(Johnny Andrews/UNC-Chapel Hill)
Not getting your dream job right after college doesn’t mean you’ve failed or fallen behind. In fact, it’s completely normal. Remember that:
- You’re where you’re meant to be.
- Your first job doesn’t define where you’ll end up.
- Few people start where they thought they’d be.
While the job search may seem intimidating, here are some tips and strategies that can make it more manageable.
Grow where you are.
Even if the job you have now isn’t your ideal, you can still benefit from it. You’re gaining:
- New skills. You can take them to your next job. They may make you a stronger and more well-rounded candidate.
- Connections. Your co-workers, bosses, and collaborators are a vital part of our network. Don’t underestimate the power of these everyday relationships, because they can open doors for you in the future.
- Professional confidence. This isn’t always something that can be taught in a classroom.
Dream even when you’re unsure.
It’s okay to be unsure about your career path, but having an idea of what you like can narrow the job search. Here are some ways to find your interests:
- Hobbies. What do you enjoy doing in your free time?
- Skills. What are you particularly good at and enjoy doing?
- Insights. Network and chat with people working in roles you’re curious about. Narrow down what you like and what you don’t.
Network smarter.
Networking gives you important insights and connections. Here’s how to network smarter to make the most out of your time:
- Use LinkedIn. Find people working in roles you’re interested in. Eventually, these connections may help you secure a job.
- Here’s a cold email template to kickstart your networking:
Hi [name],
My name is [your name]. I’m a [your year] at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill studying [your major(s) and/or minor(s)].
I was hoping to schedule a 15 minute chat to hear your story and experience working at [company]. I’m very interested in working in [sector, e.g, PR], so your insights would be greatly appreciated!
Best,
[your name]
- Search for alumni. Fellow Tar Heels are usually more than happy to help you. Find alumni working at companies or in current roles you like and reach out.
- Ask around. Don’t hesitate to ask current connections for introductions.
- Take a breath. If cold emailing people makes you nervous, you’re not alone. No one likes it! However, it gets easier the more you do it. So, keep at it, and keep in mind the reason for doing it.
Schedule a chat.
An informational interview is just that—a chat. So don’t stress about it. It’s ok to feel nervous, but just like with the cold emails (and everything else in life!), the more you do it, the easier it gets.
There’s no right way to have this chat, but here are some tips to keep things on track:
- Set it up. Briefly introduce yourself and your goals. From there, set the agenda:
I’d love to hear about your path to [company], what your day-to-day looks like, and any advice you have for me.
- Follow-up. Ask questions to keep the conversation focused on what you want to learn. Remember, this chat is for your benefit.
- Ask for introductions. As the chat winds down, ask if the person you’re talking to knows anyone else they think you should speak with. Usually, they’ll be happy to share additional connections.
- Thank you. Always send an email thanking the person you spoke with for their time. Additionally, connect with them on LinkedIn.
Go on, brag!
LinkedIn and portfolios show off who you are beyond a resume.
- Craft stories. Write about what you learned from your experiences. Go deeper than a resume bullet.
- Show passion. Highlight unique interests and activities.
- Awards. Name them all, even if they aren’t relevant to your industry. You worked hard for them, so show them off!
It’s ok to relax.
Job hunting is stressful. Take time during the week to unwind from the job search and do something relaxing. Remember, you do have a life beyond interviews and resumes! Try:
- Journaling
- Meditating
- Walking
- Baking
- Hanging out with friends
Homework.
Supercharge your job search with these books and exercises:
- The 2-Hour Job Search by Steve Dalton. Learn science-backed methods to find the right job faster.
- The Job Closer by Steve Dalton. Learn time-saving techniques for acing resumes, interviews, negotiations, and more.
- Network strategically. Keep a spreadsheet with your contacts. Aim to reach out to at least 5 people each week.
- Be prepared. Run mock interviews with friends, family, and co-workers every once in a while, so you don’t get rusty.
- Connect with the UNC Career Center. Graduates have access to all Career Center services, such as career coaching, Handshake, career fairs, and other events for free up to six months after graduation.
You got this.
The job search is stressful. It’s ok to feel overwhelmed, nervous, or maybe even a little scared. Remember to take time to decompress and feel proud of your accomplishments—after all, graduating from college is no small feat.
You got this, Tar Heels!