Perhaps one of the more stressful things a college student endures (besides just staying on top of classes), is trying to secure a job after you graduate. Albeit overwhelming, it’s important for any student at Christopher Newport University to think about their future. So, whether you’re a Senior and don’t know where to start with your post-graduate plans, or you’re just trying to get ahead of the competition, here’s five tips to help you in your job search.

• Present Your Best

Consider everything to be on the table by your potential future employer, so be sure that you’re not oversharing. If you have any public social media accounts that might give potential red flags in the hiring process, be sure to do a bit of cleanup in between filling out applications. When you have an interview on your schedule, do everything you can to look professional – not just when you leave your house either, be careful to not damage that look on your way to the interview in question.

• Pick Your Battles

Are you an Environmental Science Major applying for jobs in the cosmetics industry? Are you looking for internships, but really need a full-time job? Are you filling out applications for an office position in Asia? The truth is that sometimes when you begin your search, you need to be specific about what your goals are and how your experiences have set you apart from other applicants. There are some fights that just aren’t worth taking.

• Law of Numbers/Standards

Just like anything else in life, the more you try, the better chance you are to see some kind of return. You can take this advice to heart for job searching as well. Remember to apply, and apply often. You might get turned down by one company only for another job to open up because you put yourself out there for more employers to find. It also might surprise you where you might land, so don’t feel discouraged from applying for jobs that you don’t feel entirely qualified for.

• Job-Hunting Apps

Christopher Newport University has amazing resources for your job search, chief among them Handshake. It also doesn’t hurt to create an account on apps like LinkedIn for increased visibility. As a College Student, you have certain qualities that others do not. Having a presence on these apps gives your employer potential reference points in your hiring process that can exemplify your best qualities.

• Have Confidence

The last, but perhaps the most important step, is to have confidence in yourself and your experiences. The only one that can advocate for your qualifications is you. It’s important to have confidence in every step of the hiring process to know that you’re fit for the position you’re applying for. 

Remember- this process is often long and tiresome! Don’t give up on your dreams so easily, the right job is bound to come along.