Best ways to find a job for recent graduates

[Anonymous]

I received my BS in biochemistry in December 2022 with honors. Unfortunately, no one in my university has been helpful in giving me any guidance about employment. This past year, I have applied to hundreds of jobs at no avail. The few phone calls back have simply been about calling them back after getting at least one year of experience. How do I get experience if no one will give me the opportunity?
I am interested in working in labs, hospitals or doctor's offices. Please help.

[Anonymous]

Have you talked to your professors? Sometimes the job placement office is useless (outdated resume advice, etc.) but professors know people.

The best way to get a job is through someone you know, unfortunately. Start finding conferences in biochemistry in your area and go to them. Schmooze.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I received my BS in biochemistry in December 2022 with honors. Unfortunately, no one in my university has been helpful in giving me any guidance about employment. This past year, I have applied to hundreds of jobs at no avail. The few phone calls back have simply been about calling them back after getting at least one year of experience. How do I get experience if no one will give me the opportunity?
I am interested in working in labs, hospitals or doctor's offices. Please help.

- What do you mean by “no work”? No work at all or just no work that you see as suitable?

- What kinds of job advice and support services have you tried, aside from what you college offers? Example: Have you had job coach type people look at your resume?

- What kinds of jobs or internships did you have during college? Do your old bosses or advisors have any ideas?

- Are you going to religious services and/or volunteering for community groups? Once you get to know people through those sorts of channels, they might take an interest in you finding a job.

If you’re rolling your eyes because you’ve done all those things in and they haven’t worked, you may be a victim of the fact that the economy is uncertain. Employers may be nervous about hiring. If that’s the case, you might be stuck getting restaurant or gig worker jobs until conditions improve.

[Anonymous]

This is far more common for STEM majors than people realize. Keep applying. Look at hospital labs affiliated with your school. Also reach out to HR recruiters at companies you would like to work for and ask for informational interviews. Finally, alumni connections! Get on linkedIn and check your alumni network. Join your local alumni club and go to meetings/activities and network!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I received my BS in biochemistry in December 2022 with honors. Unfortunately, no one in my university has been helpful in giving me any guidance about employment. This past year, I have applied to hundreds of jobs at no avail. The few phone calls back have simply been about calling them back after getting at least one year of experience. How do I get experience if no one will give me the opportunity?
I am interested in working in labs, hospitals or doctor's offices. Please help.

What did you plan to do with your major?

So many students go into a major not thinking about what kind of job they can get. After 4 years, they are not job ready.

This is like an English or psychology major. What did you want to do?

[Anonymous]

Go in person and apply at the labs.

[Anonymous]

Go in person and apply at the doctors offices.

[Anonymous]

Go to HR at the hospitals. Get to know the HR workers.
They can help you get on at the hospitals.

Note this will take multiple visits to each hospital.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go in person and apply at the labs.

no don’t do this

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Go in person and apply at the doctors offices.

No don’t do this either

[Anonymous]

You are supposed to start with your University's college placement office

[Anonymous]

Do you have a Wayup account? If not create a profile, employers use algorithm to target specific students/recent grads. You can also search jobs for early careers there. There are lots.

Also, did you have work experience ie an internship during undergrad?
Have you had your resume reviewed by your college career office? I’ve seen some that are excellent, and some that look like they were assembled by a middle schooler. If there is any doubt at all about how you are presenting yourself when you apply, get a resume review.
Is your linkedin profile built completely and thoroughly? Turn on the open to work button.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Go in person and apply at the labs.

no don’t do this

The only place you apply in person is McDonald’s.

[Anonymous]

Reach out to the research labs (not in person!) and offer to volunteer. If you commit to 3-6 months, they may be amenable to bringing you on. Once you have the experience, move on to a paid job.

[Anonymous]

My DD is a college senior in the job search right now. Besides networking like crazy and attending college recruiting events, a couple of tools she likes are Handshake and Linked In. She connects with alumni from her university on LI who work in the field she’s trying to break into. Many are happy to chat and give advice, contacts, companies hiring etc.

Good luck!