1. Start with What You’ve Got: Use Your School's Resources
Your college career center may still offer access to services like job boards, resume reviews, alumni networking events, and mock interviews, even after you graduate. These are often free for six months to a year post-grad. Check the website or call to see what’s still available to you.
2. Build Your Network Without Feeling Fake
People hire people. Connections open more doors than cold applications ever will. But you don’t need a VIP pass, just a little courage.
- Send personalized LinkedIn messages to alumni in your field.
- Join professional groups or associations with student/new grad rates.
- Attend local panels, job fairs, and virtual meetups. Even a single contact can lead to big opportunities.
3. Learn Online—Without the Loan
Hiring managers don’t just look at your degree, they want to know what you can do. If you’re missing skills required in job postings, upskilling online can fill those gaps fast.
-
-
- Coursera offers affordable, university-backed certifications.
-
- Google Career Certificates in project management, data analytics, UX design, and more are low-cost and employer-recognized.
-
- YouTube can be a goldmine for industry-specific tutorials and trends.
-
Don’t get distracted by overpriced platforms. Stick to what’s practical, respected, and doable.
4. Apply Smarter, Not Harder
The shotgun method—spraying your resume across the internet—rarely works. Instead:
-
- Read job descriptions closely and mirror the language in your resume and cover letter.
-
- Keep a tracker of what you’ve applied to, when, and who you followed up with.
-
- Set up job alerts on LinkedIn and Indeed using targeted keywords and preferred locations.
5. Get Feedback Without the Full Price Tag
Maybe you don’t need full-on career coaching. Maybe you need a resume refresh or a confidence boost before your interview. These are often more affordable à la carte:
-
- LinkedIn profile audits
Andy Thomas Careers Now offers services like these without requiring a full coaching package, because sometimes, you only need a few adjustments to stand out.
6. Stop Waiting for “The Perfect Fit”
A first job doesn’t need to be your forever job. Focus on roles that offer experience, growth, and a paycheck. Many employers are looking for potential and trainability. Once you get in, you can build from there.
How Andy Thomas Careers Now Can Help
Free Video Series
A 4-step method to land a job in 60 days
→ thejobinneed.com
Youtube Channel
Straightforward tips on resumes, interviews, and standing out in today’s market
→ Andy Thomas Careers Now YouTube
College Student Career Coaching
