How hard is it to get a job after college?

Getting a job is a basic and central role in life for human beings, because it allows the satisfaction of economic needs and because of its interrelation with other areas of life. Getting a job depends on too many factors but, in general, we could say that the fact that it is more or less easy.

In this brief guide, we’re going to answer the question “How hard is it to get a job after college?’’ tips for getting a job after college and how to find a job without work experience.

How hard is it to get a job after college?

Leaving a university degree and facing the world of work is usually a process full of changes and emotions. And although interests are as diverse as people, joining the job market is the dream of many who want to start generating their income and building their working life.

No matter what area you have chosen, be it science or humanities, job hunting will always be a challenge, especially when you don’t have significant work experience. This is the case for most recent graduates, who generally only have a six-month internship or professional practice.

The process of looking for your first job can take a long time. Don’t give up, not everyone can get a job right after finishing school. Even less, work on what you have studied. It won’t be easy, although not impossible

Returning to our main question, How hard is it to get a job after college? that can vary depending on various factors

Lack of follow up

Graduates are generally not serious about looking for work and underestimating it. Lack of commitment and effort reduce your opportunities. Companies will show greater interest in those who demonstrate that they’ll give their all within the workplace.

Competition

Upon graduation, a student will have to compete fiercely with the other hundreds of graduates looking for the same job, so strategies should be sought to stand out because even the best grades won’t be enough to have the job you dreamed of.

Work experience

Depending on the position you apply for, more or less experience will be required. You’re more likely to find work in what you have not trained, but don’t forget that many of today’s great professionals worked for free in the beginning. Experience has a cost. Value the opportunities that the market gives you.

Without skills

Along with the experience come valuable skills that make it easier to get a job. As you haven’t worked previously, it’s very likely that you don’t have the necessary skills or abilities to have a good resume, so you would easily be ruled out.

Lack of communication skills

What if you’ve great ideas but don’t know how to express them? This can greatly affect your chance of being hired. Both in group presentations, as in the presentation of reports or creation of proposals, it’s necessary to be able to articulate and have developed the ability to express oneself correctly in oral and written form.

Tips for getting a job after college

Once you finish university, it’s time to search for a job, a difficult task although not impossible if you follow the right steps.

Focus on one path

Upon graduation, many people tend to work in jobs that have nothing to do with the career they studied, perhaps due to the need to pay bills or some other cause. However, doing so can set you back a few years from entering a career-related job, so focus on looking for a position in your niche.

Having a degree allows you the luxury of being able to enter different levels of work, so take advantage of it.

Make the most of Universities

Use all the resources that the University offers you. Most universities have agreements to carry out internships in companies and public entities in order to incorporate students into the labor market.

Logically, not all university students can enter these positions.

Ideally, you should get in touch with the University, either in person or online, so that they can guide you on the different programs that you can access after finishing your studies. 

There aren’t only opportunities for internships. There are also opportunities to obtain a scholarship or volunteer to complement your studies and where you gain experience at a national or international level.

Continue learning and Learn new skills

Training is essential. Never stop learning. Proper training and constantly renewing yourself will open the doors not only to your first job after finishing your degree but also to whatever job you want to apply for later. There are many ways to train today, either online or in person.

Take advantage of the time you’ve left in your job search to learn new skills. Doing this can make a big difference when applying for an offer, as it makes you a more competitive candidate.

Pay attention to your LinkedIn profile and your CV

It’s an essential step in your job search. Not only do you have to have one on paper, but also use LinkedIn.

Not everything is about having a page that numbers your studies, languages and experience. It’s also about showing it to the world.

Take a few minutes to think about how to present important information about your life, your education, your experience (if you did an internship) and your skills. Do you have questions about how to create a profile that stands out? ask someone you know who knows you to consolidate this information.

The best way to expose your resume is by creating a profile on LinkedIn. Take advantage of this social network to present the best of yourself and start looking for contacts.

