6 Secrets for Getting Your Dream Job After College

Are you graduating soon and feeling anxious about getting your dream job? If so, know that you're not alone. Many people go through this same situation, wondering how they will pay off their student loan debt.

If you already have your dream job in mind or are still considering your options, you'll want to continue reading. There are plenty of secrets for getting your dream job after college- we gathered all of them here for you! Here's what you need to know.

1. Choose Your Dream Job and Don't Settle

First, start by choosing your dream job. You'll want to do research online and determine the following:

  • What type of work makes you happy?
  • What are your unique strengths?
  • Do you know people in the field to talk with?
  • What are your goals for your career?

Once you have determined your dream job, you mustn't settle for less. If you do, you may end up disliking your job. Many people choose an occupation for the money but grow to hate it as time goes on. Instead, you want to choose something you love and never settle for anything less than that.

It always helps to write out lists. You can make a list of your dream jobs, strengths, and goals. These lists can even help come up with answers to the most popular interview questions later on.

2. Always Grow Your Network

Next, you must start growing your network in college. As a senior, you're likely to know people in the field you want to get in. Start by collecting names, numbers, business cards, and even talk with people online. You want to communicate with people who can help you get into your dream field.

Additionally, you must always follow up with those in your network. Young professionals often make the mistake of not following up and risk being forgotten. Responding and initiating contact with professionals will help guide you into your dream occupation.

There are so many different ways that you can grow your professional network. The sooner you start, the better off you'll be when graduation time comes.

3. Set Up Interviews Early

Photo by Christina @ wocintechchat.com on Unsplash

Many companies consider college seniors. You'll want to start applying to jobs early on, so you have time for many interviews. Keep in mind that not every application you fill out will lead to your hiring. However, you can use interviews to build your professional network and work on your interview skills. You gain more insight into what your dream job is like with each meeting.

Setting up the interviews while still in school makes it much more likely that you get a job right out of college. Make sure to follow up interviews with a "thank you" email; doing so lets the employer know you appreciate them taking the time to meet with you.

During the interview, you want to "position" yourself. This tactic means you want to make the job seem tailor-made for you. You can do this by bringing up the strengths and skills you have that are essential for the position. Often, the interviewer will ask what skills you have, but you want to make sure you discuss them thoroughly to "position" yourself.

Many people hesitate to set up interviews while they're still in school. However, the sooner you start your job search, the more likely you will get your dream job after college.

4. Respond to Employers Quickly

If you receive a response from an employer, make sure you respond to them that day. Interviewers often want to fill the position as fast as possible. The sooner you respond, the more interested in the work you seem. If you wait longer than a day to respond, you're not likely to be considered for the job opening. The company may have already chosen someone else for the role.

Employers can reach out to you in several ways, with email and phone calls being the most preferred method today. You'll want to check your email often and make sure to check for missed calls. As soon as you're available, you should contact the employer again.

5. Visit Your College's Career Office

You want to visit the college career office before you graduate. Most schools help you build resumes, portfolios and even offer mock interviews. These centers are an excellent resource to use- your school may even have job postings in the office or online.

If you have time for an internship, you'll want to discuss it with the career office. You can receive college credits for the training, among many other benefits for your future career. Overall, it would help if you visited the career office a few times before graduating. 

However, if you happen to be attending classes remotely, you can call your college's career center. They'll let you know what other options you have. Plus, the office will still assist you with your resume, portfolio, internship, or job hunts if you send them your information through email. 

6. Explore Various Job Sites

Photo by Nick Morrison on Unsplash

It's never too early to start making accounts on job websites. You'll find plenty of resources for building your portfolio and discover a vast selection of jobs in your desired field.

Many of these job sites also have apps, making it convenient for you to browse through job postings at your leisure. You can even filter the jobs to find entry-level positions faster.

Overall, you'll want to start building up your resume and online portfolios now. These jobs sites act as an efficient platform to sort through hundreds of open positions at a time.

7. Your CV

Make sure you have an up to date CV/Resume. It is advisable to customise it for each job you apply for, highlighting the skills which are mentioned in the job advert.

Stay Confident

An employer is looking for a young professional just like you right now! You'll want to keep your confidence as you start your job hunt. Being sure of yourself will help you build high-quality resumes, create a robust and professional network, and nail those interviews.

Overall, your dream job is waiting for you! As long as you use the six secrets above, you'll be able to find your dream occupation in no time.


About the Author: Joel Aldridge

Having perused an immense volume of job adverts, Joel is on an unwavering mission to guide companies towards enhancing the calibre and quantity of their applicant pool. He fervently promotes the inclusion of salary details in job adverts and emphasises weaving in a company's ethos and optimistic job perspectives to attract top talent.



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