Don’t Panic – Your First Job Out Of College Won’t Be Your Last!

So, you’ve graduated college – and you’ve entered the job market. Maybe you’ve found a job at a company that does not share your values, or you aren’t making use of your skills, and you’re getting frustrated. But you’re stuck, right? You’ve got to keep this job for a while! 

Well, that’s not really the case. Your first job out of college is almost certainly not your last job! As a matter of fact, the average person changes jobs about 12-15 times throughout their career – so you don’t need to worry about being stuck in a job you don’t like, or a career that doesn’t fit your skills. Employers expect you to switch between jobs – so leaving your first job out of college after a year or two is hardly a red flag. 

Not Satisfied With The Job You Got Out Of College? Here’s What You Need To Do!  

Chances are, the first job you get once you graduate isn’t going to be your dream job. Maybe you’re overworked – or you’re not even in the field you want to be. Again, don’t panic – this happens to most people! According to ExpressPros, more than two-thirds of college graduates leave their first jobs after a year. 

It’s not a huge deal if you leave your first job out of college within a year. However, you should take the time to find a good job where you’ll want to stay for at least a couple of years – this is the best way to start networking in your field, and build up a reputation as a reliable worker. If you have multiple tenures of less than one year on your resume, employers may start to wonder if the jobs weren’t a fit for you – or if you weren’t a fit for the jobs!  

Thinking about switching jobs? Here are 4 things you’ve got to do before you start the job hunt! 

• Have a (good!) resume – A high-quality, professional resume is critical for any job application. Take the time to rewrite your resume, and add your most recent experiences.
• Know how to write a cover letter – Cover letters are key to attracting the interest of hiring managers are recruiters. Brush up on those English skills!
• Do your best to build relationships via LinkedIn – LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool, and a great way to keep an eye out for new career and networking opportunities. 
• Find a mentor in your field – This could be an experienced co-worker, a friend, or even a college professor! A mentor can help you guide your job search and career, and give you inspiration when the going gets a bit tough!  

You Don’t Have To Love Your First Job Out Of College – But Prepare For The Future!  

At Next Level Career Services, LLC, we know that your career is a marathon – not a sprint. You are probably not going to get your dream job right after graduation, and that’s okay! As long as you keep things in perspective and follow these tips, you’ll end up in the right field – with the right job.