How to Find a Job After College

Stop Applying and Waiting—Use the 2-Step Method Instead It’s not enough to apply for a job and hope for the best. And mass-applying—whether manually or with an AI tool—won’t get you hired faster. Instead, use the 2-Step Method to stand out and gain an advantage. 🔹 Find a job → Find a contact 🔹 Find a contact → Find a job By taking this approach, you’ll not only differentiate yourself from other applicants but also gain the support of an insider who can help your resume get noticed. Step 1: Apply Strategically This part is straightforward. ✔ Find a job online. ✔ Tailor your resume to highlight your most relevant qualifications. ✔ Write a thoughtful cover letter that explains why you want to work at the company—this means doing real research beyond just knowing their name. Step 2: Find an Insider This is the step most job seekers skip—but it’s the game-changer. Find someone who currently works (or previously worked) at the company and reach out. Yes, it takes effort, but securing an internal advocate, ally or informant dramatically increases your chances of getting noticed. This is called an employee referral, and it’s one of the most powerful ways to land an interview. 💎 Reversing the 2-Step: Start with People, Then Find the Job 💎 If you have a list of target companies, begin by identifying people you know who work there. Reach out and reconnect—even if there’s no job opening at the moment. Why? ✔ They may know about a job before it’s posted. ✔ They could refer you when something opens up. ✔ They might introduce you to someone hiring elsewhere. Not everyone will respond, and not every lead will pan out—but what if just one does? That’s all it takes. Use LinkedIn to Find Insider Connections LinkedIn is the best tool for this. 📌 Visit a company’s LinkedIn page and see who works there. 📌 Check your connections—first-degree contacts are ideal, but second-degree can be valuable too. 📌 Use your college/university alumni network to find former classmates at your target companies. AI can’t replace human-to-human connection. And while this takes effort, the hard work can pay off. Try the 2-Step Method for a few weeks and see how it changes your job search.

College recruiting season is heating up so here are 10 tips I wish I had known when I was recruiting: 1. Build relationships early. Every year, when LinkedIn opened applications, we would get flooded with requests from students to chat. At that point, it was too late for us to chat with everyone and submit referrals. The handful of people who I had built a relationship with early got my referral and had a much better chance of being successful in the interview process. 2. Tap your network, and don't be afraid to cold email people. I sent hundreds of emails to people, mostly alums from my undergrad, and most of them were ignored. But I also got a few responses, which led to calls, relationships, and eventually meetings with employees at LinkedIn, Google, Pinterest, Facebook, and several other great companies. 3. Show up. (Get on a plane if you have to) Meet the people you need to meet, in person. I took a trip out to the Bay Area as a sophomore in college and it made all the difference in my recruiting process. Even if you are recruiting for local companies, getting in the door, however possible, is so important. 4. Look beyond the obvious companies. Everyone applies to Google. Find the next big name by watching who is getting funded, where the talent is flocking to, and where the process might not be flooded with applicants. 5. Create your own roles. I can't tell you how many times we've hired someone exceptional without an open job req. If you are world-class, you can create roles and opportunities where there is none. But you need to be specific on how you will contribute, and perhaps even give them a taste of the value you will bring. 6. Apply early. As soon as the application drops, be ready to apply. 7. Get experience, however you can. Land internships, build side projects, get involved on campus, and be busy! It's hard to get tons of experience when you are young, but if you want to compete, you need to get experience. 8. Go after specific roles. Too many college students hurt their chances in the process by not knowing what they are shooting for. It's okay to pursue multiple roles at once, but when you start engaging with a hiring manager, you need to identify what they need and have a strong talk track for why that role is the perfect fit for you. Saying "I'll do anything" is not good. They want to know what you will be world-class in. 9. Don't give up. Recruiting comes with tons of rejections. That's part of the process. It only takes one yes. 10. Don't go at the process alone. Practice with friends, mentors, coaches on Leland, and anyone else you can. We host 100+ free events on recruiting topics every month, so join those and make sure you are prepared! What other tips do you have for college students wanting to land great roles out of school? Pictured: me and Landon convincing 200 people to join our new Tech Club at BYU almost 10 years ago #recruiting #Internships #hiring

