5 Ways Recent Grads Can Ease Job-Seeking Jitters

You’ve been imagining this moment your entire college career — walking across the stage, receiving your diploma and making your big debut in the workforce. It’s a lifetime achievement and one you should be proud of. However, with this accomplishment comes lingering uncertainty, and you may have doubts about your ability to make a successful shift from the classroom to the office. The reality is, it’s very common to have these job-seeking jitters as you embark on life after college. But just how common?

According to a recent survey conducted by GoDaddy, one in four college-graduating seniors said they felt unprepared to enter the job market, so rest assured, you’re not alone. And though your post-grad fears may be strong there are ways to overcome them and improve your chances of landing that dream job. Here are a few things to consider as you move toward your career in accounting.

Use the power of networking.

According to Editorial Intelligence, 29 percent of professionals have found, or been referred to, a new job opportunity through networking. Frequently attend industry events, volunteer groups or alumni meetings to build new contacts and improve upon existing relationships. Reach out to friends, family members and professional contacts and let them know you’re looking for an opportunity to set your career in motion. Amazing possibilities can stem from your social circle, so widen it with people who have strong connections.

Polish your digital presence.

Social channels have the ability to make or break an employer’s first impression of you, so make sure you’re putting your best digital foot forward. Review your social media accounts to remove inappropriate photos or posts that could offend hiring organizations. You want your LinkedIn profile to be the channel through which prospective employers meet you first online, so make sure it’s representing you in the best possible, professional light. Continue to cultivate your online presence by contributing to industry blogs or forums. Providing thoughtful content through these channels demonstrates your potential as an emerging thought leader and could increase your visibility among hiring managers.

Tailor your application.

Customizing your resume and cover letter are key to landing a job interview. Read job descriptions carefully to identify the right keywords to plug into your resume and increase its searchability when posted to a job board. These days, most hiring managers are using Applicant Tracking Software (ATS) to weed out resumes that don’t fit their pre-set criteria. So pay close attention to the skills and duties outlined in the description, and make sure your resume addresses them, to get it past an ATS and into the hands of HR.

Do your homework.

This may seem like a given, but it can’t be stressed enough. You must diligently research the accounting organization you’re pursuing to increase your chances of getting hired. Review annual reports, scour press releases and keep track of any positive coverage they’ve attracted in the news. All this research will come in handy during interviews. Whether it’s taking a moment to discuss an impressive project their team worked on or all the ways you align with the company values listed on their website — it shows, and hiring managers appreciate the extra effort. If you want to go even further, look into your potential employer’s history so you can discuss their individual accomplishments more in-depth. A modest ego boost is always welcomed and can make a potential boss look at you more favorably.

Say thank you.

It’s the little things, like saying “thank you” that can have the most lasting impact. Sending prompt emails or handwritten notes can go a long way in both your professional and personal life. This means thanking those who helped you throughout all the stages of your job search, from the person who introduced you to the opportunity to the person you interviewed with. As small as it may seem, people will take notice and appreciate the recognition.

A final tip to carry with you now, and throughout your accounting career, is to enjoy the process. There are going to be many challenges aside from landing your first role that should inspire you. And with the given tips, and lots of confidence, you can get right on your way to where you want to be in the world of work.

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Jodi Chavez is the president of Randstad Professionals and Life Sciences. With more than 22 years in the staffing industry, Jodi oversees the field organization and provides direction for Randstad’s life sciences, finance and accounting, human resources, sales and marketing, and legal staffing capabilities. Throughout her career, Jodi’s entrepreneurial drive and strong business acumen have led to increased revenues, gross profit growth and improved ROI. Along with a proven track record of building high-performing teams, she brings a wealth of knowledge in strategic planning and execution, mergers and acquisitions, brand strategy, social media and multi-generational leadership.

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