Job Hunting Tips for December College Grads

If you are a new December graduate, congratulations! You have turned the tassel, you have felt the pride and you have earned your degree.

Although graduating at the end of this semester might not have had the pomp and circumstance of the more popular May/June graduations, you are probably facing a friendlier job market.

Here are some ways to take advantage of this to land a job.

Set yourself apart

You are unique. Make that clear by highlighting an attribute that sets you apart from the rest when applying for jobs.

Employers get tons of resumes when they announce an opening, so make your application stand out by emphasizing something about you that makes you different than others in the job pool.

If you can’t get the point across in your resume, include it on your cover letter! Remember, you are trying to sell someone on the idea of you! What is it about you that will make someone want to invest their time and money on your future with their business?

If you aren’t sure, ask professors, classmates or even friends and family what they think is distinctive about you and your work.

Look outside the job boards

Whether this be through networking or social media, there are plenty of chances to discover a job outside of Indeed or Craigslist. Do you know someone who knows someone? Dropping a name is another way in. Sometimes, it really is about who you know!

Consider an internship

Don’t turn your nose up to an internship. An internship can easily turn into a job for the right person. Make yourself that person.

Branch outside your comfort zone

This means looking for careers outside your familiar city or even your state. If you’re really brave, this might even mean looking outside of the country! Your dream job just might not be available in Austin, Texas, but that doesn’t mean you can’t shoot for the moon!

Join a professional association

Most professions have their own professional associations. These associations play a part in setting the rules and charting the direction of the profession. If possible, volunteer with this professional association as another way to network.