Hi Boox Popular Magazine 2024
It’s very easy to not know where to start when you’re on the hunt for a new job or your first one. The idea is daunting and overwhelming. Below are 3 great resources that can relieve this stress, help you jumpstart your career, and aide you in the process of finding the perfect job.
Utilize your college career center and counselors
Even if you have already graduated from college, most schools find ways to stay connected to their alumni. One of the best resources you have at your disposal is your alma mater’s career center. Career centers at universities often have the most direct access to job listings and their recruitment officers. Career Centers also have an abundant amount of resources that could guide you in the process of filling out an application, preparing for interviews, and reviewing your job offers.
If possible, try to schedule an appointment with a career counselor in the Career Centers. The direct guidance they offer could be even more helpful if you’re unsure about which career director you want to take. These counselors can offer their input on specific internships and assess how well the roles fit your skills, interests, and preferences.
Reach out to your connections and network on LinkedIn
Creating a professional network and connecting with them has been made easier because of LinkedIn and similar sites. With such a vast network of professionals, there’s bound to be some connection, direct or indirect, that can help you get your foot in the door. Try reaching out to your connections even if you haven’t connected with in a while.
You never know if they know might know of the perfect job opening at their company, or know someone at another company that is hiring for a role you’re looking for.
On LinkedIn’s job board listings, there is usually information on who posted that job opportunity. Using that information, you could contact the poster, who is often the recruiter, and schedule a time to chat about the role that you’re interested in.
Websites and career apps such as Fishbowl
No matter what industry you work in or what you want to work in, there is probably an app for that specific niche or career interest. For those interested in the tech industry, there is Dice; for the nonprofit sector, there is Idealist and Bridgespan; for media professionals, there is Mediabistro; for jobs in startup organizations, there is AngelList; for those interested in working for the government, there’s USAJobs; and for those interested in management consulting out there, there is Fishbowl.
These career interest focused applications offer many opportunities to connect, learn, and stay updated on the latest industry opportunities and news.
Using career apps is a new form of social and professional networking. Apps like these could help you have casual, genuine conversations with people in an industry you’re trying to break into. Busy professionals are gravitating towards career apps more and more often to replace in-person networking events because career apps provide a more convenient platform.