If you don’t have interviews yet… read this. Not because you’re behind. But because most people are doing the wrong things. Over the last few years, working with thousands of students and job seekers, I’ve noticed one pattern: It’s rarely about “not enough effort.” It’s about misdirected effort. So here’s a 6-step job search process I’d follow if I had to start from zero today: 1. Fix your foundation before you apply Your resume and LinkedIn aren’t just documents. They’re your *first impression in rooms you’re not in.* Instead of listing responsibilities, focus on: • What did you do • How did you do it • What changed because of it If this isn’t clear, more applications won’t help. 2. Stop applying blindly Applying to 100 roles with no strategy won’t get you hired faster. Do this instead: • Apply where you meet ~60–70% of the requirements • Tailor 1–2 lines in your resume if needed • Track where you’ve applied The goal isn’t volume. It’s relevance. 3. Build proof (especially if you lack experience) No one is giving you a chance? Create one. • Reverse engineer job descriptions • Build 1–2 small projects • Volunteer / freelance / help a startup Proof > pedigree. Every time. 4. Become visible You can’t get opportunities if no one knows you exist. • Share your learnings • Talk about your journey • Post about what you’re building People don’t refer strangers. They refer people they’ve seen consistently. 5. Network with intention “Hi, can you refer me?” isn’t networking. Instead: • Ask about their journey • Learn how they made decisions • Follow up with something thoughtful Relationships convert. Messages don’t. 6. Prepare before the opportunity comes Most people wait for interviews to start preparing. That’s too late. • Practice your answers out loud • Build 2–3 strong stories (that can answer multiple questions) • Know your “why you” clearly Confidence comes from repetition, not luck. This isn’t a 2-day fix. But if you do this consistently for the next 4–6 weeks, you’ll be ahead of most applicants. You’re not behind. You’re just early in the process. And this is where things start to click.

Job hunting can be overwhelming — but it doesn't have to be. Whether you’re a fresh graduate, switching industries, or re-entering the workforce, here are some practical, no-fluff steps to get started (and stay motivated): 1. Polish your base first: - Resume: Keep it clean, keyword-optimized, and tailored for each role. - LinkedIn Profile: Your online resume. Add a strong headline, detailed experience, and a professional photo. - Portfolio (if relevant): Especially for tech/design roles – GitHub, Behance, personal websites, etc. 2. Use the power of tech to your advantage: - Set job alerts: LinkedIn, Indeed, Glassdoor, Hirect, Foundit (formerly Monster), Naukri, Instahyre, Wellfound (formerly AngelList), and Internshala for internships. - Google Jobs: Type “Jobs near me” or “Remote [role] jobs” and you'll find filtered listings. - Chrome Extensions: Tools like Huntr or Jobscan help track applications or optimize resumes. 3. Leverage your network (this is GOLD): - Don’t just apply. Reach out. - Send messages to alumni, ex-colleagues, or mutual connections with personalized and humble notes. - Engage on LinkedIn: Comment on posts, share your journey, ask questions—it boosts visibility. 4. Stay consistent, not just motivated: Motivation fluctuates. Systems win. - Block 1-2 hours daily for job applications. - Use a spreadsheet or tracker to monitor follow-ups and responses. - Celebrate small wins: a response, an interview, a coffee chat—it adds up. 5. Upskill smartly (not endlessly): Instead of hoarding certifications, pick tools actually required in your field. - Tech? Think SQL, Python, Power BI, AWS. - Non-tech? Excel, Communication, Data Analysis, or CRM platforms. 6. Don’t ghost yourself emotionally: - Join online communities (Slack groups, Discord servers, Reddit threads for job seekers). - Speak to friends or coaches. - Journal or meditate if anxiety creeps in. Remember: Job hunting is a process. You're not behind. You're building something. If you're reading this and in the middle of a job search—you've got this. Feel free to drop a comment if you’ve found a hidden gem of a job site or a tactic that worked for you. Let’s crowdsource the job hunt together!

