“I told Kayla that she needs to go on Indeed every day…”
Ed, a Simsbury, CT dad, called with great worry. “It’s been three months since graduation and she’s not doing enough.”
I hear this almost every day in running Career Counseling Connecticut.
I sympathize with both parent and adul child.
The job search process for new college grads can feel overwhelming. There’s pressure to apply widely and say yes to anything. But the best job search strategies are targeted, proactive, and grounded in self-awareness.
Start by identifying your career themes—industries, roles, or skills that match your interests and strengths. Then research companies that align with those areas. Don’t just scroll through job boards. Dig into company websites, employee reviews, and LinkedIn profiles.
Next, leverage your network—even if it feels small. Professors, internship mentors, classmates, family friends: reach out and ask for advice, insights, or introductions. A referral is far more likely to get attention than a cold application.
Set goals and stay organized. Treat the search like a job—schedule daily application blocks, track follow-ups, and stay accountable. Most importantly, customize every application. A generic resume won’t cut it.
Finally, focus on quality over quantity. Ten highly-targeted applications are more valuable than fifty random ones. You’re not just looking for a job—you’re looking for the right fit that aligns with your skills, goals, and potential.
At Career Counseling Connecticut, we work with graduates to build clear, customized job search strategies that get real results. A smart plan beats a scattershot approach every time.