4 Job Search Challenges for Fresh Grads and How to Get Past Them

One of the biggest challenges for fresh graduates is finding a job with the little experience they have. After the excitement of getting that diploma fades, you’re staring at an empty inbox because none of the jobs you have applied to have gotten back at you, it almost feels like a cycle. You need work to get experience, but to gain experience, you need a job. What’s a fresh grad to do?

Want a Job Right After Graduating? Start With What You Have.

You don’t seriously think that degree would have left you with nothing, do you? Your college education proffers a wealth of knowledge and experience that you can impart to your new colleagues and company. However, it's no guarantee that you'll get your dream job – at least not right away.

Challenges You’ll Face on your Job Search as a Fresh Grad and How to Surpass them:

1. Your Expectations Do Not Match Reality.

You may have graduated with honours and held a position in the school council from a top university. Your schoolmates and professors may have seen you as brilliant and expect you to be a junior partner at a competitive company in no time.

However, you may be in for an awakening once your graduation party ends. In the real world, you may discover that you are a small fish in an ocean of qualified, high achievers vying for the same job as you.

There are more skilled people than ever, thanks to the accessibility of education today. While it's generally a good thing, it may mean more competition for you. What's a fresh grad to do to secure a spot in today’s aggressive jobseeking?

There are many options available to you. For one, you might want to consider applying for a job after enjoying a gap period. It means you won’t have to compete with the batch of fresh graduates who are all trying to land a job simultaneously. You could use your time off to research the skills and experience you need to be qualified for your dream career. You can also take courses, join organisations, and complete internships to pad your resume and experience.

Don’t be pressured by all your schoolmates clamouring to get the first opportunity that comes at them. It’s better to enter the workforce prepared and equipped with all the skills you can develop. You can also figure out what you want in your work – apart from financial compensation, do you seek fulfilment? Work-life balance? Your job will affect your entire lifestyle, not just your bank account, so it's crucial to#SEEKBetteropportunities. Use this extra time to help you find the best first step toward your career.

In case waiting is not an option and you need to secure a job as soon as possible to support yourself, then it may be necessary to understand the realities of life and accept that your first job may not be as glamorous or high-paying as you dreamed it would be. Most jobseekers' first jobs aren't typically idyllic. Paying your dues by being hardworking and having the right attitude will bring you up higher on the career ladder for more exciting prospects in the future.

2. You’ll Be Networking From the Ground Up.

Your career is still at its infancy stage where you are only beginning to meet colleagues, higher-ups, and helping hands in your industry. Don’t fret because you’re not starting from scratch. Your college organisations, friends, and first coworkers can all connect you to a world of people if you make that first move as early as possible.

For a better advantage, consider taking internships and volunteering to widen your network before applying for that first job. It fattens your resume and equips you with the social skills to succeed in the workforce.

Unlike college, it’s not as easy to meet many new people at events and mixers. As a professional, you must be proactive and search for networking opportunities. Try making a list of social goals for your career, and create an action plan for how to achieve them.

3. You’re New to Interviews.

We’ve all been there. That first job interview can be just as awkward as a first date in high school – or even worse.

When the future of your career and financial security are on the line, it can be normal to feel jitters when you go on an interview as a fresh grad. But just like dating, this is a social skill that you can learn via trial and error.

If you want a sure shot at acing that Q&A, then come prepared! Search for job interview tips online. Read about the company and study its work culture, dress code, and key people. No matter your lack of experience, being knowledgeable and prepared can be impressive enough for you to land your first job.

The foundation of a good job interview is a good resume – make sure you load yours with what it takes to prove that you deserve the job, as long as you keep it honest and concise. Besides your GPA and the organisations you were a part of, there are so many other strengths you can put on your CV that you may not even have considered.

Did you help in charity efforts during a natural disaster? Do you have a portfolio of your passion projects? Are you active in participating in your local community? These activities show vital skills and a good work ethic that will show them how ready you are to take on your first job.

4. You May End Up Being Duped Into Accepting a Lower Salary.

Fresh graduates are the easiest people to undermine in terms of salary because of their inexperience in negotiation skills. Business is, after all, about getting the best quality at the lowest cost, and you may be too timid or unaware of your market value to ask for the salary you deserve. But you are in the age of information, and average salaries for your industry, rank, and education are very easy to find online. You can also check JobStreet's Salary Guide to help you figure out how much to expect in your field.

Despite knowing, a lack of confidence or emotional maturity may get on your nerves when you receive that contract, washing over your higher reasoning. Ask your family and friends to motivate you so you can have that mental toughness to negotiate the salary you need. Make a list of your total monthly expenses and come up with a minimum number that you can accept to cover your living costs. If you believe an offer isn’t good enough, look around for better options. You have the power of choice over what kind of job and salary you will have, so don’t leave it to the hands of others!

The road to a stable career may be long and hard for a newbie in the workforce, but don’t be disheartened. There are ways to be resourceful and prepared so you can have a better job search experience, and with the right attitude, you will surpass these challenges by getting the job you want.

Check out our Career Resources page or download JobStreet’s app available on the App Store and Google Play for resources to give you a head start in your professional life. It also offers expert insights and advice that could help you become more aware of the workforce before dipping your toes in.