6 Job Search Tips for the Class of 2024

Millions of students are graduating this spring, which means the 2024 job market is about to turn even more competitive. Almost everyone offers career advice for new grads, but too many tips are based on outdated advice and job markets that no longer exist. 

A recent study found that about 40% of employers avoid hiring recent college graduates for eligible positions. Many of these surveyed employers believed that college graduates were "unprepared for the workforce," favoring "older candidates" instead. However, with adaptability and flexibility, the right qualifications, and a clear dedication to your industry, you can put your best foot forward and secure job offers. 

Follow these job search tips for 2024 to learn how to find a job after college. 

1. Start Within Your Network

With recruiters leaning away from college graduates, an impressive resume and a degree may not stand out as well to employers you don't know. So, your best strategy may be to start with potential opportunities within your network while also making new connections. 

Internships are a great way to start your career since many of these roles develop into full-time positions. Maintain a strong work ethic throughout your internships and learn as much as you can about the company, coworkers, and practices in the process. Near the end of your internship, research the company's available openings and speak to your internship supervisor about your goals. 

2. Show Your Flexibility & Adaptability

Remote, distributed, and hybrid roles are all quite common in the 2024 job market, though you may encounter employers who have recently implemented a return-to-office (RTO) requirement and prioritize local candidates. 

Mark your availability as open and flexible on your application wherever possible. Regardless of your experience, many employers may favor an open weekly schedule, an early start date, and a willingness to relocate and/or commute. 

That said, also show that you can excel in different settings. Your resume and application should emphasize that you're prepared for working remotely as well as in person as required. If you aren't already, become proficient in different communication software – such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom – and highlight that you're self-directed, collaborative, and adaptable to give employers confidence that you'd excel as part of a distributed workforce.

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3. Revise Your Resume

Even if you've already put together a resume, you should still review and revise it when applying for new positions. Look for any mistakes or dates you haven't updated yet. For example, if you've officially graduated, you can finally replace "Present" or "In Progress" with "2024" on your college education timeline. 

As you review job listings, look for any skills or certifications your resume may be missing. Your resume may seem bare after you've initially graduated. However, you can often fill in the gaps with job, project, and/or volunteer role descriptions, achievements, and skills. Though you shouldn't add fluff, genuine details about your qualifications and past responsibilities can communicate a lot to recruiters.  

Many companies use AI-powered recruitment software that analyzes your resume to determine how well it matches their role's requirements. To stand out on these platforms, research the qualifications and keywords that your industry currently prioritizes and carefully review every job ad before you apply. Even if they may be obvious to a reader, adding industry-specific words and responsibilities to your resume prevents AI platforms from overlooking your application. 

4. Invest in Training and Continuing Education

You just finished college, so why would you want to go back to the classroom now? Though they may seem unnecessary, online training and certification courses can catch you up on your industry's essential skills – and many are either free or inexpensive.

Employers' desired qualifications are changing with the 2024 job market. So, what you learned in college the past few years may not cover everything you'll need to know in your first job. Continuous education can keep you up to date within your industry and expand the positions you're eligible for. Beyond that, it proves to employers that you are eager to learn and willing to embrace other duties. 

5. Apply to Open Positions Promptly & Follow Up

The past year has marked the end of the Great Resignation – an employment trend in which workers quit for better jobs at increasingly higher rates because they were confident they could easily find another opportunity and get multiple offers. Right now, we're in what's being called the "Big Stay" with workers playing it safe due to the current job market and economic conditions.

Consider this an opportunity to stand out by quickly applying to positions that interest you and catching recruiters' attention as an early applicant. You'll stand out and show employers that you're not only efficient and tuned into the market but truly interested in the opportunity. Go the extra mile and follow up on applications as well to keep your name top of mind.

6. Thoroughly Prepare for Job Interviews

According to the study mentioned earlier, many employers believe that recent graduates are unprepared for job interviews. Consider the following interview prep strategies:

• Practice your responses: Research the most common job interview questions, including within your industry. Take time to plan multiple answers, and consider writing them down (the STAR method is a great way to frame your responses). Then, rehearse with a friend before the interview for smoother delivery. 
• Dress appropriately: Your interview outfit should be professional yet still authentically you. Research the job and company before selecting your wardrobe to avoid under or overdressing. Typically, going one notch above the workplace dress code is a smart choice.
• Arrive early: Plan to reach your job interview location at least 10 minutes before your scheduled time (or more if there may be traffic or limited parking). If your interview is virtual, have your camera ready and join the digital room about five minutes prior. 
• Stay focused on the interviewer: Eye contact and listening skills demonstrate to recruiters that you are confident, collaborative, and willing to hear them. Eliminate all possible distractions, whether you're interviewing in person or virtually. Beyond your posture and engagement, pay attention to the skills or qualifications your interviewer is prioritizing. This can help you fine-tune your answers to their direct needs. 

Career Advice for New Grads

People often say that your first job after college is the toughest to find. However, with the right resources, resume, and job search strategies, you can quickly land positions that launch your career! Explore iHire's Resource center for more career advice for new grads, as well as our career courses for entry-level job seekers.