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What are some steps I can take when applying for jobs as an older adult that just graduated college coming into the workforce for the first time?

Graduating college for the first time as a 30+ year-old and not having job experience since a teenager.

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Jerome’s Answer

The best time to start was yesterday, the second best day is today!

I am a big believer of networking and connecting. Look at the professors you are working with and the administrators you interacted with. Connect on LinkedIn, ask for references and see who they know. Having a connecting is much more powerful than just sending over an application.

I'd also recommend connecting with local associations and/or your chamber of commerce. May be a little old fashioned, but 2 of the 3 jobs I have had (director level roles) have come from referrals and networking.
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Susan’s Answer

I would recommend seeing if your college has a career center that can offer any help on finding available positions. If you haven't graduated yet, I would highly recommend applying for an internship or co-op position in your field if any are available. In my industry we primarily hire from a pool of folks who have interned with us. I would also recommend looking at any activities that you have done (volunteering at church, leading a PTA event, or any other things that you've done) and working that into your resume to show leadership skills, organization skills, or any other skills that might be relevant to a position that you are interested in. Be positive and brag on yourself. For a lot of us that is hard to do, but you need to be your own best advocate!
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Amalya’s Answer

It depends on your field of completed study. You should find relevant jobs. Also, it would be a good idea to start with some internships and work experience programs (also online) to get the necessary experience in the future. Then it will be more likely to get a relevant job. One more option: You can start online as a freelancer, ofering different services related to your field, skills and abilities. I am sure you will get your dream job soon!
All the best and great career prospects!
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Morgan’s Answer

What an incredible opportunity - to enter the workforce with so much life experience. No amount of school can manufacture the experiences you've had and can now bring into the workforce.

Start thinking about how your life (outside of the work place / education) can translate to your next career move - this could be ways of organisation, efficiencies, working with different tools, access to various networks, communication practices, patience, reading, travel, hobbies - all the parts of your life and personality likely translate to a career skill.

When you get serious about finding a job, try a few things:
- Ask your friends... where do they work? what networks can they introduce you to? what industry events might you be able to attend with them?
- Join a community... wether alumni organisations, industry groups, peer networks, Facebook groups or MeetUp communities - get involved!
- Informational interviews... connect with people 1:1; offer them a coffee (or virtual meet ups) to ask questions about their career paths and ask that they advocate for you when opportunities arise.

The world is full of opportunities - go find yours! All the best on your search.
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Layne’s Answer

Great question! First, view it as an advantage. When you interview, share how your life experience, maturity and other skills you've developed over time can contribute to the role. Hiring managers don't just look for work experience, but also how you can help the business. You can help the business by being a great communicator, having great customer service skills, being able to help people work together, and bringing new ideas. Don't worry if you are starting a little later. Be confident in sharing what you can bring to the company.

Layne recommends the following next steps:

View it as an advantage
Be confident in sharing what you bring to the company
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