organizations hire them to cut short the hiring process. As they actively search for work on your behalf, getting a job might be a quick process.
- Job fairs
Job fairs or Job Expos provide an excellent opportunity to meet and talk directly to big or multinational firms and recruiters. Their sole purpose is to provide jobs for job seekers and hunt for the best talent. You should try to attend such fairs to make a good impression on recruiters by speaking face-to-face with them. Fill out resumes along with cover letters for all companies you are interested in.
Before attending a job fair, you must dress professionally, practice communication skills to make good introduction, be confident and maintain good eye contact. The possible chance of your selection becomes higher.
- Social Media platforms
Social Media also plays some role in the job-hunting process. Many companies post opportunities related to every field on social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc. You can also join groups on many platforms to build connections with people or companies around the globe. You should display the details of your qualifications and skills in your profile with a professional photograph. Your well-optimized profile can enhance the chance of winning a good job.
- Career Websites
Career websites are also a good source for finding a job. If you don’t know any career websites, you should use search engines like Google or Bing to list the number of career-related websites that post job openings. Monster.com, CareerBuilder, Indeed, Glass Door, and FlexJobs are famous career websites where you can find jobs related to any field. Many other freelancing platforms like Upwork, Fiverr, Guru.com, PeoplePerHour, and Freelancer.com can be the other source of work.
- Cold Call on Company’s Website
If you are determined to join any particular company and assume your future growth therein, so go directly to the career section of that company’s website or drop a CV on their reception. You can also make a cold call by searching for contact details on the company’s website. And phone or email their working personnel to ask about upcoming vacancies.
- Internships & Training Programs
Internships are also an option for finding a job. Usually, well-known companies reach out to universities to offer internships (usually for one month). Internships can either be paid or unpaid. Sometimes these lead you to a permanent position in companies. As you are similar to their environment and they also get to know your abilities. So, the chances of your hiring by a firm are usually higher when you have done an internship.
Is finding a job with no experience easy?
Whenever you think to begin your career in life, the main drawback is always the lack of experience. And experience requires patience, energy, and time to grow. Even if you have no work experience, you can still hunt down a decent job with the right strategy. You can use your other talents, skills, and hobbies to become a stronger candidate in front of recruiters. If you enjoy music, you can be a musician or a music teacher. You can also use your soft skills like communication, time management, team-building, problem-solving, and leadership skills.
Sometimes recruiters are looking to access whether a newly hired graduate will perform evenly in their working environment, whether he meets deadlines or resolve problems and challenges that arise in a work environment.
Final Saying
Finding your dream job is a big challenge in this modern and competitive market, but not impossible. You reach the top of the cliff by climbing the whole mountain. So never give up. You should find daily updates for new job openings, be determined about your interest and career goal, receive career advice and job search tips from your social circle, and make a strong CV and Cover Letter. And finally, go through the above-mentioned channels to start a job hunt. You will achieve success one day.
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