Here’s a practical guide for college seniors who are starting their final semester and haven’t yet taken steps to secure a job after graduation. Even if you haven’t had internships or relevant work experience, it’s not too late to set yourself up for success.
Highlight transferable skills by including academic projects, volunteer work or club involvement that demonstrate skills like teamwork, leadership or problem-solving. If your experience is limited, focus on coursework and achievements relevant to your field. Free tools like Canva or Zety offer modern, customizable resume templates. Get feedback by asking a professor, career center adviser or someone in your network to review your resume.
Add a professional photo because first impressions matter – a friendly, professional photo makes your profile stand out. Write a compelling summary highlighting your educational background, goals and enthusiasm for the industry you’re pursuing. Connect with professors, classmates and alumni to build your network by connecting with people in your field of interest.
Identify target companies by making a list of companies you’d like to work for even if they don’t currently have job postings. Explore entry-level roles by looking at job descriptions to understand the skills and qualifications employers are seeking.
Take online courses on platforms like Coursera, LinkedIn Learning or Udemy that offer affordable technical and soft skills courses relevant to your major. Earn certifications if your field values them, such as Google Analytics, Excel or project management. Now is the time to pursue them.
Attend career fairs even if you don’t feel ready. Attend virtual or in-person job fairs to explore opportunities and practice talking to employers. Reach out to alumni by using your college’s alumni network to find graduates working in your field. Send them polite messages asking for advice or an informational interview.
Set a goal to apply to five to 10 jobs per week depending on your availability. Tailor each application by customizing your resume and cover letter for each role to show why you’re a great fit. Use multiple platforms to look for opportunities on LinkedIn, Indeed, Handshake and your school’s career portal.
Freelance or volunteer by offering short-term projects for local businesses, nonprofits or professors to gain relevant experience. Participate in competitions by joining hackathons, case competitions or other events that showcase your skills.
Schedule mock interviews. Many college career centers offer free mock interviews with feedback. Prepare answers by researching common interview questions for your industry and practicing answering them concisely and confidently.
Finding a job can take time especially when you’re starting from scratch. Celebrate small wins like landing an interview or making a new connection.
Tribune News Service