Completing college and graduating can be a significant milestone for you and many others. The next step will be to land your dream job and carve out your career path. Exciting as this may sound, the road isn’t always going to be bed and roses. Did you know that approximately 53% of new graduates don’t have a job or are underpaid? Well, this doesn’t sound promising, especially if you have your life already mapped out. Well, don’t fret. Here are some job search tips you will benefit from. 

• Don’t begin your search without a game plan 

There are many situations that allow you to wing it; searching for a job isn’t one of them. The last thing you want to do is to begin your search without a game plan; not only will this waste your time, but it can also frustrate you. Instead, take your time to determine what you want and the steps to achieve them. The first step is to decide what industry you’ll fit in perfectly. Your degree and skillset will help you make an informed decision. And no, your entry-level job may not be your dream option, and there is nothing wrong with that. Instead, see it as a time to try various fields to help you know where you will thrive. Likewise, set a goal for your networking and job applications. For instance, you can decide to apply to 5 places each day and attend at least two networking events weekly. 

• Know which places to search for 

You may be excited and have created a plan, but knowing where to search for jobs is also crucial. Thanks to technology, checking out job vacancies can be as easy as ever, and you can do it from the comfort of your home. But the question is, where do you begin? Fortunately, a credible job search site can link you to employers needing your skills. Some can even allow you to customize your search to get the best results. But that’s not all! Social media is also a great platform to find jobs. Therefore, consider leveraging LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter to your advantage. Ensure you use the right keywords to get the best results. You also want to determine if your values align with the company’s. 

• Don’t shy away from internships 

The ideal thing is to land a job immediately after college, but it is not always the case. But don’t despair yet- you can turn this around with internships. With this arrangement, you can work for an organization, although you may not be paid. The goal is to get more work experience or to satisfy a job requirement. Don’t be discouraged if you aren’t paid. In the long run, you will have a better chance of securing your dream job than other candidates. It is important to do your internship at a company that aligns with your interests, skills, and values. Some also offer incentives to their interns, so feel free to consider this.