Job Market is Eager for 2016 Graduates

​“This year’s college grads will be entering a job market eager to receive them, especially those with degrees in business, engineering and computer science, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE)” as quoted by SHRM.

That’s the good news. The question remains, is the college grad ready for the job search? Those I’ve worked with have some vague idea about resumes and LinkedIn, but are unaware of the skills and work necessary to land that first job. But, more good news. You’ve just graduated from college and you know how to learn. That’s good, because there is much to learn.
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Here are the key tools and skills a college grad needs for a successful job search:

1. A resume that is concise yet thorough. One that successfully passes through the applicant tracking system and ultimately gets the attention of recruiters. That alone is no small feat. Do you have a succinct objective statement? Have you listed your most relevant skills? Does your resume list crisp accomplishment statements with meaningful results? If not, you’ve got some work to do.
2. LinkedIn is where recruiters search for candidates. Take the time to build a professional profile. This is not Facebook. Think about your reader. What is it they want to see? Write your profile with them in mind. Have a professional profile picture, a headline that tells what you do, a summary statement in your own words that tells the reader what they need to know about you and your approach to work.
3. Have a strategy. Know what value you bring to the table, what work and what environment you are most suited for, and what companies you want to work with. Then target them. Develop an action plan with the end in mind. Keep a record of your work, noting contacts and follow up dates.
4. Be proactive and network. You’ve heard about the hidden job market. In my experience, most jobs are a result of your network. Friends help friends. If people like you, they are willing to make introductions, maybe even recommendations. Get out of the house, put yourself in places where you will meet the right people (networking events), and spread the word about what you bring to the table. Ask for 15 minute informational interviews with people you know and learn all you can about their experience and the company they work at.
5. Learn great interview skills. Interviewing is probably the most difficult part of this process for a college grad. It’s something new and unknown. It’s also where the rubber meets the road. People can help you with your resume and LinkedIn, but nobody can interview for you. This is a skill you need to develop to successfully land that job. And don’t think for a minute that you’ll get any feedback from a potential employer after you haven’t landed the job. They are pretty tightlipped, leaving you wondering what went wrong.

 
Do your homework, read as much as you can, learn how to gain the skills for all of the above, develop a strategy, and you’ll be one of those 2016 graduates who quickly lands a job!