"I’m a fresh grad, but every job wants experience… what can I do?" It’s frustrating when you're just starting out & already feel "not enough". But the good news is, you are more than enough, you just need to show it right. Here’s how you can flip the script: 1) Understand what "experience" really means Experience isn’t just about full-time jobs. Employers are looking for proof you can do the job, not just a job title. Include these in your resume & interviews: - Final year projects - Group assignments related to the industry - Positions in university clubs/societies - Internships (yes, even 3-month ones) - Freelance, part-time or volunteer work Talk about what you did, what you learned & how it helped you grow. 2) If you’re not sure what job to apply for, know yourself first Don’t mass apply to 100 jobs. Take a step back & ask: - Do I enjoy working with people or independently? - Am I drawn to tech, creativity or strategy? - Do I prefer structure or get bored without variety? Try self-assessment tools like: - RIASEC Test - 16Personalities (MBTI) - Career Explorer by Sokanu When you understand your strengths & interests, you’ll know where to aim. 3) Build your digital 'experience' with LinkedIn Fresh grads who show up on LinkedIn get noticed, simple as that. Start by: - Sharing lessons from uni or internships - Talking about small wins or challenges - Engaging with industry content - Connecting with alumni & recruiters Your LinkedIn = your personal brand. And recruiters are watching. 4) Upskill with short, relevant courses If your resume feels empty, fill it with value. Check out platforms like: - Google Career Certificates - LinkedIn Learning - Microsoft Learn - NTW programs (under HRDC) 5) Don’t be afraid of entry-level jobs Your first job is just a launchpad. Focus on: - Understanding real workplace culture - Improving soft skills like communication & problem solving - Showing that you’re eager to learn & work hard You don’t need the perfect job to start, just the right mindset. Being a fresh grad isn’t a weakness, it’s a blank page full of potential. Show recruiters that you’re ready to learn, grow & bring value. Want help standing out as a fresh grad? ✅ Drop your resume here, we’ll match you with the right jobs based on your skills & interests: https://lnkd.in/gdvztAWr ✅ Or check if your resume is ready with our free ATS Resume Checker: https://lnkd.in/dJakqhXZ

My Advice to College Students Pursuing Games I’m not an educator, but I’ve worked with thousands of early-career people and have nothing stopping me from being brutally honest. Early-career people with no prior experience in games have about a 5 percent chance of finding a core job in the industry within a year. That means a role at a studio or publisher actually making or releasing games. If you include any job at all, employment rates can be 50 percent or higher. But for development work, those are the odds. There are only about 1,500 to 2,000 entry-level games jobs globally each year, and many now go to experienced people down-leveling. Tens of thousands graduate annually from college, arts, and games programs targeting these roles, along with experienced professionals also competing for them. The math isn’t kind, so you have to make it fairer for yourself. Start by broadening your skills. Go beyond your curriculum. Learn Excel, project management, public speaking, finance, and strong writing. Stay curious and keep learning. Understand the range of careers in games. There are hundreds of roles across design, production, engineering, art, writing, audio, analytics, and marketing. The total number of jobs may be smaller, but variety is still vast. Focus from day one on finding: Any job A job tied to what you studied A job that’s games-adjacent A games job You’ve succeeded even if you achieve the first. Don’t fall into the trap of prioritizing this list in reverse. Ask tough questions about your program. What jobs is it preparing you for? How many are outside games? How many graduates found games roles? How many use the skills they studied? Don’t accept viewbook employment rates. Ask about outcomes that match the work you want and the tuition you’re paying. Do it now, not 4 years from now. Build your professional identity early. Create a LinkedIn profile and keep it updated. If your field is creative, have a portfolio. Attend events and connect with professionals. Most early-career jobs come through relationships, not applications. You have four years to meet people. Use them. Don’t rely on internships. With only 300 to 400 each year, build experience through projects, game jams, and collaborations that show initiative and growth. Be realistic about geography and cost. Around 70 percent of North American jobs are in expensive hubs like California, Washington, Vancouver, Quebec, and North Carolina, with fewer than 15 percent remote. Only a quarter of all games jobs are in North America, so relocation may be necessary. Be financially aware. Model your debt, salary, and cost of living. Know what your degree will cost and what repayment will look like. I say this not to discourage you but to help you go in clear-eyed. I spent 17 years after college trying to break into games before I did, and I never gave up. Support yourself while you keep trying. If you find a job that pays your bills, keep building and look for games work on day two.

