Picture this scenario: you’re a recent grad focused on finding a role that you know you will excel in. You have done everything right tailored your resume, built a target list, applied properly, interviewed well, and sent thank-you notes, but still…no offers. You know that the current job market is tight, and it is taking longer to find positions.
But your frustration is building. What do you do?
My advice: keep going! Think of finding a job as your job and make sure that you are leveraging your network as much as you can.
Define your network
Many job hunters believe that their network is just the people that they know. But your network is much larger. Think of the people you know as your close or personal network, but, think of all the people that they know as your extended network. These people who don’t even know you (and may not ever meet you) could be a potential resource.
For example, a client recently earned a prized internship at a small firm. She had applied to firm after firm and had not been successful even though she had feedback that her interviews went well. She knew she would need to continue applying for internships even though it was very late and she believed most positions would be filled. Her close network knew what she was looking for. The position she obtained came from her extended network – an opportunity arose through a friend of a friend. Once her resume was in the pool, her strong interview skills sealed the deal.
Expand Your Reach
If you are a recent grad, beyond your personal and extended network, don’t forget to tap into your university’s career office. Many alumni will alert their alma mater about opportunities appropriate for graduates. In addition, they may be able to help you build connections with alumni in your field. This presents an opportunity to expand your personal network.
Don’t keep your job search a secret!
Your network can’t help if they don’t know you are looking. If the new intern in our example had not made her network aware of what she was looking for, her friend may not have thought of her when he heard that there might be a relevant internship opportunity. Also, consider whether you have ‘selectively’ approached your direct connections based on your career. Perhaps you’re a graduate engineer and you’ve approached all the engineers you know. That’s great, but what about everyone else? Industries have diverse roles, and someone outside your field may have a key connection.
Keep Moving Forward
Job hunting is frustrating, especially when interviews go well but don’t result in an offer. But the bottom line is that to achieve your objective – getting a position – you need to keep moving forward. Continue to apply and continue to network. At the same time, continue to practice interviewing. Keeping your skills “on point” will increase your chances of being able to convert new opportunities into a job offer.
If you feel you need support to help you master the interview process, consider reaching out for assistance. Command the Interview collaborates with educational institutions, organizations, and non-profits to help recent graduates strengthen their interview skills so they can win their next position. Reach out to learn more at Kerrie@CommandtheInterview.com.