5 Ways to Increase Your Chances of Getting a Job after College (Guest Post)

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One of the most stressing things about the final year of college is the prospect of having to get a job afterwards. Many students lie awake at night thinking about how to enter the job market successfully. Here are our top 5 things that will boost your chances:

1. Good LinkedIn profile and a Resume

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A LinkedIn profile and a CV go hand in hand. You should have both. It might seem scary at first, but it is worth the effort. LinkedIn works as a social network where you don’t have to worry about awkward posts. It is a safe place to add everyone in the branch you know or wish to know. It also serves a bigger CV where your volunteering, work experience and education are all written down. People can endorse you for skills, which can leave a very powerful impression on potential employers. Nevertheless, do keep a classic CV as well – at some point, you will need to send them around. For LinkedIn and the CV, it would be best to talk to the career service at your college since they can give you the best guidance as to what to write.

2. Find a mentor

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Finding a mentor can come easily to some while others need to search for some time. It is important that your mentor inspires you and is willing to teach and lead. A good mentor can be of immeasurable importance. You can find them through LinkedIn and other social networks – look for people in the branch, possibly even in the very company that interests you. Send them an email: tell them who you are and what you wish to do. Tell them what you have done until now in order to achieve your goal. Ask them if they want to meet with you. The worst thing that can happen is for them to say no. But no one will think less of you for getting in contact. You will look ambitious, and, moreover, a person of action.

3. Do internships

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Although a summer in the sun doing nothing might sound like heaven, it won’t get you job offers. Cut short on the holidays and do a few internships while you still can afford lower-paying to non-paying experience. Internships are great for the future, but rarely for the financial present. You can choose from a range of internships, depending on what you find interesting. Internships are a good way to discover whether you like a job or not. Although it is good if you can manage a place in the same branch that you wish to pursue later, any internship can show that you are a reliable, hard-working, ambitious individual.

4. Be present!

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Be present! Once you get an internship, mingle with the employees. Form connections, both in real life and on social media. Although many don’t like the sound of it: it’s not only what you know, it’s also who you know. This can come as a disadvantage to many, but nothing is a definite limitation. Work on meeting people, and once you do, engage them in a conversation. Tell them about yourself and hopefully they will remember you when an opportunity arises.

5. Learn languages

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Learning languages is probably the most difficult and long-term project connected to getting a job after college, but you won’t regret it. You can either join a class or find a private tutor. Regardless of what you study and wish to become, languages can open many doors. Different businesses, from small shops to big corporations, look for multilingual people to handle clients. You don’t necessarily have to go for any of the big languages such as Spanish, German, French or Mandarin. Learning a smaller European or non-European one can make you stand out even more because there will be something unique about you.