Job Search Tips for December Graduates
Congratulations!
You have made the exciting decision to graduate this December and worked hard to make this happen for yourself. A world of possibilities awaits you; and while you are discovering what those may be, it’s okay to take a break and enjoy this impressive accomplishment.
At Hiatt, we are excited to collaborate with you on next steps. Here are some helpful tips to get you started before you leave Brandeis:
Prepare for the ‘real world’
Life outside of campus can look a lot different to a new grad. Searching for jobs, learning about benefits and even moving to a new place can leave you with many questions. You can get ahead of the game by:
- Familiarizing yourself with the job search process: Start by identifying your interests, researching employers and opportunities and prepping application materials. These job search resources can help you assess what you need.
- Reviewing recruiting timelines: Get a sense of when employers are ready to hear from you by reviewing our Industry Recruiting Timeline. This will help you strategically apply for the positions that you are most interested in as well as keep you on the lookout for recruiting events and activities around a certain time period.
- Keeping your Handshake profile up to date: Even though you are leaving Brandeis, your access to our office and resources stays the same. Employers are continuing to use the Handshake database to recruit applicants for job openings. You’ll also receive custom updates on both the Handshake homepage and in your email regarding events, jobs, resources and more.
- Starting to adult: There are some skills that you may not learn in the classroom that are essential as an adult in post-Brandeis life. Finding a place to live, setting a budget, balancing student loans and just navigating the transition can feel like a brand new venture. These life after college resources will help you start to plan.
Polish your brand
Update your LinkedIn profile and refresh your resume to ensure the messages you are sending out to employers are consistent with the skills and experiences you want to highlight. Schedule a virtual drop in with a Hiatt Advisor to review your application materials, LinkedIn profile or employer outreach messages.
Network, network, network!
Yes, we know you’ve heard it before but trust us, it really is that important. December grads can use networking as an opportunity to obtain information about industries, companies and positions, even if the employer is not hiring at the moment. Plus, with an estimated 70-80% of jobs being obtained through networking; including it in your strategy gives you the best chance of success.
In addition to LinkedIn, career events and professional associations, be sure to also leverage your Brandeis alumni networking options and stay in touch with Brandeis faculty.
Lastly, find out where other Brandeisians from past class years live, work and study by using Beyond Brandeis. This may open up more opportunities and insights about what you can do with your major that you have not considered previously.
Keep Going
Don’t assume that the job market is frozen just because it’s the holidays or that we are still living in a world consumed by a COVID-19. Even with hiring ebbs and flows, there will still be opportunities available. December graduates should stay focused and proactive while conducting their search.
Find your ‘career’ board of directors
In addition to networking, it’s great to establish a group of people that can help you get to where you want to go. Find those in the industry that can give you insights, advice and keep you in the loop about opportunities.
Hiatt is also a large component on your board - as we offer FREE career services for life for undergraduate alumni. Make an appointment with a counselor for individual strategy sessions no matter where you are in the life after ‘Deis process.