The job market is more competitive than it has been in years. Recent and soon-to-be postgraduates are facing enormous challenges when it comes to landing a full-time role. Highly motivated, capable, and experienced graduates are being rejected because the demand for entry-level jobs is higher than the amount available. So remember, you’re not alone. There’s no magic wand to change the unemployment rate, but there are action items those still in school and recently graduated can do to stand out.
And no—this isn’t the same, cliche advice. Think of it as advice from a black woman to a black woman. Jahleane Dolne, Founder of The Postgrad Playbook, understands the frustration and has been in your shoes. The transition from undergraduate to the ‘real world’ is when “people are going through the most change, but have the least amount of support,” Dolne says, which was the inspiration behind her book. She’s deeply committed to providing recent and soon-to-be graduates the guidance needed to get clear on their goals and rise above the atrocious market. Below is her seven-step plan to kickstart any career.
First, Get Really Clear On Passion And Purpose
If you want to go directly into a field related to your major, figure out what routes you can take and where you’d find fulfillment. If you’re going to pivot, here are some questions you can ask yourself and journal: What did you like to do as a kid? and who do you envy? By discovering who you’re jealous of, you can find clues about what you actually want to pursue.
Also, it’s not always about where you want to go but knowing what you don’t want to replicate in the new part of your life. Evaluate past internships and experiences to determine which path you will never go on. That’s just as important as deciding which route you will take!
Get Over Any Limiting Beliefs!
When transitioning from college, things are very structured, and then you venture into a world that feels like the Wild West. There’s no rule book. Therefore, limiting beliefs enter your subconscious, like, “I can’t do this,” “I don’t know what I’m doing,” and “I’m not good enough.” To combat that, work on your mindset and prepare for inevitable change when pursuing your professional goals. Positive affirmations and visualizing the life you want can help with this.
Integrate Yourself In The Right Spaces In-Person And Online
Focus on the strength of your weak ties. A weak tie is a person removed from immediate friends and family. That can be your mom’s friend, a professor, etc. You really want to tap into your network of weak ties because they have access to people, places, and opportunities you might not know exist. For example, suppose you and your best friend are together every day. In that case, you probably know all the same people, go up for similar jobs, and know the same resources because you talk all the time. But moving out one degree will open you up to a whole new world.
Get Scrappy
Use the resources available to you. Don’t discount any volunteer or extracurricular experiences that you have. Quantify those achievements in your favor to position yourself for exactly what you want.
Build Your Personal Brand
Take advantage of the attention economy! Posting can be scary because so few people do it, and there’s a stigma behind it. But it’s a great way to accelerate your career and force yourself to be seen. When you are seen, people know what you’re doing and can keep you on the top of their minds for opportunities—so, putting yourself out there, whether TikTok, LinkedIn, or Instagram, is like having a public portfolio, which is the new business card.
Get Very Good At Communicating
Craft a super simple elevator pitch to help others understand what you bring to the table. It should reveal who you are, what you do, and how you can help. That’s how you will set yourself apart from everybody else! The hard part is communicating your pitch confidently—practice by looking into the mirror or reciting it to your friends.
Asking For Help
Graduates are high achievers and sometimes feel like they can do everything independently. The reality is that people who ask for help get to where they want to go a lot faster. There’s no virtue in struggling. Plus, people are so much more willing to help you when you are young because they remember what it was like.
Now that you have the tools, be patient. Applying to jobs is a numbers game and a sales job within itself. You have to market yourself while going against the odds. Pursuing your dream career is a marathon, not a sprint. The goalpost is an illusion. Everyone’s on their own path, and you’re blazing your own trail.
About the Author: Shelby Denise Smith is a Social Media Editor and Freelance Writer. She’s passionate about lifestyle, wellness, travel, and culture. Smith enjoys packaging the insight she receives into stories that can positively impact the livelihood of others.