The new grad job search playbook: Where to look, what to fix, and how to network

By: Toni Frana, career expert at Zety.com 

Job searching is an experience that most likely will come with some challenges, but ultimately ends with a win. Working through the challenges of a job search is normal, and for many new grads, any challenges come not from lack of talent, but often because of an absence of a system or a plan to execute an effective job search.

A strong job search means using different channels such as job boards, networking, campus career services, LinkedIn, and also having job documents (i.e. resume and cover letter) that signal your value. Many who are just starting out may not realize that to make progress, a job search requires a lot of pro-active work in addition to applying for jobs. 

In this competitive market with a job search landscape that is noisy, new grads need more than an application only strategy. It’s helpful to lean into the strength of the technology ‘know-how’ this generation of new grads has as it will help ensure the right intentionality to execute an effective job search that goes beyond only applying. New grads should think of this as a multi-pronged approach. Setting small goals, tracking applications and balancing online job searching with relationship-building is a formula that works to land in a new role. 

Build your personal brand

One important strategy to enhance a job search is to build a personal brand that offers a value proposition and insight into the skills and strengths you can bring to the role. The following will help ensure you are building the brand that speaks to who you are as a professional: 

• Publish a clean, keyword-rich LinkedIn profile.
• Tailor your resume to the kind of roles you want.
• Develop a quick summary that explains what employers are looking for.
• Ensure a clean digital-footprint on social channels. 

A strong personal brand is built over time and it isn’t about being flashy. Instead, the personal brand you create should make it even easier for recruiters and hiring managers to understand what you, the candidate, offer. 

Use job boards the smart way

Most job searches will involve job boards as these are one of the easiest ways to canvas what positions are available in the industry being targeted. However, instead of using them to apply anywhere and everywhere, using job boards intentionally will keep your search for a job on track. 

Setting job alerts, creating filters with your experience level, and targeting both general job board platforms as well as more niche job boards will give you broad but targeted reach. With the right alerts set up, you will set yourself up for success in order to apply quickly and also customize your applications. 

Leverage Campus Resources

Of course, using job boards is one part of your job search rather than the entirety of it. Other strategies, as a new graduate, include leveraging any campus resources. Career centers offering individual appointments, resume help, interview prep and a plethora of other resources and opportunities should not be overlooked. Also, alumni networks can be invaluable and often have their own job boards. Resources available on campus or through alumni networks are often free, making them a high value tool to explore during your job search now and in the future. 

Networking is a gold standard 

The phrase “It’s not what you know, but who you know” reminds us how important networking is. Many people find jobs through their own networks and networking efforts. In fact, according to Zety.com’s internal resume data, many Gen Z job seekers already use social media platforms for networking and job related activities. 

Ultimately, this is a relatively simple low-pressure activity that can lead to big dividends in a job search. Simply having conversations with others as alumni outreach, informational interviews, follow up with professors or former supervisors can uncover opportunities for you as well as improve your confidence. When done right, networking isn’t asking for a job at all, instead it’s focusing on asking for insight. This insight often leads to uncovered opportunities. 

Consistency in who you are as a professional is key

As mentioned earlier, tailoring a resume to each job application is critical. The vast majority of companies use Applicant Tracking Systems to help the hiring process. Aligning your resume with the keywords and skills from the job description that you also share helps employers see how you are a good fit for the position. 

Furthermore, using action verbs, and providing results and data from projects, internships, volunteer work or even coursework whenever possible helps employers start to visualize you in the role.  Your resume can then be a guide for the experience section on your LinkedIn profile. The LinkedIn profile reinforces your career story with enhancements such as a photo, headline, summary and skills section. Consistency across your resume and digital platforms like LinkedIn or a portfolio site helps employers quickly understand you as a candidate. 

Routine drives results 

Having an action plan that outlines your weekly job search routine ensures a solid rhythm that leads to results. It’s important that whatever the routine entails, it is one that makes it easy for you to execute. It doesn’t have to be complicated, in fact the more straightforward the better. A routine likely includes time spent: 

• Searching for and saving relevant roles.
• Applying to saved roles that match goals.
• Reaching out to new contacts each week. 
• Reviewing and making adjustments where needed on LinkedIn profile.
• Setting meetings with a mentor or career service advisor. 

You may implement some or all of these steps, and may think of others that you want to add. Regardless of what your to-do list looks like, keeping it simple enough to stick to each day (and week) is important for the success of your efforts. 

The best job search strategy combines each of these with clarity, consistency and connection. As a new graduate, it isn’t required to know everything the first day you start looking for a new job. Instead, lean into creating a solid system, a professional presence, and the right mindset and willingness to keep going forward; one step at a time.