Enhancing Your Career Prospects After Completing A Degree

A college or university education can enhance your career prospects and put you on the path to success, but there are still many other factors to consider. Landing your dream job is not just about the right qualifications but also the right attitude. With the job market being so competitive, it also helps to make sure that you stand out from the crowd. Here are just some things that you can do to wow prospective employers after completing your chosen degree.

Does A College Degree Guarantee A Job?

A college degree can certainly enhance your career prospects, but depending on what you have studied, there is no guarantee that it will land you a job straight away. The unfortunate reality is that many students end up unemployed or having to settle for a job that doesn't require a bachelor's degree after completing their studies. Choosing a degree that is in demand for the career path you are interested in can help, but competition can still be fierce. This is why it is important to ensure that your resume is eye-catching.

Be Mindful Of Your Social Media Presence

It doesn't matter how good your resume is and what your qualifications are if prospective employers look at your social media presence and think you would be a liability. This is increasingly being done because people put their best foot forward during interviews while employers are interested in candidates who won't damage the company's reputation after work hours. These are not just isolated incidences either, as according to a survey done by CareerBuilder in 2017, a whopping 70% of employers are snooping candidates' social media profiles (https://www.careerbuilder.com/advice/social-media-survey-2017). Companies do this to look for information supporting your qualifications for the job and see if you have a professional online persona and what other people are posting about you.

Things that can hamper your chances of employment if posted on your social media include inappropriate photographs, videos, or information, as well as discriminatory comments related to race, gender, and religion. Badmouthing previous companies or fellow employees is also seen as red flags by employers. Of course, lying about qualifications or being linked to criminal behavior will also cost you any chance of getting hired. It's not all bad, though, as an online presence can also help you get employed. Employers often cite things like excellent communication skills, a professional image, and creativity as a reason for hiring employees based on their online presence. However, this also means that simply deleting or removing your social media profiles while job searching may also make it less likely for employers to call you in for an interview.

Creating An Online Portfolio

Since it is a fact that companies not only look at the social media presence of prospective employees but also Google them, you can use this to your advantage. The best way to do so is with an ePortfolio that highlights your skills and talents. An ePortfolio should enhance your resume, but don't go overboard and include everything. Instead, make sure that your ePortfolio features a selection of work that best demonstrates your experience and talent. A good ePorfolio will highlight the qualifications you've listed in your resume and demonstrate your skill in the field you are interested in pursuing. WordPress, Wix, and Weebly are all popular website builders that can be used for the process of creating an eye-catching ePorfolio.

What Are Some of The Common Job Hunting Pitfalls To Avoid?

One of the most common mistakes made by people who graduate is applying for a job and then sitting back and waiting. Not only is it very important to follow up, but it is also more efficient to apply for more than one job at a time to increase your chances. It is also common for students to believe that they have to wait until they have earned their degree before starting to search for a job. In reality, it can take anything from three to six months to find a job. This means the earlier you apply, the better it will be in the long run. Juggling a part-time job with studies can be difficult, but it will help develop a strong work ethic and bring in money.

Never Stop Learning

Earning your degree is very exciting, but that doesn't mean you don't ever have to study again. No matter what degree you have, it can be helpful to take other online courses while searching for a job. Doing so will increase your knowledge of your chosen field and will also look good on your resume. In addition, many online courses can be done for free or asynchronously, which makes it easy to fit them into your schedule.

Don't Take Rejection Personally

There are many reasons why employers reject applications, so it is important not to take each rejection personally. It can be frustrating and disheartening to be turned down but don't be discouraged and accept that it is all part of the process. Searching for a job can be very stressful too, which can cause people to neglect their healthy habits. Focus on eating healthy, getting enough sleep, and exercising while seeking employment.

Conclusion

While it is true that some students can walk straight into a new job after earning their degree, most are not as fortunate. Depending on your degree and areas of interest, it will take some hard work and patience from your side to land your dream job. What is important is that you don't get discouraged, do everything you can to enhance your chances, and use your time productively while unemployed.