Robert Half: Six job-search stallers and how new grads can overcome them

The upcoming college graduations across Central New York and beyond will send new graduates into the job market, which could see more employers competing for new hires.

Menlo Park, California–based staffing firm Robert Half has outlined six items that can stall a job search for young people and provides suggestions on how to overcome them. 

Robert Half is citing a November report from the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania–based National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) that’s titled “College hiring projected to increase by 4 percent in strengthening market.”

The NACE job-outlook study indicates that employers plan to hire more new graduates from the Class of 2018 than they did from the Class of 2017. The study found 44 percent of organizations plan to increase their hiring plans, which is up from 36 percent in the 2017 survey. Respondents in the 2018 survey cited company growth, retirements, and the need for entry-level talent as the “top drivers.”

Here are the six things that can stall a new graduate’s job search, according to a Robert Half news release issued April 18.

You’ve submitted material online for many jobs online and haven’t been called for interviews

Robert Half suggests grads rework their résumé and “find a connection.” The staffing firm advises candidates to tailor their résumé for each position so it contains keywords from the job description, as that will help résumé-scanning software identify an individual as a potential match. More importantly, job candidates should find any connections they have at the company and ask them for input about the role. “See if they would be willing to submit your résumé personally to the hiring manager,” Robert Half says. A personal connection can help candidates stand out from a large number of online applicants. Managers often prefer to hire candidates who are referred to them by people whose opinion they value. 

You don’t want to list your salary history on an application, as you had low-paying jobs through college. 

Robert Half advises new graduates to “focus less on history, more on the future.” The reason? Many cities and states have banned employers from asking about salary history. Hiring mangers instead ask candidates for their salary expectations, and often do so early in the selection process. Candidates should refer to multiple sources to understand market rates for their skill set. “Check the Robert Half 2018 Salary Guides, and talk to specialized recruiters, industry groups and your network so you can prepare for the salary conversation,” the staffing firm said.

You don’t have any experience in the field you want to pursue. 

Robert Half suggests pinpointing transferable skills and finding other ways to gain experience. “Highlight examples on your résumé that show how you’ve helped companies save money, create efficiencies, and find new business — these skills are valued by any firm,” the staffing firm advises. Candidates should also show their abilities to train, learn, take on new duties, and collaborate. Graduates can gain relevant experience by volunteering their time with an organization that needs their skills. “If you’re interested in the marketing field, for instance, offer to redesign the website, write a blog or plan a fundraising event. Add that experience to your résumé and LinkedIn profile.”

You’re thinking about returning to school for a graduate degree to help you get a better start to your career.

The staffing firm advises new graduates to “think carefully and consult others.” Before investing substantial time and money in another degree, they should know the expected return on their investment. Grads should talk to people in the field to see if it’s a must-have or nice-to-have in their chosen industry. “In some situations, a certification or technical skill may be in greater demand — and command higher pay — than a master’s degree.”

The starting salaries you’re seeing in your field are too low. You need to make a lot more to cover bills, student loans, rent, and other expenses. 

Robert Half suggests that graduates change their mindset from what they need to what the market will pay. Hiring managers don’t base a salary decision on what the candidate needs or wants; their focus is on supply and demand. Highly specialized skill sets that are in short supply command higher pay. If salaries in a field are too low, job seekers should consider taking on extra work as a contract employee or pursuing a different industry.

You’re feeling alone in your job search. 

The firm advises new graduates to “spend less time on your devices and more on face-to-face interaction.” The job search can be isolating, particularly when people spend most days behind a computer looking online for jobs. Leads to new contacts and jobs can come from anywhere, so grads should spend time interacting with new people at volunteer activities and industry events.   

The upcoming college graduations across Central New York and beyond will send new graduates into the job market, which could see more employers competing for new hires.

Menlo Park, California–based staffing firm Robert Half has outlined six items that can stall a job search for young people and provides suggestions on how to overcome them. 

Robert Half is citing a November report from the Bethlehem, Pennsylvania–based National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) that’s titled “College hiring projected to increase by 4 percent in strengthening market.”

The NACE job-outlook study indicates that employers plan to hire more new graduates from the Class of 2018 than they did from the Class of 2017. The study found 44 percent of organizations plan to increase their hiring plans, which is up from 36 percent in the 2017 survey. Respondents in the 2018 survey cited company growth, retirements, and the need for entry-level talent as the “top drivers.”

Here are the six things that can stall a new graduate’s job search, according to a Robert Half news release issued April 18.

You’ve submitted material online for many jobs online and haven’t been called for interviews

Robert Half suggests grads rework their résumé and “find a connection.” The staffing firm advises candidates to tailor their résumé for each position so it contains keywords from the job description, as that will help résumé-scanning software identify an individual as a potential match. More importantly, job candidates should find any connections they have at the company and ask them for input about the role. “See if they would be willing to submit your résumé personally to the hiring manager,” Robert Half says. A personal connection can help candidates stand out from a large number of online applicants. Managers often prefer to hire candidates who are referred to them by people whose opinion they value. 

You don’t want to list your salary history on an application, as you had low-paying jobs through college. 

Robert Half advises new graduates to “focus less on history, more on the future.” The reason? Many cities and states have banned employers from asking about salary history. Hiring mangers instead ask candidates for their salary expectations, and often do so early in the selection process. Candidates should refer to multiple sources to understand market rates for their skill set. “Check the Robert Half 2018 Salary Guides, and talk to specialized recruiters, industry groups and your network so you can prepare for the salary conversation,” the staffing firm said.

You don’t have any experience in the field you want to pursue. 

Robert Half suggests pinpointing transferable skills and finding other ways to gain experience. “Highlight examples on your résumé that show how you’ve helped companies save money, create efficiencies, and find new business — these skills are valued by any firm,” the staffing firm advises. Candidates should also show their abilities to train, learn, take on new duties, and collaborate. Graduates can gain relevant experience by volunteering their time with an organization that needs their skills. “If you’re interested in the marketing field, for instance, offer to redesign the website, write a blog or plan a fundraising event. Add that experience to your résumé and LinkedIn profile.”

You’re thinking about returning to school for a graduate degree to help you get a better start to your career.

The staffing firm advises new graduates to “think carefully and consult others.” Before investing substantial time and money in another degree, they should know the expected return on their investment. Grads should talk to people in the field to see if it’s a must-have or nice-to-have in their chosen industry. “In some situations, a certification or technical skill may be in greater demand — and command higher pay — than a master’s degree.”

The starting salaries you’re seeing in your field are too low. You need to make a lot more to cover bills, student loans, rent, and other expenses. 

Robert Half suggests that graduates change their mindset from what they need to what the market will pay. Hiring managers don’t base a salary decision on what the candidate needs or wants; their focus is on supply and demand. Highly specialized skill sets that are in short supply command higher pay. If salaries in a field are too low, job seekers should consider taking on extra work as a contract employee or pursuing a different industry.

You’re feeling alone in your job search. 

The firm advises new graduates to “spend less time on your devices and more on face-to-face interaction.” The job search can be isolating, particularly when people spend most days behind a computer looking online for jobs. Leads to new contacts and jobs can come from anywhere, so grads should spend time interacting with new people at volunteer activities and industry events.