Bridge Insights

Ask a Recruiter: How Can I Prepare for a Job Search?

Jul 27, 2022

Searching for your first post-college full-time position can seem intimidating. Here are 6 tips to assist you with your job search. 

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1. It is never too early to start your search

Start networking and accepting internships while you are still in school. These connections can open doors for your future career. You may be offered a full-time role where you completed your internship, or you may be referred to a role you didn’t even know was available through your professional network. 

A two-page resume isn’t a deal breaker, but taking your resume into two-page territory is not a decision that should be taken lightly.

2. Refine your social presence

Many employers look at your social media profiles upon receiving your application. The posts and pictures you include in your profiles can make the difference on whether you are requested for an interview. Use your best judgement and only create posts you wouldn’t mind your prospective employer seeing.  If you must question whether a post is appropriate or not, then it is best to err on the side of caution and not post it. 

3. Create an updated resume

You never know when a great opportunity will present itself. If a potential employer asks you for a resume, it is best to have one ready to go. First impressions mean a lot and the last thing you want to do is seem as if you are not taking your job search seriously.  There are many recent college graduates looking for work, you need to have a competitive edge. This could be something as simple as having a resume ready to present quickly. If you are not sure how to prepare your resume to take advantage of your college career center. They are there to help you prepare your resume and assist in your networking options. You can also use an online database to get some good ideas for preparing a professional resume. 

4. Be open to different opportunities

Remain humble in your job search and be open to different possibilities. Even though you may not land your dream job right out of college it does not mean the job you do secure will not help you get there.  All opportunities can help build your skill set, resume, and network.  You need to start somewhere, and these experiences will help mold you into the professional you need to be to get you where you want to go.   

5. Take time to prepare for your interviews

Even if you do not get the job offer, every interview is still important because it builds your interview experience. The more practice you have the more comfortable and confident you will be in future interviews.   

  1. Research the company and interviewers 
  2. Practice basic interview questions 
  3. Arrive early 
  4. Bring printed copies of your resume to hand to your interviewers 
  5. Be confident but humble about your experience 
  6. Engage in two-way conversation with the interviewers and be an active participant 

6. Send a thank you note

A thank you note is a great way to showcase your professionalism, recap that you are the right fit for the role.  It also demonstrates your interest level in the position. A short note can go a long way with your interviewer and can be the tipping point of why you receive a job offer over another candidate with similar qualifications.  

Once you near the end of your senior year of college and upon graduation it is time to start your job search.  It can be hard to know where to start but these 6 tips can help point you in the right direction.