Congratulations on earning your degree! Businesses all around the Phoenix Metro area need your talent and skills; we’ll help you find employers that are looking for new college graduates.
4 Good Searches for Recent Grads:
- Entry Level
Many fields have heavy experience requirements, but there’s usually an entry point into almost any career. Searching for the phrase “entry level” is a good way to learn about opportunities in your area that are hiring employees just starting out. - Recent Grad
Similar to “entry level” employers will use the phrase “recent grad” when they are recruiting employees who are required to have a specific level of education (whether high school, undergrad, or graduate school) at the beginning of their career. Seek out positions using this phrase as a keyword search. - New Grad Programs
Review company career pages and seek out programs specifically designed for new grads. Check with your school’s counselors or career services department to see if they have recommendations or if any employers will be recruiting on campus. - Phoenix Job Fairs & Open Houses
Employers who want to hire a large number of employees or want to find candidates quickly might choose to hold an open house or job fair. If you want to find a job quickly, these events can be a great way to get your foot in the door and make a good first impression. It can be hard to get a chance to speak to employers if you don’t have an established work history. Showing up prepared and ready to impress can give you a distinct advantage in your search.
4 Resume Tips for New Grads:
- Add your new degree to your resume
Even if you haven’t finished your degree yet, you can add your program or degree and include your expected graduation date. It is customary to include the words “in progress” along with your program or to indicate that the graduation date is “expected” or “projected”. - Highlight relevant internships, coursework, and volunteer positions
Even if you haven’t worked as a professional in the field, you still have valuable skills, knowledge, and experience to relate to potential employers. Highlight any relevant coursework in your field, especially any that have exposed you to knew or cutting-edge information or technology. List any work experience paid, or unpaid that demonstrates your reliability, ability to communicate, present yourself professionally, or provide customer service. - Use your new alumni network and your school’s career services
(referrals, resume reviews, job opportunities)
Other graduates from your school are already out in the workforce. Reach out to fellow graduates for informational interviews to learn about where they work and what types of opportunities are available. Also be sure to enlist the help of your school’s career services. They can be a wealth of information and resources including resume reviews and referrals. - Get involved in professional associations and list them on your resume
As you begin in your new field, professional associations are a good way to develop your network and continue your education. Many professional organizations even provide discounts or scholarships for new members or recent graduates, so be sure to ask. Add professionally focused memberships to your resume to demonstrate your commitment to ongoing career development. Even though networking groups might not always be appropriate for your resume, they certainly can build your visibility. Not sure where to start? Groups like the Valley Young Professionals, a program of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, GET Phoenix Young Professionals, and Arizona Young Professional’s Social Group are great groups to get out and start networking.