So you’re graduating from college and about to start your job search. What metric should you focus on to ensure you’re on the right track? First, the context. Your parents' job search playbook is officially obsolete. Gone are the days when a university degree guaranteed a quick hire into a stable career track. Here’s today’s reality: AI is making employers rethink entry-level jobs, federal cuts are shrinking opportunities, and many companies are second-guessing their hiring plans in an uncertain economy. Job seekers might be tempted to think the way to beat the odds is to apply to more jobs. If ten applications don’t succeed, why not try hundreds or even thousands? Particularly with AI tools, mass job applications are possible like never before. But that’s unlikely to work when everyone is doing the same thing. The most important thing is to stand out. And the way to do that is to show a potential employer that you understand what they actually need and can give it to them. So forget the application portal and start talking to people — people with jobs and networks. Pick up the phone, ask to visit them in their office, request a quick coffee. Don’t track how many jobs you apply to, track how many people you talk to everyday. Use these conversations to learn about what their organization — and others like it — are facing today. What are their operational challenges?  What problems keep coming up that nobody seems to know how to solve?  Who else can they suggest you speak to? These talks are a chance to learn and build relationships. The more you do, the more ideas and expertise you’ll be able to show. You're not asking for a job — you're positioning yourself as someone who is genuinely curious and can think strategically about their world. When you can discuss their industry's pressure points and future challenges intelligently, you transform yourself from a desperate job-seeker to a valuable thinking partner. That's when opportunities start finding you. Eventually someone you talk with might tell you to apply to a particular job, and now you have a leg up over the army of online appliers. And to the leaders in my network watching this — one simple thing you can do to help: when you get a request to talk from a recent grad, say yes. Sometimes I need to keep these chats to as little as 5 or 10 minutes, but even then I’ve always enjoyed doing it. You will too. #Job #Networking #CareerAdvice #JobSearch

"How do I find my first job after graduating," the question I'm most often asked from students. Graduate Outcomes Survey data, indicates that a significant number of graduates are still seeking full-time employment four months post-graduation. But why is this? The industry professionals I've asked, all give one of four responses: →A perceived lack of experience →Limited entry-level vacancies →Skills mismatches → and broader industry disruption. Over my five years at Macquarie University, I've realised a common misconception with students is that the job search begins after graduation. In reality, students who successfully secure graduate roles begin preparing for the workforce well in advance of their final semester. For current students and recent graduates, here are FOUR PRACTICAL STEPS to help improve the likelihood of getting that graduate job: 1️⃣Build Industry Experience While Studying:  Gaining practical exposure through internships, work placements, or volunteering is worth its weight in gold. Even part-time roles related to your field demonstrate commitment and industry insight, and it significantly enhances your CV. 2️⃣Upskill With Job-Ready Short Courses:  I was reluctant to include this, but I really do believe it. Complement your academic studies with short courses in highly valued, practical areas, such as project management, social media, and business communication. This demonstrates a willingness to learn and adapt to immediate workplace demands. 3️⃣Polish Your Resume and Cover Letter:  When direct experience is limited, your application needs to make a strong impression. Focus on articulating transferable skills, detailing relevant achievements from university or casual work, and tailor each submission to the specific role and organisation. It's ok to start with ChatGPT, but don't let it do the whole thing or your letter will sound like everyone else's. 4️⃣Know Graduate Program application deadlines:  Structured graduate programmes in Australia provide clear professional pathways. Monitor resources such as Graduate Careers Australia, Jobs and Skills Australia, university career centres, and of course LinkedIn job alerts. These opportunities often have application deadlines months before graduation; so make sure these are on your radar early. 🎥To make sure I'm sharing the most relevant information with you, this week we asked people at Martin Place in the Sydney CBD their advice in landing your first job. Great work with the edit Amy Shidiak. #LinkedInNewsAustralia

