Of all age groups,15-24 year-olds are the most likely to struggle with unemployment. What can you do to ensure that you secure a job right out of university?
As your name is called by the announcer, you nervously make your way down the stage. There are cheers, applause, hoots from the crowd. Maybe you give out a wave, or maybe a half-smile. Regardless, you reach the dean and your degree is conferred. Your months of hard work have paid off in style, and you have officially climbed another rung of the education ladder. Congratulations, you are a graduate now!
However, there is a strong possibility that the excitement you originally held about stepping into the job market is steadily replaced by anxiousness when convocation wraps up. The pressure to find a position as quickly as possible starts mounting – especially considering how important one’s first job is in determining the course of the rest of one’s career. But you struggle to even get a call-back for a role relating to your area of study.
Above all, you dread being asked the same question over and over again:
“So, what’re your plans now?”
If that sounded even remotely like your situation, worry not – it is common to find yourself lost in your post-graduation job search, and even more common to be overcome by feelings of mediocrity and disheartenment when that happens. These are all normal parts of growing up, and many of us have gone through the same journey. Remember, it’s okay.
To start you off on a successful professional path, then, here is the first part (of a 3-part series), which will explore the list of ways you can secure your first job after graduation.
1. Maybe consider postponing the job hunt
We understand that you are eager to enter the professional world as soon as you get handed your shiny diploma – it is an exciting time, after all! But have you ever considered that maybe you need a small break before that?
The three to five years we spend at university are grueling. We are constantly delegated assignments, deadlines, and projects, and are supposed to balance them with extracurriculars, volunteer-work, and a social life. This leaves us no room to think about what we want to pursue after graduation.
Take a gap year, half-year, or even a couple of months to think that through. You could work part-time until then, or consider enrolling for an overseas volunteer service. It is important to give yourself a breather, because the professional world – especially at the beginning – would require your undivided attention and commitment. You do not want to rush into it.
2. When you feel ready, blueprint your job search process
Maybe you took that break, maybe you did not. Both routes are okay, because everyone feels ready at a different pace.
When you are feeling prepared to commit your time to researching positions, make sure to find a career that catches your eye. Look up options that your major opens for you, both through the internet and through your network. Talk to friends, too (preferably ones who graduated with or before you). You will realize that either they would be looking for a job at the same time as you (and thus be able to offer support) or would have already landed one (in which case they could give you tips for success).
Once you have that down, dedicate yourself to some homework. This could involve looking up a few job postings (preferably 10-12) on LinkedIn or Indeed, that you are confident about applying to based on your career interests. Remember, you do not need to apply to thousands of roles; not only is this unnecessarily time-consuming, but would also deteriorate the quality of your applications. Instead, focus on filling out these few applications properly, and follow up with the employers if need be.
3. Consider hiring a mentor/career coach
Not everyone – in fact, most – are not able to find the right career tools by themselves. In that case, consider turning to someone who specializes in helping people develop their professional profile. These career coaches could prove to be especially helpful in the job search process, as they hold exclusive knowledge on labour market trends, industry requirements, and open positions.
At SkilledWorker.com, we provide you with industry-leading career coaching services, covering everything discussed above and so much more. Moreover, there are specific packages for specific career paths (such as our Nurse package and the Physician package), catering to international candidates looking to get hired in Canada.
So go ahead, check out SkilledWorker.com today!
