What To Do When You Can’t Find A Job After College

After graduation, there is always a wind of confusion. This mostly comes when you didn’t have a plan while in school. You probably had high hopes that life will be better, or that the job market is waiting for you, eagerly.

Many students hope for a better life as they transition to the world of careers and working. As it looks, the reality is quite a different narrative.

A good number of graduates struggle to find jobs; they take time to apply and send in their CVs but all in vain. It can be devastating, if not frustrating.

It can get discouraging at times, especially if you had high hopes in getting a job immediately after campus. It’s even worse when your classmates happen to get opportunities whilst for you it’s still hitting rocks.

Though unemployment is a real struggle, it’s paramount to understand that as a graduate, not landing a job of your dreams immediately is not failing. It’s the process that leads to your destiny.

There are plenty of other opportunities to venture in while you chase your dreams.

Volunteer
Giving a hand in an organization that accepts volunteers can be a good start. Visit organizations around you and offer to help in their programmes.

This will help you build your CV and also gain some skills that can aid in your future career.

Adjust your expectations
Most graduates expect to land in jobs that they studied for. Unfortunately, that might not be the case. You might opt to try other avenues and see what life has to offer. Avoid being selective. Just dive into any job that you can find.

Don’t rely only on resumes
Resumes documents what you have done before, and who you are as a person. Looking beyond resumes might also help. Build a portfolio that shows what you do, what you are skilled in or what you are good at.

With this digital era, it’s easy to build a portfolio online. There are free portfolio sites such as Wix, Strikingly and Linktree that can help you with that.

Build skills
Learning new skills will help you cross the bridge safely. You can find free online courses that aligns with what you want to add in your skills bucket.

Network
You should know people who know people. Talking and building relationships with people who are already in the industry helps a lot.

You might need advice from them or any type of assistance. They may also share with you opportunities when they come up.