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Aditi Prakash

08/06/20 at 11:45PM UTC (Edited)

Career

Job Search tips for Entry-level roles (Spring'21)

I've been applying online to jobs on various platforms. I've already received a couple of rejects without an interview. Would love to hear about what worked for you all when you first started applying for jobs..

Join the conversation...

Jane

HR Consultant

08/07/20 at 4:14PM UTC

Hi Aditi, you are not alone! I wanted to follow up on Christine's comment about tailoring your resume. This is huge, especially as you apply to different types of organizations and if there is variety in the positions. Make sure to take a look at your resume and highlight key areas that relate to the position in question, even if those areas aren't specific work experiences. For example, if you are applying for an accounts payable position, could you highlight any AP type projects you completed in the classroom or in a student organization? Additionally, if you have a key role or position in mind, I recommend networking and connecting with those currently in those roles. It could be helpful to understand how they got into that specific job and share insights into what the job entails. Best of luck!

Aditi Prakash

08/06/20 at 11:44PM UTC

Thanks Heather, I think I misunderstood the usage of term "New grad", since I'm graduating only in Spring'21. Thank you for sharing your experience though, what I'm understanding from the comments is that Networking is key and that's something I haven't looked into yet.

Heather Hauser

308

08/06/20 at 10:47PM UTC (Edited)

Congratulations Aditi on your graduation! I also graduated this May, although I was an older student with a family. Since starting college, I networked like crazy and went to as many business functions as possible. I also started getting to know various recruiters at area businesses and staffing agencies. I am currently working outside of my degree focus: Human Resources, and accepted a temporary position as an Accounts Payable clerk at a leading manufacturer in our area. It sounds like you're off to a great start and everyone has given you exceptional advice. I also worked as and had various mentors and maintain those relationships via LinkedIn. My greatest success so far has been to be willing to accept positions that may not be your "ideal" or passion and be willing to do the work. That position may be a gateway to something that you want in that current company or serve as a springboard into another role at a different company. Best wishes in your search and don't give up!!

ILHAM ALAM

316

Career Advisor. Published Author in Canada

08/06/20 at 10:23PM UTC

And another one I’d suggest too, please see if in your region if there are hiring and internship programs especially geared toward new grads? Many large scale corporations like IBM, PwC, to government departments and agencies, to non profit organizations that run New Grad Hiring programs, do this. This can help you get that first job right out of school. The salary is either a starting salary or a remuneration.

Christine Park No

08/06/20 at 8:57PM UTC

Hi! This is scary, especially with all the uncertainty going on. But first off, congratulations on graduating! What an accomplishment! As for next steps, any job I ever got was from networking. I asked people I knew about any opportunities in their companies, or asked people I knew to connect me to someone they knew. Additionally, I have utilized platforms such as FGB and LinkedIn to reach out to the recruiter or the hiring manager! It can be scary, but the worst that can happen is that they may not reply. Like Maria mentioned, there can be a lot of rejections and that's ok. Where you can add a cover letter, do so. Be sure to tailor your resume to the role, as well. It is a process, but you will get there!

Aditi Prakash

08/06/20 at 11:38PM UTC

Thanks Christine, though I want to clarify that I'm graduating in Spring'21. I apologize if I've used the term "New grad" wrong. I noticed this term on job pages that included Spring'21 students. Couple of companies have already opened job positions for full-time roles in 2021. I have a couple of questions about messaging a recruiter. If you don't mind, could I pick your brain on the subject in dm?

Christine Park No

08/06/20 at 11:44PM UTC

Hi Aditi - Thanks for clarifying! And absolutely! Please feel free to DM me!

Maria Molinari

565

Team Lead / Project Coordinator

08/06/20 at 8:10PM UTC

Job searching is hard, you could possibly get rejected from 10+ companies before you even get scheduled for an interview to show them your stuff! My best advice is don't give up! Keep trying, keep applying! You could also try networking on sites like LinkedIn and maybe find a mentor too! Your mentor could help look at your resume and portfolio, any feedback is good feedback, especially during this process!!! I wish you the BEST of luck.