Welcome, class of ’24 — now, how to land that first elusive job

Ready to toss your graduation hats in the air? Do so with cautious optimism, according to workforce experts.

While the US added 303,000 new jobs in March, and the unemployment rate is ticking downward at 3.8%, some industries which historically grew rapidly, like tech, saw a bit of a slowdown, according to Hiring Lab, the economic research arm of online job search site Indeed.com.

As of November 2023, software development jobs saw a decline of 51.3% in number of job postings, Hiring Lab reports. Additional fields with waning job posting numbers included mathematics (40.1%), media and communications (35%), banking and finance (33%) and industrial engineering (30.3%).

“Some sectors still show strong hiring, including in-person services like restaurants, hotels and hospitals,” said Clint Carrens, career strategist for Indeed. More specifically, the leisure and hospitality sector, which was devastated by the pandemic, has finally gained back all the jobs it lost since February 2020, states a recent Hiring Lab report.

As you approach the job market, “Always be doing your research,” Carrens said. “Understand the trends and skills your industry is looking for. If you have a deficit, make sure to continually grow.”
Accepting the job market’s competitiveness is crucial, he added.

“Have patience and continue leveraging your current network,” Carrens said. “Landing jobs may come quickly for some, yet for others, a while. It doesn’t mean they’re doing better than you. Hiring is a tough process for both employers and job seekers. It’s about finding that right fit, and that takes time.”

To find that first job, “you can’t be haphazard with managing your time,” said Carrens. “Landing work is your full-time job right now. Create a system that works and stick to it.”

Having realistic expectations is key, according to Ken Coleman, host of “The Ken Coleman Show” and author of “Find the Work You’re Wired to Do” (Ramsey Press).

“Over the last several years, 46% of graduating college students aren’t working in their field of study,” said Coleman. “There’s a disconnect between their majors and the job market. Also, the salaries grads expect to make out of college may not be anchored to reality. With student loan debt averaging between $80,000 and $100,000, many are choosing to go different directions because they have to.”

So, if you’re competing against 1,000 applicants for a job, how do you win?

“Connect your fanny off,” said Coleman. “If you want to work at company XYZ, do you know anyone there? If not, do you know someone who knows someone? It’s simple, but not easy; it requires digging. You’ve got to have a relationship, or an acquaintance — whatever it takes to get an HR person to pull your résumé out of the digital pile,” he said.

To survive low-ball salary offers and rejection, you’ll need tough skin and resilience.

“Learn to treat the NOs as, ‘This is not the place or time for me.’ Lick your wounds and get back in the game,” Coleman said.

If you’ve accepted a position, but soon after feel new-job remorse, “Start looking for something else with knowledge, not emotion. You may fear the same thing will happen again, or doubt you’ll find something good out there. A lot of people make the wrong choice — it may just not be a good fit,” said Coleman.
For young college grads, first jobs may not offer instant gratification.

“Enter the workforce with excitement and zeal, not as if it’s a chore or something to begrudge, but rather to create purpose,” said David L. Bahnsen, founder, managing partner and chief investment officer of The Bahnsen Group, a national, private wealth management firm and author of “Full-Time: Work and theMeaning of Life” (Post Hill Press).

While entry-level jobs may entail getting coffee for the boss and taking notes in meetings, “don’t despise the day of small beginnings,” said Bahnsen.

If you can’t determine whether you’re on the right and best career path, “Let’s not put the pressure on ourselves to know or need certainty,” Bahnsen said. “Have flexibility in your mentality about the journey. A new door will open, it will throw twists and turns at you. Do what you’re doing now with a lot of passion. Don’t put the pressure on yourself to be doing the thing you’ll be doing forever. Trust the process, and let it play out. It’s going to anyways,” he said.

As you embark on your career path, you’ll need to develop a trusted team of advisors who are in your corner. These relationships take time and skill to develop, but are vitally important, said Janice Omadeke, career development expert; creator of enterprise software platform, Mentor Method; and author of “Mentorship Unlocked: The Science and Art of Setting Yourself up for Success” (Wiley).

“Employees need to take the reins,” said Omadeke. “Building your own personal board of mentors is a great way to weather the storms.”

When seeking out such advisors, ask yourself, what types of personalities do you get along well with? What skills can you learn from these individuals? Attend the watering holes they frequent. For example, “When I was a graphic designer, I attended women, corporate events and graphic design events which increased my likelihood of finding potential mentors,” said Omadeke.

Be clear on what you’d like to work on with them, whether it’s learning a new skill, helping you to understand internal politics, to identify new networking groups or to help you engage with leadership.

Remember, “you need a willingness to learn and limited ego, as mentors may give you feedback that doesn’t feel that great, yet it’s constructive,” said Omadeke. “Mentors should be eager and excited to help you. It can also be a great way for them to scope out potential talent.”