The curse “may you live in interesting times” could apply to this year’s college graduating class. Unemployment is at its lowest point in decades and new technology has disrupted nearly every major industry. But the curse may actually be a blessing in disguise.
Embarking on a new career in this type of environment can be both rewarding and surprising, as new career paths open up and traditional ones take on different forms. Ideally, entry-level job seekers will seek roles that provide growth potential regardless of the changing labor market.
Indeed recently took a look at search data among people with less than five years of work experience. Here are the most popular types of jobs among this cohort:
- Engineering and tech jobs lead the pack – Nine of the 15 most popular entry-level jobs are technical. Technical roles that require a STEM degree top the list.
- Tech roles with broad industry application – For example, Java programmers write computer instructions widely used in business applications, websites and software.
- Marketing positions – Marketing has been transformed by digital tech. Jobs requiring a mix of analytical and soft skills are difficult to automate, making them forward-looking.
So, how can you land one of these top entry-level jobs? Here are three tips:
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Clean up your social media – Yes, potential employers are looking. Job seekers should ensure that their privacy settings only allow friends to see posts. Delete anything embarrassing or incendiary that could cast you in a less-than-positive light.
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Do your research – Don’t just “spray and pray,” sending your resume out to hundreds of positions. Target your applications specifically, making note of the mission, voice and offerings of potential employers and tailoring your resume and cover letter accordingly.
This shows employers you are only applying to specific roles you’re interested in.
- Keep moving – Set a goal and send out a certain number of applications each week. This increases the chances that one employer will bite. Focus only on applying to relevant jobs you’re qualified for – this also helps increase your chances of success.
Jobs of the future require a mix of analytical and non-analytical skills, and an emphasis on tech and healthcare. These jobs pay well and allow room for future growth and advancement. To land one, stay positive and open to new opportunities in these changing times.
Paul Wolfe is SVP of Human Resources at Indeed. He oversees all global human resource functions, including talent acquisition, employee retention, compensation, benefits, and employee development.
Mr. Wolfe has over 15 years of experience as a human resources executive having served as a VP and SVP at number of well-known companies, including Match.com, Orbitz, Conde Nast and Ticketmaster. His specialties include talent acquisition and management, succession planning, performance management, and leadership development.
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