While a degree in computer science generally enhances career prospects, landing a job after college in the current environment is hugely challenging.
The news and uncertainty in the market has everyone on edge, explained Judy Panagakos, master career coach at Priority Candidates, Inc. Even impressive graduates with double and triple majors are struggling to get responses from employers.
Despite the challenging conditions, Beth Hendler-Grunt, president of Next Great Step, says several of the recent grads she advises have landed offers in the last few weeks. “But not without a lot of work,” she cautioned.
Besides hard work, what did they do differently? Here’s a more detailed look at the current market conditions and potential strategies for success.
It’s an Employer’s Market
A well-structured job search strategy begins with a thorough analysis of market conditions, including an understanding of employer sentiment and hiring practices.
New graduates are facing a more competitive job market, with fewer entry-level and internship opportunities available. The job application process often features steeper requirements and more rigorous technical screening, sometimes with take-home projects or day-long onsite exams.
Employers have the luxury of insisting that new grads exhibit technical proficiency, as well as soft skills that more experienced candidates often possess in areas such as leadership and collaborating with non-technical people. From a technical perspective, employers are looking for programming proficiency that is certified, knowledge of artificial intelligence (AI), data analytics or cybersecurity.
“Another thing to remember is that employers aren’t going to chase after you,” Panagakos warned. “So stay on top of your email and respond quickly to requests for interviews.”
Take a Structured, Systematic Approach
The successful candidates are networking strategically to find unadvertised opportunities. What does that involve?
They start by targeting five to seven roles or jobs that match their skills, strengths and interests. Then they create a list of 10 to 30 companies in industries that align with their interests and also have high demand and growth potential.
Finally (and this is critical), they reach out to current employees, including fellow alumni who work at those companies, explaining that they are interested in pursuing a similar career and asking for A.I.R., which stands for advice, insights and recommendations.
Asking for advice is much easier than asking for a job. Plus, when you only ask for 15 minutes, most people say yes.
Finally, successful job seekers go “old school” by writing thank you notes and following up with their contacts. It’s easy to press a button, but the successful applicants recognize that it's all about human connection. The recent grads who show grit through persistent efforts are landing interviews and offers.
What is becoming increasingly clear is that people hire people, noted Hendler-Grunt, who has been advising new grads for 10 years. In the current market, you can’t measure success by applications; progress comes from making connections with people.
Talk Value
Speaking of communication apprehension, don’t confuse bragging, which is excessive self-promotion, with sharing accomplishments or outlining the value you offer to a potential employer.
It’s not enough to say you’re hard working or responsible, or even that you’re an agile learner—you have to back up those claims with examples, and be clear and concise about how your attributes offer value to an employer.
To become more comfortable talking about yourself, come up with three core skills that set you apart from other candidates and that employers view as valuable. Then use storytelling to explain how you use those skills to solve problems, achieve goals, develop technical solutions, and so on. Be sure to showcase leadership skills and times where you’ve taken the initiative to solve problems, mentor others, and resolve conflicts. Use data to illustrate the outcomes of your actions wherever possible.
Finally, use your story to create a strong personal brand and value proposition. Once you create and become proficient at conveying a narrative that communicates who you are, what you do and how you can help a potential employer, the whole job search process gets easier, Hendler-Grunt suggests.
Being able to sell yourself to a hiring manager is vital when you’re competing against other graduates with similar skills and experience. The process of defining your core skills and creating a brand story forces you to think about your successes and how to explain them in a way that matters to potential employers.
Flex Your Way to Success
It's not the right time to be picky or overly demanding, Panagakos insisted.
Be open to different geographic locations and roles. For instance, instead of focusing on product management, consider exploring alternative roles that leverage your skills and interests, such as project management, UX research or even marketing.
Volunteering can be a great way to gain experience and recommendations, especially when you’re starting out. It also shows that you are a flexible learner and capable of communicating technical concepts and solutions to different types of people.
As you gain more experience, your perspectives, skills, and understanding of the business world will evolve, leading to personal growth and more opportunities. Your first job marks the beginning of a long career journey.
