If
You Don't Have a Job at Graduation
By: Kelli Robinson
Every graduating student hopes for a smooth
transition from graduation day to the first day on the
job. However, due to the poor economy and tight job
market, many students will face a glitch in the transition.
They'll still be job hunting after they receive their
diplomas. Don't panic if you don't have a job waiting
for you after graduation. The following ideas-along
with a positive attitude-could help you land the job
you’re seeking.
1. Know where to look for jobs
Temporary
and Employment Agencies
Temporary and employment agencies can offer the foot-in-the-door
opportunity you need. Companies use employment agencies
to complete the initial screening of applicants for
a job opening. Companies may use employees sent from
temp agencies to determine if a person is capable of
doing the job on a permanent basis.
If you consider using a temp agency, do your homework.
Avoid any agencies that charge fees. Additionally, know
that if you take a job through an employment agency,
you technically work for the agency and not the company.
Translation: No benefits.
Internships
More and more companies turn to their intern pool when
an entry-level position becomes available-and some companies
offer internships to graduates. Companies like to hire
their interns because these people are already familiar
with the company and job responsibilities. This saves
the company time and training. An internship may not
be your best-case scenario because it may be unpaid,
but an internship keeps your skills sharp and gives
you the opportunity to showcase your talents.
Part-time Jobs
The ideal situation after graduation is finding full-time
employment. But today's job market doesn't present as
many ideal situations. A part-time position avoids an
employment gap on your resume and helps pay the bills.
Consider a position with a restaurant. Wait staff and
bartenders can earn a substantial paycheck. In addition,
working the evening shift keeps your days open for job
searching, networking meetings, and job interviews.
2. Look for networking opportunities
Networking is a key job-search tool. Many cities have
young professionals groups that provide recent college
graduates with opportunities to socially and professionally
network. The groups sponsor meet-and-greet events at
restaurants, attend cultural and sporting events, and
even organize recreational sports leagues. You can search
for the groups on the Internet, call the career services
office at a local college, or check with the local Chamber
of Commerce.
3. Use your campus career services office
Whether it's your first time visiting the office or
you're a repeat visitor, your campus career services
office can still be a great job search resource after
graduation. Check with the office to find out what services
are available to you as an alumnus.
4. Check with other college career services
offices
If you move after graduation - either home or to another
city using your alma mater's career services office
may not be helpful. But the career services office of
a campus near you may. Many career services offices
participate in a reciprocity program, which allows graduates
of one college to use the services of another office
closer to their location.
Contact the career services offices at colleges and
universities near you to find out what services may
be available for you to use. Shop around. Some colleges
charge fees for reciprocity students and some offer
more resources than others.
5. Remember: summer is slow
It's ironic that college graduation usually occurs in
the spring. Graduates are geared up for their job search
just when companies are approaching a lull. Many companies
tend to be more relaxed in the summer months and hiring
isn't as frequent. Organizations usually increase their
hiring as the fall approaches. Keep looking and you'll
be first in line for those opportunities.
6. Be realistic
Even the most diligent job seeker must allow time. The
average job search can take months to complete, depending
on your geographic location and industry. If you're
expecting to find a job within weeks after graduation,
you should reevaluate your timeline to avoid disappointment.
7. Keep looking
Finding a job is a full-time job. Develop a plan and
stick with it. The job isn't going to find you. Know
you’ll have days that are more productive than others.
The key is to keep searching.
Kelli Robinson is a freelance writer
from Mooresville, North Carolina who served as a career
adviser in the Placement and Career Services Office
at the University of Pittsburgh.
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