How to Start Your Career After You Graduate

Many recent college graduates are asking, "now what?" This is the tightest job market in years for new graduates, and many are having trouble finding gainful employment, and even more trouble starting their careers. Here are some steps for recent grads to follow.

Know what you want 

Before graduating it is a good idea to know what you want to do, the more specific the better. Sometimes that is not practical, though. It's not uncommon to graduate and find that your plans are unrealistic. It's OK, though, because this is chance at a fresh start. When starting over, think about all the facets of the ideal career. Investigate the most in-demand jobs and the skills and credentials required. The more specific your career goals, the more likely you are to achieve them.

Know what's required 

Now that you know where you want to go, be sure to do your homework to find out what you need to do to get there. What are the credentials and skills required for an entry level position? What requirements should you meet long term? What do you have to do to be considered for a job. For a teaching position, for instance, most employers will not consider you without meeting licensing and credentialing requirements.

Make contacts 

Do you know anyone who works in your target career? If not, start asking around. There is a chance you know someone who knows someone who works in the field. Keep talking to people until you find someone who can give you career advice or point you in the direction of career opportunities. Ask people for information interviews, in which they give you advice about breaking into or advancing in your field.

Work your network 

Once you have several contacts, work your network. Ask people to keep their eyes open for opportunities. If you have developed a strong enough rapport and made a good impression on your contacts, your name should be on the tip of their tongue when asked to recommend someone for an opportunity for which you are qualified.

Make a good impression 

It's also important to make a good impression on anyone interviewing you, prospective coworkers, etc. Submit a professional-looking resume with cover letter. Send thank you letters to anyone you meet in the interview.

Don't give up! 

Keep your spirits up and remind yourself how qualified and deserving of the position you are. If you don't get this one, keep going until you hit the jackpot. If you quit before getting the job, you'll never know if the next one would have been the golden opportunity.