May 2023, Graduating Senior

28 Comments

1. Patricia ManroeMarch 28,2023 at 6:10AM UTC

   Hi Anonymous,

   I graduate in May 2023 too. A BS in Computer Science/Software Engineering. So I am actually starting to look for work now too.

2. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:02PM UTC

   Good Luck!

3. AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 8:47AM UTC

   I think if you highlight specific skills you've developed applicable to the job you're interviewing for and provide a sense of interest in learning and being a contributor in the areas you've studued, you'll impress those you're speaking with.

   Try temporary agencies that place folks on assignments. That way you can try out different cultures and positions. Many times these temporary assignments turn into offers.

4. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:01PM UTC

   Thank you so much! I will look into that.

5. AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 12:08PM UTC

   I would suggest an internship after graduation. Or within large corporations their HR staff have different depts within, like benefits, L&D, a shared services position is a great place to be introduced to the business in HR, a sourcing position in recruiting is also a great place to start. I think entry level is warranted. Also, be familiar with their ATS so you can at minimum speak to it once in an interview. Good Luck.

6. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:02PM UTC

   Thank you so much!

7. AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 12:25PM UTC

   Try Robert Half they adore recent college grads who are moldable and eager to run in recruiting.

8. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:02PM UTC

   I will look into them, thank you!

9. AnonymousMarch 28,2023 at 8:00PM UTC

   Hmm have you connected with any alumni from your school? If your school has an alumni or career office, I would definitely ask for their support.

   Also check with the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM) job boards. The SHRM might have internships but also their job board might list a few too.

   I'd also say consider being open to other internships as well. While HR/Recruiting is your top focus (and I respect that) , some of my best internship opportunities actually had nothing to do with my degree. This could increase your chances of landing something and new skills that's still valuable to your early career.

   Also, look at fellowships for recent graduates! Good luck.

10. AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 7:05PM UTC

    I have spoken to a few alumni but I have not found many that have taken my career path. I have applied to multiple roles on the SHRM job board but I have not heard back.

11. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 12:44PM UTC

    It's the whole experience thing. It is a frustrating situation. You know...you need experience to get the job, you need the job to get the experience.

    What killed me (I am an HRM) is that I didn't do an internship. I never really understood the value of internships until I worked for a company that had a robust internship program. I graduated college in 2008, a nontraditional student that changed majors a few times before ending up right back where I started (HR). 2008/2009 was a bad time to be finding a job - for a lot of people, not just new college grads. I ended up going through a temp agency, and ended up in a temp to perm position as an administrative assistant in an HR department (I had several years admin experience prior). That's one way in. I'd recommend networking, connecting with HR professionals on linked in - don't just blindly send connection requests, but reach, introduce yourself, look for mentors, connections, that sort of thing. Join your local SHRM chapter and get involved there.

12. AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 7:04PM UTC

    Thank you so much! I have been trying my best to network and outreach to others.

13. Barbara McKeeMarch 29,2023 at 1:27PM UTC

    Does your university offer job placement help? I know with my sons, their university was very helpful in getting them placed.

14. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:00PM UTC

    They do not unfortunately

15. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 1:28PM UTC

    Are you a member of any HR professional organizations? I would also connect with your university's career guidance office for some assistance. Even check with a few of your professors or even your advisor. Capitalize on those connections.

16. AnonymousMarch 29,2023 at 9:00PM UTC

    I am a member of SHRM! My university's careers office has not been helpful at all.

17. Peggie Arvidson * Career Consultant | Adoptee Advocate | RecruiterMarch 29,2023 at 2:45PM UTC

    Phew. What a time to be in HR/recruiting!

    This is a wild ride in 2023 and it will be interesting to see how it shifts.

    That said - with more and more companies firing large percentages of their workforce, their attitude may well be "we don't need recruiters as we're firing not hiring!" (short sighted of course, but another way for monoliths to save money right now)

    So I'd aim for some smaller companies where you could be an asset as a generalist and really help them do right by their employees. From there, watch the market and as it shifts, you'll be able to leverage your experience into a new role.

18. AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 7:03PM UTC

    Thank you so much!

19. ReachingGoalsMarch 30,2023 at 1:15PM UTC

    Look at state government agencies. Good luck!

20. Jessica FerlandMarch 31,2023 at 11:33AM UTC

    Great advice!! I work on state government and wish I had found my way sooner!!!

21. Ardaman SinghMarch 30,2023 at 4:10PM UTC

    If you are in Somerset NJ contact me I have a PT HR Assistant job opening

22. AnonymousMarch 30,2023 at 4:59PM UTC

    I would suggest you also consider admin roles in the department. In this tough job market with all the layoffs going on there are many companies dumping their entire People teams. Not to be a Debbie downer here but keep an open mind when applying and don't take the approach that things are beneath you as you interview. You still have lots to learn. Oh and one more thing, always write a good cover note referencing the role and why it appeals to you.

23. AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 6:57PM UTC

    Thank you so much! Yes, the market is rough for sure. I just learned about a Disruptive cover letter and I am trying to implement that specific type of letter within my applications.

24. IntentionGirl299847March 30,2023 at 9:00PM UTC

    Ask in the interview if there was anything about you or your work history and education that might stand in the way of you being hired. Also ask them what their ideal candidate would look like in terms of work history, education, and personality. Look excited to be interviewing and sound happy about it.

25. AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 6:55PM UTC

    Thank you! Will keep that in mind for sure

26. Joann S. LublinMarch 30,2023 at 9:34PM UTC

    Another possibility is to offer your services on a project basis rather than go through a temp agency. In other words, suggest a a two-month tryout at reduced pay (if target employer lacks an internship program) with expectation that you'll get seriously considered for permanent employment upon successful completion of the project. Good luck and let us know how things go!

27. AnonymousMarch 31,2023 at 6:54PM UTC

    Thank you so much for your insight! Do you recommend any specific employers and methods to go about this process?

28. AnonymousApril 2,2023 at 12:15AM UTC

    At the company where I work more often, I see prospective hires starting as a volunteer for a month or two to test the waters in the company at sight, then being hired as full-time staff—an excellent opportunity to network and to show what you can do without risks to either side. Being there, done that. The investment paid off sooner than expected.