New Grads: How to Find a Good Job Out of College

5 Job Hunting Tips for New Graduates 

1. Map Out Your Goals

   Writing down your goals makes them more likely to come true. As you start to map out your professional and financial goals, make sure you also break them down into steps.

   If you want to become a manager in your field, or want to save $10,000, consider what smaller steps you need to complete to work towards the larger goal. In this example, you could start with putting $100 each paycheck in your savings account or take advantage of leadership opportunities your work provides.

2.  Tap into Your Resources

   Using the existing resources around you is the best job search tip for new graduates. Reach out to fellow graduating students, professors and employees at a previous internship or reach out to your parent’s friends to put in a positive word or ask them to send any relevant job openings your way.

   If you’ve already exhausted these resources, head to your university’s next career fair and chat with recruiters. Remember to do your research on the companies you’re interested in beforehand. This not only can help you land a role at their company, but it’s also a great way to build your network.

3. Optimize Your Resumé

   When updating your resumé, you’ll want to highlight your work experience by using keywords that are relevant to the job requirements you’re applying for. Words are powerful, but if you’re able to provide stats to back you up, add those too!

   Verbs to consider adding to your resume:

   • Implemented
   • Organized
   • Facilitated
   • Coordinated
   • Produced
   • Executed

   Examples of stats to add to your resume:

   • Increased website views by 10%
   • Social media followers increased by 15%
   • Project I spearheaded led to 1,000 conversions
   • Resolved 100 customer service requests

4. Prepare for the Interview

    

   Practice makes perfect. Before going into your interview, make sure you’re prepared by reviewing possible questions and run through your answers. This includes researching the company, reviewing what they do, their mission statement and their company values. Often, interviewers ask behavioral-based questions and are listening to make sure you touched on all parts of STAR: Situation, Task, Action, Result.

   Have on deck a few different situations you can talk about. Don’t worry if you don’t have internship or corporate work experience, you can also talk about school projects, organizations you were involved in and any jobs you worked throughout college.

    

5. Evaluate Your Job Offers

   Before you sign the offer letter, take the time to review the benefits they offer. Benefits consist of things like PTO, sick time, WFH flexibility and health insurance. After you’ve reviewed, consider negotiating your salary.

   Before throwing out a number, make sure you’ve done research on what pay range you should expect for your experience level and industry. Keep in mind how the benefits offered may change your negotiation strategy. If they are offering you a fully remote position or generous PTO days, you may be willing to accept a lower salary. On the flip side, if you find that the health insurance isn’t great and you have to commute in, you may want to be firmer on standing your ground or negotiate on other things like the amount of PTO you get.

   Once you’ve accepted an offer and the paychecks start rolling in, you’ll want to start mapping our your financial future.

   We’re Here to Help

   Adulthood typically brings on adult responsibilities. If you find yourself needing car insurance, renters insurance or other coverage, connect with a local Farm Bureau agent to learn how we can help.