New grads are facing one of the toughest time after graduation finding the right job. There are more fresh graduates and fewer jobs in market – and with more experienced workforce ready to take on the entry-level jobs, the competition has never been tougher.
77% of job seekers are using mobile job apps ~ @payscale
Since most of you are already well connected – online – searching for the right advice can be a huge time-consuming process. To use your time optimally it is to your advantage to know which job search websites offer the best job search assistance. Here’s a list which genuinely takes you step by step from the prep and launch of your job search to the ‘high-fives’ and ‘now-what’ stage:
Step 1: Job Search Preparation – Includes Resume Writing, Cover Letter Tips
Monster.com – is a well known job board but over the years it has done a great job
Though there are resume-writing apps, but it would be best to prepare a custom resume and cover letter for every job you apply (hard when you think about it but better results for sure).
Step 2: Research Companies and People to add to your Network
Lindsey Pollak Blog – Being on LinkedIn would not mean much if you don’t know how to present yourself as the most suitable candidate. Can your profile attract CEOs, recruiters or hiring managers? Lindsey Pollak’s blog offers loads of valuable info on how to manage your LinkedIn profile. As Lindsey says: “LinkedIn doesn’t work unless you work it.” Lindsey is a career & workplace Expert, a LinkedIn spokesperson and offers regular advice to the new grads on her blog.
Step 3: Get the Essential Valuable Job Search Advice
Step 4: Find Relevant Jobs and Apply Online
Step 5: Interview Preparation and After
Jobsearch.about.com – Hundreds of websites on interview preparation are out there, but with thousands and more pages of info on just interview, it’s hard to beat Jobsearch.about.com. Alison Doyle has been helping many job seekers for years now and some advice which is relevant for any job seeker in any generation is as much valid for a new grad. The only downside is that you the hundreds of links on one page itself – it’s easy to get lost – or spend hours just soaking in the valuable advice. Worth every minute of your time if you want to be a pro at your next interview. There’s this one webpage – Interviewquest – which is a treasure chest for interview preparation.
Interview App for iPhone / iPad – Monster.com Interviews by Monster Worldwide offers this app to ace any job interview. You can use this app to prepare, access expert advice, and follow-up with a complete post-interview guide.
Step 6: Post Job Offer Negotiations
Texas A&M Univ Career Services – Though you’ll find many websites which offer salary negotiation steps and tips, but this website offers some very apt advice for the recent grads; you’ll find various links on this webpage which guide you appropriately on what to do before and after the job offer.
Some other cool job search apps that are engaging and helpful in your job search:
- BeKnown – Professional networking app on Facebook
- BranchOut – Professional networking on Facebook, browse jobs and internships
- BraveNewTalent – Develop your talent, skills, follow your future employer and more.
Question: What other websites or apps have worked for you?