You’re about to graduate and you still don’t have a job?
Many students put off looking for a job until after graduation. Is this the best plan, though? Nope! Do you understand the reason? because looking for a job can take months. So, get going as soon as possible! If this is your first time looking for a job, there is a lot of work involved and it is very simple to put it off. However, since you’re here, we believe you already realize that you should be taking your job hunt seriously. Well done! And you’re at the perfect spot because we’ve gathered the knowledge and tools in this blog post to support you each step of the way!
When to Begin Applying for Jobs
Don’t wait until the last minute like all of your mates will because the awful truth is that the average job hunt takes between five and six months! Will everyone have the same amount of time to look for work? Of course not. This is Nigeria. However, you should start looking at least six months before your expected graduation date to give yourself enough time to discover a career that is a good fit for you.
The Requirements for Job Applications
The likelihood is that you’ll require a resume and a cover letter. Let’s take a closer look at each of those items and direct you to a tool that demonstrates how to do them expertly.
Resume
Your employment experience, talents, and education are listed on your resume, which is a 1-2 page document. One of the most crucial components of your job application is it. Nevertheless, it’s also one of the simplest to get incorrect, particularly if you don’t know how to structure your resume for application tracking systems (ATS).
Cover Letter
When you apply for a job, you send a cover letter along with your CV. You should discuss your qualifications for the role and why you are interested in the job in your cover letter. You may hear from certain people that cover letters are no longer required or that no one reads them. However, it doesn’t follow that you won’t need to draft one. Some employers continue to request them. They also utilize them to form their initial opinion of you.
Therefore, don’t abandon the notion of creating a cover letter! Instead, spend the effort to develop a strong one that demonstrates, even to a casual reader, why you should be invited in for an interview.
Where to Look for Entry-Level Jobs
As a soon-to-be graduate, you’re probably looking at entry-level positions unless you already have a lot of work experience. Online job boards are typically where entry-level jobs can be found. You can use these websites to find jobs depending on your location, talents, educational background, and other factors. Additionally, you can explore the websites of organizations that interest you for entry-level positions.
Job Boards
There are numerous varieties of employment boards available. However, it is best to start with LinkedIn. Because LinkedIn is the world’s most popular social media platform for professionals and job searchers. On LinkedIn, you can create a profile that can serve as your virtual resume, connect with recruiters and hiring managers, network with people who have your dream job, and search for jobs on the platform’s job board.
Company websites
Additionally, you can look for jobs by browsing corporate websites’ “careers” sections. Finding jobs that might not be listed on online job boards is made easy with the help of this method.
How to Apply for Jobs before you graduate
Each person’s employment hunt is unique. But when you start the process of looking for and applying for jobs, you’ll often follow a similar set of procedures to your peers.
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Step 1: Look for employment that matches your interests and talents.
Finding out what types of jobs you are interested in is the greatest method to begin your job hunt. But even if you’re unsure about the specific nature of the job, you’re not alone.
What can you do, then? Examine your career aptitude by taking a free test.
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Step 2: Research the organizations before applying.
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Step 3: Customize your cover letter and resume for the business.
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Step 4: Submit your resumes for jobs.
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Step 5: Follow up on your applications
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Step six: Prepare for interviews
Where to Apply for Undergraduate Jobs
The best thing about getting ahead of the curve in securing a job before you graduate, is there are opportunities readily available for students like you eager to start earning money and gaining valuable work experience. These opportunities come in form of Internships, Volunteer roles, or in some cases, remote employment from companies hiring undergraduates who possess specific skill sets. What are you waiting for?