Summer Job Search Tips For New Grads & Career Starters

Starting your career right after you graduate can feel like a monumental task. Figuring out where to start can feel overwhelming at times, and finding the perfect position may seem like an impossibility. Nevertheless, there are several ways to ease the stress and turn your job search into the start of your career. Once you bring some structure into your application process, ensure that your materials are in top shape, and remind yourself to take some space and recognize your progress, you’ll be acing interviews in no time!

Define Your Guidelines

The most effective way you can help yourself while job hunting is by setting clear guidelines. For example, have a number in mind that you won’t compromise on when it comes to compensation. Do some research based on your field, of course, but knowing your number will allow you to move past roles that are lowballing you, saving you the application time.

Another guideline that can help you effectively search for jobs is the type of work you’re willing to do. Most people come out of college with an idea in mind of what they want to do for work. Whether or not this is you, identifying the job you would like to do will help you cut down on time spent on considering positions you wouldn’t want to work in. These clearly set boundaries will give you a checklist you can use whenever you look at a job listing, allowing you to direct your time effectively. 

Assess Your Strengths & Interests

Simply deciding the type of work you would like to do can be an effective long-term goal to work towards, but the reality of the job market is that relevant experience is the golden standard for employment. With such a large applicant pool due to the use of online job boards, companies simply aren’t hiring people who haven’t proven themselves in the position before. While this fact of the job market can be daunting for recent graduates with limited experience, the reality is that you have plenty of relevant experience in a ton of fields: you simply need to identify it.

Before starting your job search, identify a list of hard and soft skills you have that you think will be attractive to employers. Be sure to include the coursework, internships, or experience that shows your ability to use that skill. Once you have these skills, identify the jobs you’re applying for where those skills are relevant. When you use this skill-first method of job searching, along with the guidelines you set earlier, you’ll find your future employer in no time. 

Polish Your Application Materials

The first and often unnoticed application material your job receives is your digital footprint. Be sure that your social media accounts are representing your best self. Update your LinkedIn profile with your most up-to-date information and a professional photo. It may be helpful to Google yourself and see what comes up first, as that is likely what recruiters and hiring managers will be doing once they receive your application. Your internet presence may be the first impression that you get; do your best to make it a good one.

Resume Tailoring Tips

The introduction of AI into the hiring world has made resumes feel a bit more complicated. Now, your resume needs to stand up to a potential AI screening and a regular review from the recruiter or hiring team. Because of this dual nature, resumes have become a hot topic in the hiring world, with many common mistakes present in nearly every resume.

The hard truth about resumes is that the best resumes are tailored to the position you’re applying for. Your experience won’t change, but the way you present it will, and the keywords you use to share your experience should vary greatly based on the position you’re applying for. With the breadth of applicants each job posting receives, the time each team spends on your resume may only be a few seconds. Get the most out of that time by keeping your resume simple and to the point.

Write A Standout Cover Letter

In your cover letter, be sure to emphasize the way your experience is applicable to the role you’re applying for. The more specific you are, the better. Specificity shows that you understand what you bring to the table while simultaneously showing potential employers that you’ve done your homework on them.

Working from a template can make cover letters easier to write, but never sacrifice authenticity when writing a cover letter. Cover letters, unlike resumes, are the company’s chance to understand you better as a person. Speaking in robotic tones through a template may help you write the cover letter faster, but it’ll cause your letter to appear uninspired and standard. Therefore, it’s crucial when you use a cover letter template to take the time to read over the letter and make sure it represents you the way you want it to.

Stay Consistent Without Burning Out

The reality of job searching today is that many people are making it harder on themselves for no reason. They stress out about how many applications they’re completing each day because they lack structure in their application process. To avoid burnout and stay healthy while searching for your next position, there are a few things every applicant should do.

Firstly, a structured approach to job applications is key. The best way to do this is to block out time for job applications or refining your application materials. This way, you have time set aside for single-minded work. Not only does this help make you more productive, but this time block approach also helps do away with the guilt that eats at some applicants when they aren’t applying to jobs. Setting aside time for applications means that when you are outside of those designated hours, you’re able to give yourself a break and not beat yourself up because you aren’t applying for jobs right that second.

In a similar vein, tracking your progress is a great way to make yourself feel your forward progress. Using tools like spreadsheets or job application trackers helps you stay organized and up to date on the progress you’ve made in your job hunt. When you track your application progress, you’re able to celebrate small wins by marking down how many applications you completed that day or how many jobs you heard back from. This positive feedback loop is a great way to keep yourself motivated and on track.

Take Advantage Of Summer Opportunities

Keeping yourself busy with summer positions is a great way to open doors after you graduate. Temp work, internships, and even volunteering can all be the way that you kickstart your career. These opportunities all offer the chance to gain valuable experience in a field of your choice, regardless of the current outlook in the hiring field. Using this type of temporary work is also a great way to take the pressure off your shoulders to find a full-time position.

Build New Skills

Learning doesn’t stop after you leave college, and it certainly can start right away. Building your skills after you graduate is a great way to gain relevant experience and certifications in your field of choice, while also showing that you’re still engaged and willing to learn. Using free or low-cost online courses is a great way to build your knowledge base while keeping the information accessible. Use this developmental time to grow and show proficiency in skills that align with your target roles. This might include Excel or a coding language, or it may be a course that helps you improve your communication. Whatever you choose, remember that investing in yourself is the greatest investment you can ever make.

Partner With Premier

Working with a staffing agency like Premier is a great way to kickstart your career. Whether you’re ready to jump into a full-time position or you’re looking to test the waters with a contract role, Premier has you covered. Our exceptional team of recruiters are ready to help you find the perfect position. Learn more today about what Premier can do for you!