After spending 4 plus years working hard to earn your college degree, the last problem you want to run into is finding work; it can be especially frustrating if you can’t find work even remotely related to the field you studied.

Bachelor’s degree graduates between the ages of 20-24 reported an unemployment rate of 2016, however later in 2017 that number dropped to just 4%. Much of this positive change can be attributed to certain economic factors, but there are also steps that students can and have taken to land a job.

If you’re struggling with or need advice on finding a career as a recent college graduate, take a look at some of the helpful tips below to help propel you into the career you studied hard for.

Be Proactive

Finding employment in many fields these days can be competitive. You’re often going up against a lot of other college graduates or qualified people at the same time; this makes it all the more important to remain vigilant and proactive with any resumes you submit or applications you fill out. If you haven’t heard back from the application you submitted, follow up with them. It’s a good idea to set yourself reminders for follow up once every week for any applications you submitted.

Look Outside Your City

When you restrict yourself to hunting for jobs locally you can lessen your chances of finding something. If you’re able, broaden your search to other cities or even states - keep your options open.

Volunteer

Doing volunteer work is a wonderful thing, but it can also have the added bonus of putting you in touch with people or companies that could hire you. Look into potential opportunities for volunteer work in areas that you are interested in or related to your field of study.

Network

Sometimes it’s all in who you know and meet; networking has never lost its charm, and it’s reported that about 60% of jobs are obtained through networking. Networking can be done through a variety of different ways, such as alumni get-togethers, social media, friends and family members, career events in your industry of interest, even your local library.

Craft the Right Resume

Making sure you have a professional and memorable resume when you’re seeking a job can be the difference between you getting an interview and not. Make sure you carefully construct your resume and that it’s worded and written to apply for the job you want; don’t hand in catch-all resumes to potential employers. Research terms and keywords that employers are looking for in your industry and include those in your resume.

Read the News

It’s important that you stay on top of industry news by reading trade journals and following social media. This can help you stay informed on new developments and changes that apply to your ability to get a job in your chosen profession.

Be Flexible

When seeking a job, it’s important to remain flexible in what the job is. Often, you won’t land your dream job right off the bat; however, you can probably find something at least related to your industry or profession to start with. This can often put you in touch with the right people to later land your dream job, plus it has the added benefit of giving you some related experience that employers are looking for.

PPrep yourself for the interviewractice for Your Interview

Interview practices have changed over the years, and are also very different often from the career field to career field. ahead of time by researching commonly asked questions and putting thought into your answers. You’ll be glad you did when you’re sitting in front of your potential employer.