22 tips for 2022 graduates as they pursue their dream jobs

Congratulations to the graduates of 2022! Whether you’ve earned your four-year degree, an associate degree, or completed your expert training in a trade or vocational school, take a moment (or 22!) to celebrate your accomplishment. And, as you dive into your new job search, CareerBuilder has 22 exclusive tips to help you navigate what comes next as you embark on the career of your dreams.

1. "There is great opportunity right now for all types of graduates. Whether they're looking for a job with flexibility, a sense of purpose, or a dependable salary, there are thousands of openings designed to fit just about any need. Plus, their skills are in high demand. Individuals with trade school degrees, online accreditations, or an MBA, BA, or associate degrees, all offer specialized expertise that is desirable to hiring managers across the country." -- Susan Arthur, CEO, CareerBuilder

2. Don’t panic if you’re graduating without a job; you’re in good company. Approximately half of your fellow grads don’t have work yet either. Finding the right opportunity takes time and patience.

3. “Before applying to your dream job and setting up an interview be sure to do your research on the company. You should know the CEO of the company you are applying to, the company values, and mission statement, and be sure to review sections on their career site, where you can see employee testimonials to ensure it will be a great fit for you.” – Jeff Dearman, Sr. Training Facilitator, CareerBuilder

4. Where you begin your career isn’t indicative of where you’ll wind up in a few years. Don’t get discouraged if you can’t land a position in your desired industry. Focus on the transferable skills you are developing on that first job to continue to pursue your next opportunity.

5. “Don’t be afraid to consider all job offers, even temporary ones, including those from a staffing firm. Everyone starts somewhere! Temporary employment can often lead to a full-time job offer, a wider network of references, and an opportunity for growth.” – Kristin Kelley, Chief Marketing Officer, CareerBuilder

6. “Start networking with the people working in the same industry you would like to explore. Set up 30 minutes with your parents, family members, or friends’ parents. You will get to know what they are doing professionally and learn about any open positions they have in their companies.” -- Rajitha Gadipalli, Senior Manager of Software Engineering at CareerBuilder

7. Clean up your social media profiles. Vet your public-facing social media presence to make sure any potential employers don’t find any red flags. You can – and should – follow brands you’re interested in for a better understanding of the companies. And it’s okay to share your enthusiasm for personal pursuits, be it a sport or a hot topic, but keep things professional.

8. “Asking people for help does not come naturally to me. I wish I would’ve been bolder in asking for help – a reference, a referral, advice, whatever – right out of college and early in my career. Most people actually enjoy helping and are flattered to be asked, in my experience.” – Darci Shaw, Marketing Director, Workterra

9. “Spelling errors should be minimal on a resume. A resume is your first impression and multiple spelling errors can show a lack of attention to detail. Use spell check and be on the lookout for typos and grammar issues that spell check might not pick up, for example using the incorrect version of their and there.” – Liz Cannata, VP of Human Resources, CareerBuilder

10. Get letters of recommendations now. While your accomplishments in whatever school you’ve attended are still fresh in your instructors’ minds, ask two or three for letters of recommendation that can speak to your character, work ethic, and soft skills, like communication or leadership.

11. “Take an online course to gain extra skills. Google Digital Garage is an excellent free resource to get certificates for a variety of topics including digital marketing, online advertising, coding, and more. It could potentially make the difference between you and another candidate!” – Alexia Lopez, Corporate Communications Manager, CareerBuilder

12. Don’t turn your nose up at part-time work while searching for your dream job – even if it is unrelated to your ideal career. It demonstrates to potential employers that you’re hardworking and will also help fill out your resume.

13. “Keep in touch and maintain a professional relationship with your classmates, professors, neighbors, or whoever you can network to land a job or internship. Your network will be the most helpful in landing a job now or later in your career.” – Baozhen Li, Senior Art Director, CareerBuilder

14. Even if you haven’t landed a job, formal apprenticeship, or internship, seek out volunteer opportunities in your area. Volunteering shows that you’re community-minded and can also help you develop more transferable skills and grow your network.

15. “When evaluating a job, really focus on company and team culture; your connection with your manager and team and how the company’s vision aligns with your own can make or break a job.” – Emily Savage, Social Media Strategist, CareerBuilder

16. Social media tends to bring out FOMO in the best of us. Don’t get discouraged if your peers are landing jobs before you. Use those instances as a learning opportunity. Offer congratulations and ask to speak with them about how they landed their roles – and if there are other openings at the company.

17. “Review the market data for a position you’re interviewing for to determine reasonable compensation. Based on your level of experience, skills, and education, you should understand where you fall within the salary range and know your worth.” – Karen Gaski, Manager of Human Resources, CareerBuilder

18. Give your first position at least a year’s commitment. While it’s accepted that Gen Z’ers like to job-hop more than other generations, working a full-year in a position – including going through the review cycle – will help you grow in your career, even if it’s at another company down the road.

19. “Make sure that your resume and interview answers are packed with specific details that tell a potential employer the result of your contributions in each job, volunteer position, or class project. Employers want to know that you can identify and duplicate your steps to success so you can make the same impact on their organization.” – Michelle Jones, Director of Strategic Partnerships, CareerBuilder

20. Find a mentor. A mentor can be anyone from an instructor to a family friend who works in an industry you want to work in. A good mentor can review your resume, coach you on industry terminology, and help you prepare for interviews.

21. "Visualize the career you want and let yourself dream that one day it will be yours. When interviewing, stay in touch with potential employers during the process -- and when you get the job, enjoy the moment." – Kelly Gray, Content Writer, CareerBuilder

22. And, lastly, don’t give up. As Confucius once wrote, “It does not matter how slowly you go as long as you do not stop.” Learn from disappointment, continue to develop the skills you need for your dream job, and keep going.