Your first job search isn’t just about skills. It’s about positioning, clarity, and communication. I recently tweeted something that resonated with many: “You know DSA. You’ve built projects. You’ve done your part. Yet rejections still knock you down.” This happens more often than we talk about—especially to students from non-Tier 1 colleges or those pursuing degrees like BCA, MCA, or online programs. I’ve seen friends who were talented, hardworking, and technically sound, still struggle. Not because they lacked capability, but because they lacked direction in how to present it. Here are some practical tips that can help you break that wall: 1. Projects need storytelling, not just code Include case studies on your portfolio or GitHub READMEs. Explain: What problem you solved Why you chose a particular stack How you approached edge cases What tradeoffs you made 2. DSA matters, but it’s not everything If you're applying for product-based companies, practice platform-specific contests (like LeetCode Weekly, Codeforces). But also understand how to write clean, scalable code and explain your logic confidently. 3. Resume = First impression Use action-driven bullet points (led, built, optimized). Avoid generic lines like “Passionate about technology.” Keep it focused. Tailor your resume for each job role. 4. Practice thinking out loud Mock interviews aren’t just for feedback—they train you to speak your thought process. Platforms like Pramp, Interviewing.io, or even peers over Zoom can help a lot. 5. Build in public Share your learnings on LinkedIn or GitHub. It helps you get noticed, and it builds confidence. Document your journey—it’s proof of consistency. 6. Learn how to learn The tech stack will keep changing. What matters is how you approach debugging, searching for solutions, and building incrementally. Useful Resources: System Design Primer CS50 by Harvard (Free) Tech Interview Handbook Frontend Masters Bootcamps (Free courses) Final Thought: You may not have a BTech or a top-tier college tag, but that doesn’t define your ceiling. Learn how to communicate your work. Focus on clarity, not just hard work. And keep iterating on your process until opportunity finds you. Rooting for everyone navigating this phase. Follow Abhay Singh for more such reads.

When I was in college, initially I thought being job-ready meant just having a degree and good grades. But when I started exploring, reality hit hard. No one cared about my GPA. They asked about projects, DSA, system design, GitHub, and real-world skills — things I hadn’t been taught. I had two options: Complain about what college didn’t teach me… Or take charge and teach myself. Here’s what worked for me — and what I’d tell any student or fresher trying to get job-ready 👇 🔹 Start with DSA Not to crack coding rounds alone, but to train your brain to solve problems. Stick to one platform — LeetCode or GFG. Focus on quality, not just numbers. 🔹 Build real projects Even 2-3 solid projects matter more than 10 incomplete ones. Build what you care about. Deploy it. Share it. Break it. Improve it. 🔹 Learn one tech stack well I stopped trying to learn everything and just focused on one stack deeply. That made all the difference. 🔹 Fix your resume Your resume should reflect what you can do, not just what you studied. Highlight projects, skills, and achievements. Keep it clean. 🔹 Practice interviews I was terrified of interviews — until I practiced with friends. Mocks helped me gain confidence and find my blind spots. 🔹 Be consistent Not every day was productive. But I showed up anyway. And slowly, things changed. If you’re reading this and feeling overwhelmed — I get it. I’ve been there. But trust me on this: You don’t need a top college, a referral, or a perfect profile. What you need is clarity, consistency, and the courage to start. Your time will come. Just don’t stop showing up. Follow Upasana Singh #softwareEngineering