’)As you burn the midnight oil studying for exams, you may not give much thought to finding a job just yet. However, once you graduate, you’ll find that the competition for new college grads is stiff, and the sinking economy has made it even tougher.
Whether you’re a college student or have just graduated from a college degree program, there is a way for you to reach out and get connected to employers who are willing to hire entry-level employees from the college grad pool.
If you want to network prior to graduation or are currently looking for work, you can find professional contacts through online job boards. Here’s how it works.
1. Conduct an Internet search for college job boards. The first step to finding a job board is to conduct an Internet search. You may want to begin by typing “college job boards” in Google. Here’s an example of what you’ll find:
CollegeJobBoard.com
CollegeRecruiter.com
CollegeGrad.com
Just4Graduates.net
CollegeMonster.com
These job-finding sites are tailored specifically for college graduates. Some even provide job search articles, resume templates, and interview tips for job seekers.
2. Visit popular job boards. Job boards like Monster.com and CareerBuilder.com are excellent resources for individuals looking for work. Because these sites are among the most popular for job seekers as well as employers who are ready to hire, it’s a good idea to start networking on these sites.
3. Check out job-specific boards. Another way to leverage your career is to seek out and remain active on job boards that cater to specific fields. For instance, you can conduct a Google search for “computer job boards” or “nursing job boards.” By narrowing your search, you’ll be able to apply for jobs that are specific to your major field of study.
4. Submit your resume. Once you’ve located a job for which you’d like to be considered, follow the directions for uploading your resume and applying for that job. Many job boards will allow you to keep your resume “on file” in their online databases, so be sure to check out the job board thoroughly to see if you can store your resume for other employers to see. If you submit your resume to multiple job boards, maintain a list of all your submissions for future reference.
Keep in mind that you will want to apply for as many jobs as possible. The best way to find a job is to make looking for a job a full-time venture. Carve out several hours each day—or, at least, several times a week—to check out the latest listings so you will be first in line for all the hot jobs available.
This may not seem vitally important, but failure to take down your resume could cost you your job.
Many individuals have lost their jobs because their employers found their resumes online. Unless you’re looking for work, don’t risk a misunderstanding between you and your boss by keeping your resumes online for the public to see.
Also, keep in mind that if you have no intention of going anywhere, you may nudge another qualified applicant out of a job by keeping your resume “live.” Eliminate yourself from the job pool, and others will get the chance they deserve to get noticed.
Online job boards are an excellent avenue for your first step into the world of work. You should also use them before you graduate to network and learn about the vast opportunities available to you. After you graduate, these online employment boards are invaluable resources for the new college graduate entering the workforce for the first time.
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