You worked hard for years, and you just completed your degree. Your degree is not just a piece of paper; it represents your dedication, knowledge, and potential, and now it's time to find a job. As you navigate through job listings and interviews, stay open-minded and flexible, consider seeking out networking opportunities to help you land the right job and look for ways to continue building your skillset. Embrace rejection as part of the process and use it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Most importantly, trust in your abilities to remain resilient. With persistence and determination, you will find the perfect fit.
STAY OPEN-MINDED
Explore different opportunities. Take time to reflect on your values and interests, and be open to new experiences. Don’t limit yourself to specific job titles or companies. Instead, seek out opportunities to develop your skills. Search for jobs based on desired skills and/or titles, and don’t be discouraged by rejection. Your dream job may not always be within reach immediately, but each opportunity serves as a steppingstone toward your career goals. See Career Services job board links to see what opportunities await you.
NETWORK
Maintain and nurture your connections by keeping in touch with your professors and professionals in your network, both online and in real life. Leverage your resources, like professional groups, social media platforms (LinkedIn), and alumni networks to expand your reach and opportunities. Ask your professors what professional organizations they recommend joining for your chosen field. If you are in the Springfield area, you can join RISE, a young professionals group, and maintain a strong online presence through networking platforms and sharing relevant content to enhance visibility and attract potential employers.
CONTINUED GROWTH
Consider ways to grow your skills outside of the office. Volunteering, joining professional groups, and earning certifications are valuable ways to expand your expertise and network. Use resources like UIS Career Connect (powered by Handshake), Career Pathfinder and other tools provided by UIS Career Services to explore opportunities and enhance your job search strategy.
REJECTION
Try to view rejection as a chance for growth and a way to build resilience. Keeping feedback from interviewers or mentors can provide valuable insights for improvement. Additionally, staying persistent and maintaining a positive mindset is crucial for achieving success in the job search. Rejection from a job is just for that particular role, it is not rejection from the company, nor is it a reflection of your capabilities. If you are interested in a particular company, immerse yourself in their culture and events by signing up for newsletters and attending gatherings. Identify problems they may be facing and position yourself as the solution. Patience is key. Expect the job search to take longer than you think - typically around 6-9 months. In the meantime, consider exploring part-time opportunities.
GOALS
Maintain and nurture your connections by keeping in touch with your professors and professionals in your Quality over quantity should be your mantra when it comes to job applications. Prioritize finding the right fit for your skills and interests instead of just sending out numerous applications. Set goals and update your resume regularly, ensuring it highlights relevant skills, experiences, and achievements, including unpaid experiences like volunteer work and club participation. Don’t hesitate to share about group projects either - collaborative efforts speak volumes about your ability to work in teams. Incorporating keywords and phrases from the job description can increase your likelihood of passing through applicant tracking systems. Seek feedback from mentors and career advisors on campus to refining your resume. Stay organized by setting up job alerts, following up on applications and interviews, and creating a tracking system.
Finding a job after college requires an open mind, connections, resilience, and patience. Embrace every experience as a learning opportunity and don’t let rejection deter you from your goals. Trust in your abilities that there is a job that will fit your skills and aspirations. For more prep and information, check out Career Services Toolbox.
CONTACT
Career Development Center
- Office Location: HRB 80
- Email: careerservices@uis.edu