Key takeaway
- Choosing the right career matters because it supports your long-term happiness, financial stability, and personal growth.
- Before you start your career search, you should first self-assess to understand who you are and what you want out of a job.
- As you search and apply for jobs, explore all of your career options, research job market trends, salary, and required qualifications, build a strong resume and cover letter, network with the right people, prepare for your interviews, learn how to negotiate job offers, and commit to continuous learning and growing.
Flickr user Penn State
For most of your life, the path ahead has been mapped out—classes and semesters all lined up in a predictable order. But as graduation gets closer, it’s completely normal to realize that finding a career doesn’t come with the same step-by-step plan. If you’re not sure where to start, know that you are not behind—and you definitely are not alone.
Luckily, there are clear steps you can take to explore your job options and find one that is a perfect fit. In this guide, we’ll give you all the career search advice you need: how to search, prepare, and ultimately land a job you are excited about.
Why choosing the right career matters
Your career isn’t just a job; it’s a huge part of your life. Therefore, choosing the right one matters. Your career shapes your daily routine, long-term happiness, financial stability, and even personal growth. When you find a career that aligns with your interests, it’s easier to stay motivated and fulfilled.
8 steps in searching for a career
Whether you know your direction or you’re still figuring things out, here’s a step-by-step guide to help you start your career search:
1. Start with a self-assessment
Before you start job searching, take a moment to understand who you are as a worker. A self-assessment can help you recognize your strengths, interests, values, and the type of environment where you do your best work. Ask yourself questions like:
- What kind of environment do I thrive in?
- Do I prefer teamwork or solo work?
- What skills come naturally to me?
- What tasks interest me?
- What do I value in a career?
2. Research potential paths
This step may feel overwhelming, but we have a few tips and tricks to help you out. As you start to research career options, look into the following:
- Job market trends: This shows you how this particular career has grown and is expected to grow over the years.
- Salary expectations: While location and degree certainly play a role, you can get a general idea of the salary you can expect by looking through College Raptor’s comprehensive career list. The Bureau of Labor Statistics can also provide an in-depth look at certain careers.
- Required qualifications: Before you take the time to complete an application, ensure that you have looked over the required qualifications. Certain jobs may require a specific degree, certification, or level of experience.
3. Build application materials
Once you know where you’ll be applying, you’ll want to start building out strong application materials. Our pro tip when it comes to resumes and cover letters? Tailor them for each application you fill out—even if it’s for a similar role. Many employers now use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to scan resumes based on keywords. When you spend time customizing your resume and cover letter, you’re more likely to pass the initial screening and catch the attention of the hiring manager.
When building your resume, focus on the following:
- A clear and organized structure
- Incorporating readable fonts
- Including contact details
- A strong personal statement
- Action-oriented bullet points
- Listing relevant skills
- Highlighting achievements
4. Explore career options with the right resources
Take advantage of the resources available to you! If you aren’t sure what all the available options are, reach out to your academic advisor and ask. They may be able to direct you to career counselors, recommend helpful online assessments, or even connect you with professionals in fields you’re considering.
It’s also helpful to know where to start your job search. While a quick Google search can return endless results, some options are more useful than others when it comes to finding roles that align with your career goals.
LinkedIn is a great place to build your professional profile and explore internships and job opportunities you’re interested in. Start with a professional headshot and a clear elevator pitch. Then, use that resume you just worked on—this is the standout part of your profile that plays a key role in building credibility with potential employers.
Other good places to look include your school’s career center, as well as job-search platforms like Indeed and Glassdoor.
5. Start networking
Networking is a powerful part of searching for a career—even more than you might realize. Think of it this way: the more people you connect with, the more opportunities you open yourself up to. All it takes sometimes is a simple conversation that can lead to a job or advice you wouldn’t have found on your own.
Maybe you start by asking your professor if they know anyone you could informally interview. Or, you could reach out to companies you’re curious about and ask if someone would be willing to chat about their work.
The LinkedIn profile you built is another great way to grow your network. Start by sending connection requests to fellow students and professors, and especially to professionals in your field of interest. You can also attend career fairs or events where professionals may be in attendance. Keep a list of everyone you connect with and continue to build relationships with them over time.
6. Prepare for interviews
You can start prepping for interviews before you’ve even landed your first one. Many job interviews will ask similar questions, such as:
- Tell me about yourself
- What are your strengths/weaknesses?
- What makes you a good fit for this role?
Practice your answers, but also don’t forget to brush up on these tips so you make sure you leave a good impression.
7. Learn how to negotiate job offers
If you receive a job offer, remember that you don’t have to accept it on the spot. Take time to look it over, ask questions, or even get advice from other professionals. If the salary is lower than you expected, you can respectfully negotiate—just make sure you’ve done your research on market trends and typical pay for similar roles.
It’s important to note that you can negotiate more than just salary. Your full compensation package may include benefits, a flexible start date, remote work options, and professional development opportunities. Just make sure you are using polite, clear, and respectful communication.
8. Continue to learn and grow
When you’ve landed your dream career, don’t stop there! Learning and growth should be ongoing priorities, so ask about opportunities for continuous learning and professional development. Many employers cover these costs, which can lead to promotions and higher earning potential.
Be proactive and persistent
In some cases, you may not get the job you applied for. While it’s certainly okay to be disappointed, don’t let it stop you from trying again. Every application and job interview teaches you something and helps you grow in some way. Trust that the right opportunity will come at the right time. Stay proactive and persistent, and you will find a path meant for you!
Ready to start your career search? We know just the place to start. College Raptor’s Career Finder tool lets you explore careers, including available job openings, salaries, necessary skills, and required education levels.
