Job Search Tips for New Grads: How to Manage Your Job Search Expectations

Graduating from college is no easy feat. Although it may be bittersweet to close that chapter of your life, it also means undergoing the exciting transition of entering the real world and becoming an independent adult. 

Getting a degree is essential to building the career you want, but you may still have a long road ahead before you land your first big opportunity.

When navigating your new grad job search, it can feel like you're failing if you don't immediately get a job offer. But you may want to temper your expectations. Consider the following important job search tips for new grads to avoid that new grad job search anxiety.

The Average Number of Applications You Can Expect to Send Out

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, job seekers can expect zero to two interviews for every 10 applications they submit. Most people land a job on their second or third interview, although you shouldn't get discouraged if it takes longer as you hone your interview skills. 

Given these averages, you will likely need to send out roughly 30 applications before you get your first job.

Tip: Send a cover letter along with your resume, even if it’s not required! Roughly 65% of hiring professionals agree that cover letters are essential, and while not all job applications will give you this option, it's a great way to share more about yourself and fill in the gaps that your resume leaves. 

How Long the Average Interview Process Takes

On average, the interview process takes 27.5 days. This means you can expect to spend about a month waiting for a job offer from the time of your initial interview. 

While the exact length of the interview process depends on the employer, many companies use multiple stages of interviewing with different company representatives. 

Tip: Always send a thank-you email to your interviewer(s)! It helps you stand out from the crowd and gives you one more opportunity to let them know why you're the best candidate for the job.

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What Your Starting Salary Expectations Should Be

A 2022 study conducted by Real Estate Witch indicated that, while recent college grads expect to be clearing six figures right out of school, they're overshooting by roughly $50,000.

The average starting salary for college graduates in 2022 is about $55,000. While this might seem like a lower number than you hoped for, remember that, once hired, you're subject to annual bonuses, raises, and promotions. 

Tip: Negotiate for a higher salary by highlighting your unique skills, but remember to stay flexible for your first job! While you need to be able to pay your bills, your first job is about getting your foot in the door and working your way up from there.

Job searching for new college grads can be an exhausting process. While you now have the educational background you need, it can take time to find a company willing to take a chance and show you the ropes. 

Use iHire's many resources for entry-level job seekers to help you hone essential skills like resume writing, interviewing, and salary negotiation to speed up your search and land your first post-college job!