If you are graduating soon there’s a big chance you’ve already participated in a couple of internship programs, and maybe one of those could lead you to a full-time paid position! But if that’s not the case and your professional future is still uncertain, we have a few tips to help you land a job in your field.
Don’t panic! Even though you might be overwhelmed thinking there isn’t enough time, keep searching for jobs online and applying for them. But also talk to the people you know; let everyone know you are looking for a job in accounting, for example. Maybe a friend from university or a family friend knows of a job opening and can submit your resume directly to the HR representative responsible for recruiting.
Contact companies you have interned or applied for in the past. In the job market, a “no” means “not now”, so only because there were no positions for you a few months ago, it doesn’t mean there won’t be anything available now.
Keep networking. You’ll have better chances of getting called for an interview if someone personally refers you for the job. For the HR manager, it is a lot easier to interview someone who’s been recommended than to go through a huge pile of resumes.
If you can’t get a job at one of the companies you were hoping for, try doing something different. Maybe volunteer or go for an alternative route. If you are hired to do the accounting of an emerging musical group or local childcare centre, for example, it will count as relevant experience in the future when you apply for a big accounting firm again.
The most important thing is to keep calm and keep trying. Most people will get a job eventually, and if you are qualified and determined, there is no reason why you wouldn’t.
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Employers often check people’s social media presence before making final hiring decisions so make sure yours won’t put a stain on your reputation and hamper your career, or job search.