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Two Crucial Job Search Tips For New Graduates

Two Crucial Job Search Tips For New Graduates
First step in the job search: Update your résumé and cover letter after graduation.
Congratulations to our newest alumni ready to start something in your next adventure! Although some recent graduates begin the employment search or accept job offers while still in college, others choose to focus fully on their academic programs, waiting until they complete classes to begin the job search. If you’re now beginning your job search, that’s all right. You demonstrated your priorities and strengthened your skills. Now you can direct that same level of attention to your employment search.
 
Employers are still seeking to hire recent College of Business graduates. Dr. Chris Timm, associate director of employer experience and outreach in the Business Career Center, receives calls regularly from employers looking specifically to connect with spring graduates and students who expect to graduate in August. She encourages spring and summer graduates to apply for these open positions now, especially if you plan to finish classes in the early summer. The Business Career Center career coaches offer the following next steps for new graduates.
 
What should I do now?
If you just graduated or will soon, update your résumé with your latest work or volunteer experience, graduation date and degree attained. The career coaches in the Business Career Center recommend you also update your profile, résumé and related information on LinkedIn and Handshake. Continue to use these platforms to research employers and jobs, reach out to your online and in-person connections to let them know you’re available, apply for jobs and contact any employers you’re interested in.
 
How long will it take?
Different research suggests a job search could take four to eight months. You are already ahead of many other job candidates due to your professional experiences and training through the college’s Professional Enhancement Program courses as well as other College of Business organizations and programs. But don’t be discouraged if the employment search takes a while. Allow plenty of time to apply for each position, then for the organization to evaluate all the candidates, select a few for interviews, conduct the interviews, do reference checks, compile job offers and await acceptances from the candidate(s).
 
Need more help?
The Business Career Center continues to be a resource for you after graduation. Whether you need help polishing a résumé, practice interviewing, negotiating a job offer or finding a connection in your field, contact the Business Career Center. Schedule a career coaching appointment for in-person, email or video career coaching through MyPlan on Canvas, call 402-472-7272, email businesscareers@unl.edu or drop in to Howard L. Hawks Hall 141 during summer hours Monday-Friday 1-4 p.m. When you do find a job, stop in to celebrate and ring the Success Bell. Learn more about the Business Career Center at https://business.unl.edu/careers
Published: May 23, 2019