Job Hunting Tips for New Grads and Seasoned Professionals

Whether you recently graduated or have years of experience, job hunting can be stressful and time consuming. The job market is extremely competitive, with no guarantee you’ll hear back on the many applications you’ve submitted.

When this happens, it may feel like nothing is working in your favor, but keep applying. Improve your job hunting skills and boost your chances at landing an interview with these tips:

Network, network, network.

LinkedIn is a great networking platform. It’s ideal for showcasing your professional life and is where many recruiters look for potential candidates.

Grads: Networking is a great way to get your foot in an otherwise closed door. Often, if you ask, your professor will be more than happy to connect with you on LinkedIn and recommend you to someone they know will help you in your career.

Professionals: Use LinkedIn to keep in contact with colleagues and connect with peers you meet at conferences and workshops. They may know of a potential opportunity and can get you in contact with the appropriate person.

Also consider in-person networking through local events and meetings. Networking requires consistent effort – expecting results immediately will likely leave you frustrated, so try to strengthen your connection over time by meeting for coffee or lunch.

Check social media accounts.

Most companies use social media to promote their business and job openings, and are likely to check applicants’ social accounts.

Grads: Before starting your job search, carefully review your profiles to ensure there’s nothing an employer might find condemning. In fact, find a second set of eyes to review it for you.

Professionals: Maintain your social media profiles so they accurately reflect who you are.

Perfect your resume. 

When a recruiter notices a grammatical or formatting error on your resume, it’ll quickly be dismissed. This is one of the easiest yet most costly mistakes you can make, so proofread several times before submitting it.

Grads: Most likely, you don’t have a lot of work experience yet, but that’s okay… highlight your skills and include your credentials. Having a visually appealing format is a great way give a good first impression. Add any achievements, volunteer work, group or community service, and education that’s relevant to your field of interest.

Professionals: As a seasoned professional, your work experience may exceed the ideal length of a resume: one page. If you have years of experience, include the most relevant experience to the position you’re applying for. Utilize a second page only if it’s necessary to better show you’re the ideal candidate.

Tailor your resume to the specific position you’re applying for to increase your chance of standing out.

Create a unique cover letter. 

A cover letter provides the opportunity to explain your interest in the position, but avoid talking about why you want the position. Instead, illustrate how you’re the best solution to the company’s problem (job opening).

Grads: Include any soft skills you have that are relevant to the position, as well as participation in school activities and internships. If you were an honors student with a good GPA, this would be a great addition to a cover letter. Be sure to express why you would be an asset to the company.

Professionals: Look at the job posting and compare it with your skills and experiences. If it relates, include it in your cover letter to convey your qualifications and why you’re the best match.

Utilize job boards. 

There are countless job boards that will help your job search and increase your chances of finding the perfect opportunity.

Grads: When using job boards, filter your criteria into “entry-level” jobs or “internships”, to find jobs most suitable to your work experience. Many universities have their own job board, so this is always something to look into. Another huge job resource at your university is attending career fairs. These allow you to meet one-on-one with potential employers, hand out your resume, make connections and leave a lasting impression.

Professionals: Like with recent grads, you can filter your search results based on your location or experience level within a field. Many job boards allow you to upload your resume, so you can apply with a click of a button wherever you go. Consider looking into career centers in your area as well.

Be flexible. If you’re struggling to find a position that looks suitable to you, consider broadening your horizons and rethink the fields you are considering. Think about how you can change your search criteria to bring up new options. The right opportunity might not be the one most expected.

Don’t give up. Looking for jobs can be exhausting, but new opportunities open up every day so it’s important to persevere. Use these tips when job hunting, and before you know, it the right opportunity will come available. Don’t expect this to happen without putting in serious work though, so don’t give up.

Check out our Job Seeker Resources page for more advice on resume, cover letters, and job interview to assist you during your job search.