Degree to Career: Post-Grad Job Search Tips

Graduation is quickly approaching, and post-grad plans are becoming the primary topic of conversation. Now that you have your degree, what do you do with it?

For many this next step is entering the workforce and starting their career. But it isn't as simple as it seems. The post-grad job hunt can often be stressful and draining. However, it doesn't have to be! Here is a comprehensive guide on how to set yourself up for success post-graduation.

Resume, Cover Letter, & Portfolio

As we all know, many job applications require a resume, cover letter, and or portfolio to showcase your expertise and experience that makes you qualified for a position. It is important to know how to showcase your talents and skills to effectively market yourself to future employers. Spelling, formatting, and keywords are very important in making your resume and cover letter stand out. Many companies use ATS, or applicant tracking systems, to sort through applications efficiently. These systems use AI to filter through resumes and applications quickly, so keywords and formatting are important to get it past the robot and into a human’s hands.

Cover letters have become a topic of much debate lately as they are starting to go out of fashion for many employers. However, it is still good to have one prepared if the company does require it. Your cover letter serves as a pitch for why you are interested in the company, what skills/experience you bring to the table, and how you could have a positive impact on their team. It is recommended to have a template that you can interchange and tailor based on the application/company.

Portfolios are another way to showcase your experience and skills in a more visual format. This is typically not required for many industries, but in creative fields, it is a must. Portfolios are all about effective storytelling. You can use it to showcase projects you’ve worked on to show your thought process or how you solve problems. These serve as case studies to employers to see how you work and how you came to the final solution.

Resources & Platforms

Now that you are prepared with your resume & cover letter, it is great to get another set of eyes on it to review and improve it. Auburn University Career & Discovery is an amazing resource that you can utilize while enrolled, but also after you graduate. Schedule a meeting with your career advisor to let them know your goals and they can help you locate weak spots in your resume. They also have connections to Auburn Alum who have come before you and have several references/resources they can provide. Also, attend workshops and lunch and learns to learn more about different job platforms, learn about mistakes to avoid, and hear from your peers about internships/career experiences.

When it comes to job search platforms, many rely solely on LinkedIn to find jobs and connect with employers. While LinkedIn is one of the most widely used of the following, it doesn’t always have jobs catering to entry-level careers. Platforms such as Handshake and WayUp have specific entry-level positions and internships that cater directly to college students. Also, other sites like Indeed, ZipRecruiter, and Glassdoor are great resources for seeing what previous employees have to say and finding more positions not listed on other sites. If you are looking for something more industry-specific, use professional organizations and industry-specific job boards to find different companies and positions actively accepting applicants.

The Power of the Auburn Family

And finally, one of the best resources is the Auburn family. The network of alumni spans the entire globe and is always willing to share insight or resources. Reach out to alumni via LinkedIn or the Auburn Alumni Association to grab a coffee or chat about what they do and if they have any other connections. In the current job market where who you know is just as valuable as your experience, the Auburn family is great company to have!

Keep Things in Perspective

Apart from all the technical things you can do to prepare for your job search, there are other things you should keep in mind as well. As graduation draws closer or shortly after, you will see people accepting offers and starting their first jobs. Do not let comparison deter you or undermine your confidence. It can be easy to feel “behind” or not on track. Everyone is on a different path and you don’t necessarily need to have a job right out of school either. Many people's post-grad life looks completely different and isn't always as perfect as it may seem on social media. It is important to prioritize yourself and find the job that works for you, not just because it is showy on your resume. And be proud of yourself for how much you have already accomplished to get you across that stage!

Wishing you the best of luck in your job searches and post-graduation.

Be Well, Auburn.