Tips for Graduates

Congratulations! You did it! To the high school and college graduate: You’ve worked hard to complete your course of study. We’re proud of you!

And now that you are done, with diploma in hand, you are ready to face the world. The challenges out there are no secret.

So facing your work goals may take more effort than you expected. But to get to this point, you persisted and kept your eye on goals.

Those same qualities are needed to find employment or engagement in meaningful work.

It’s no secret that one has to fill out an application as part of the job. Finding an internship or volunteer opportunity can be a part of the job seeking process.

Usually that would entail walking into businesses or combing through job boards sites like Craigslist or Indeed. The task of searching for work can be all encompassing or different, keeping a positive attitude is key to your success.

JOB SEEKING TIPS FOR GRADUATES

ZOOM or phone Granny and Granddad, who love you and can give you positive affirmations
set a schedule for job seeking and volunteering, Keep to it, but be flexible,
practice interviewing skills, even virtually with an older, trusted adult
update your resume, lots of online resources will explain clear formats
keep a list of three references ready for those job applications
create a profile on LinkedIn and check out who is hiring now as well as a job hunting and networking tips there
ask employers (human resources) and people you know in your field of interest, for informational interviews
search up how to dress for success for a job
check out HandsOn Greater Richmond for volunteer opportunities in your field of interest while job seeking to keep busy and connected
try virtual networking with helpful adults your community
read through and use resources from your college career office
register with the Virginia Workforce Commission
make one job call a day
explore alternative work options in the community like on social media sites or Nextdoor by offering services (lawn mowing, dog walking) or listing a job wanted
this is the time to work on your hobby, remember you might get the least expected job thru the back door
search up adulting workshops and concepts that include balancing your budget with the Virginia Credit Union
get out of the house and work at your local library, CapitalOne cafe, your favorite coffee shop or Gather co-working space; you never know what kind of connection you may make or networking you can do
take one day off a week and have fun