While students are in full academic mode this Spring Term, those graduating soon are likely turning their focus toward their first post-college opportunities. Whether your student is looking for their first job or planning a gap year to gain experience before graduate school, now is the time to encourage them to take action.
Director of Career Center
If you have been following the news, you may have seen worrying headlines suggesting that the current job market is particularly tough for new graduates. For these individuals, a job search will most likely take more time and effort than in previous cycles. However, it’s important to know that hiring is still happening. Students with a solid strategy and support can navigate this process successfully. The Career Center Team is here to help!
Here are a few of our top recommendations:
- Find support: Searching for a job takes persistence and patience. Partnering with one of Carleton’s professional career coaches can ensure that your student has a solid search strategy and gives them someone with whom to brainstorm ideas, work through challenges, and celebrate successes. Career coaches can help with exploring options, finalizing application materials, developing a search strategy, interviewing, networking, and more. Encourage your student to make an appointment in Handshake.
- Dedicate time to search: Realistically, an active job search will take at least 5–7 hours per week. While that may sound daunting, a comprehensive strategy includes reviewing job postings, updating application materials, staying current with industry news, completing networking calls (also known as informational interviewing), and practicing interview skills. Each of these steps takes time to do well. Students should schedule time in their calendar to prioritize these essential tasks.
- Tap into professional networks: Taking time to build relationships is time well spent in a job search. Networking contacts help job seekers understand the nuances of an industry or organization, provide referrals, and help uncover “hidden” job openings that aren’t publicly advertised. National data consistently shows that candidates who network are more successful at landing opportunities.
- Cast a wide net: In a hiring downturn, applying to a wide variety of employers and opportunities gives your student the best chance of securing a job they are excited about. Beyond big-name firms, consider smaller organizations that do similar work. Functional roles outside of their target industry may utilize the same transferable skills. A career coach can help your student create a target list of employers in their area of interest. Remind your student to watch campus announcements and the Career Center’s weekly newsletter for the latest information on which recruiters are on campus.
- Customize application materials: In a competitive market, flawless, tailored application materials are a must. Job seekers must take time to customize their résumés and cover letters for each opportunity. They should address the key needs of the role and include specific examples that illustrate how their education and experience have prepared them to meet the organization’s needs. Carleton students have 24/7 access to up-to-date guidance on general and industry-focused résumés through Handshake’s Resources webpage.
Upcoming workshops to support your student’s search:
How to Find Alumni and Professionals Who Can Help with Your Career
Tuesday, April 28, 12:00 p.m., Anderson 121
How to Send a Cold Email (and Other Expert Tips for Effective Networking)
Thursday, May 7, 12:00 p.m., Sayles Hill 253
Job Search Strategies for Seniors: Last Chance!
Thursday, May 21, 12:00 p.m., Alumni Guest House Meeting Room