For college students, COVID-19 led to more than just changes in how they attended classes. Those who finished up their studies during the pandemic entered into a very different job market.
Opportunities may have been fewer and farther between, and competition for those roles might have increased. In some cases, finding positions in certain fields seemed nearly impossible. Particularly for grads who had their eyes on industries that were suddenly shut down due to stay-at-home orders or other restrictions.
Even though unemployment rates are declining. The job market is still challenging for many new grads. Luckily, there are things you can do to secure a position. Thereby, allowing you to launch your career faster. If you aren’t sure where to begin. Here are some job search tips for recent college graduates.
Don’t Just Rely on Major Job Boards
While major job boards can certainly list opportunities. They are also more widely used. This means that applicants there may face more competition. Mainly because these are the go-to job search resources for so many.
Now, this doesn’t mean you have to abandon major job boards entirely. Instead, don’t rely on them alone. Create job alerts on those sites to automate your search results. Then, head to industry-, field-, of location-specific job boards to tap into different opportunities. You can also go to social media sites. As well as the career pages of employers in your area.
By broadening where you look for opportunities, you may find out about openings that you’d otherwise miss. Plus, competition on smaller sites may be less than what you’d find on the major boards, making it easier to stand out from the competition.
Explore Contract Positions
While many college grads want to snag permanent positions right out of college, the job market today does make that more difficult. Many companies need greater flexibility when it comes to their workforce, allowing them to adjust to changing situations caused by the pandemic with greater ease. As a result, they are increasingly seeking out short-term hires instead of permanent team members.
Contract positions can actually be a boon for new grads. They allow you to acquire new skills, expand your professional network, and even try out an employer, industry, or niche without having to commit long-term. Plus, if you perform admirably in the job, there’s a chance that the company will extend a permanent job offer, allowing you to transition into a permanent role.
Partner with a Staffing Firm
Whether you’re looking for permanent or contract positions, partnering with a staffing firm is a great way to secure an opportunity after graduating from college. You get a job search ally who is familiar with the local market. Plus, they can increase the odds of you finding a great fit the first time, ensuring the job meets your needs, too.
By working with a recruiter, you’ll also gain access to an expert who can assist you in numerous ways. Whether you need to target a resume, practice interviewing, or anything else to land a job, they can help you hone your application and job search skills.
If you’d like support during your first job search after earning your college degree, the team at GSG Talent Solutions wants to hear from you. Contact us today.