Send emails to companies

Investigating the Human Resources contacts of the companies you would like to work for is another of the advice given by Top Universities. Writing and sending them the curriculum, or contacting them through LinkedIn are their recommendations, as well as including a short cover letter, which would be equivalent to an elevator speech.

In this short speech, you describe who you’re, the skills you’ve, and what you can contribute to the company.

How to find a job without work experience?

Have you just finished your studies and can’t find a job because companies demand work experience from you?

Like you, there are a lot of young people who are overwhelmed when they finish studying. Unfortunately, nobody wants to hire them because they have no experience in that field.

In fact, 80% of companies are looking for experienced candidates. Shocking, right?

After hearing this, surely your mind doesn’t stop turning to the same thing: if they never give me the opportunity, how am I going to gain experience?

Here are some tips to find a job without work experience:

Sell yourself creatively

When you go to apply for a job, companies look at different factors. In many cases, it doesn’t matter so much the studies you’ve as the skills and abilities you may have to develop a certain job.

When you go to apply for your first job, you’ve to give your resume a few different strokes so that it stands out from the rest and employers to see that you’re the ideal person for the position.

For example, personality, skills, creativity … will be factors to take into account when approaching your application for a first job. Have you been part of a sports team? Have you competed? Have you studied abroad? Have you done any volunteering? Speaking in public?… Find your strength and highlight it according to the job you’re applying for.

Practice even if you don’t earn a penny

The only way to gain experience is by doing professional internships even if you don’t receive any financial benefit in return.

I know you don’t like working for free, but think that it will be temporary and that this experience will help you grow in your career. It is a unique opportunity, don’t waste it!

Modernize your resume or CV

Have several resumes, depending on the job market you’re targeting. For example, if you have studied Advertising, you’ll design a CV focused on this sector. But if you also have other skills and want to look for work in the field of teaching, you must have a CV adapted to this other sector.

Another recommendation that I give you is that you have several models of cover letter ready.

This will help you enhance your skills. And in it, you can show the enthusiasm you feel for being part of the team, and where you can make it very clear what your motivation is. An important point that the interviewer will take into account.

Personal brand

Today nothing is more powerful than a good personal brand.

A strong personal brand can lead to your first “inexperienced” job. In fact, you may not even have to look for work, companies will look for you and make you a good offer.

Make sure you’re on LinkedIn, network, create a blog, take care of your social networks, contact other people in your niche, share, write, publish, create videos … Everything you can to gain ground with your personal brand, make you look, stands out from the rest.

The good thing about creating your own personal brand is that you can do it without spending just money and do it in your spare time while you study. Focus on this point.

So, How hard is it to get a job after college?

The transition from being a university student to entering the labor market is a process that for some few can be successful, but for many others it is usually a rough and difficult road.

Many of us started a professional career hoping that after graduating we could make a radical change in our lives. We dream of becoming economically independent and being a support to our own. However, establishing a job isn’t as simple as you imagine.

The economy has changed a lot in recent years, and most young people – and not so young – feel completely lost in this new job market. Borders have disappeared and competition has increased

The ease or difficulty of getting a job after college will depend on luck and factors such as work experience, skills, and resume. However with determination it will never be impossible to reach the goal you want.

FAQSs: How hard is it to get a job after college?

In this brief guide, we answered the question “How hard is it to get a job after college?’’ tips for getting a job after college and how to find a job without work experience.

So, is it hard to get a job after college?

If you have any questions or comments please let us know.

References

5 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job After College. (2020). Retrieved October 9, 2020, from Investopedia website: https://www.investopedia.com/financial-edge/0512/5-ways-to-increase-your-chances-of-getting-a-job-after-college.aspx

Staff Writers. (2018, May 10). Can’t Find a Job After College? Try These Expert Tips. Retrieved October 9, 2020, from LearnHowToBecome.org website: https://www.learnhowtobecome.org/career-resource-center/cant-find-job-after-college/

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