Once you\’ve walked across the stage and earned your diploma, you will no doubt ask yourself the question most new grads ask: \”What next?\”
If you are seeking a job as your next step, then understanding the difference between a passive job search and an active job search is crucial.
The Passive Search
A passive job search involves tactics that center around waiting for employers to contact you rather than the other way around. Uploading your resume to job boards (like Monster.com) setting up job alerts, creating social media accounts, and so on are all part of job searching, but are not considered \”active\” methods. While the passive job search is valuable for those who have careers or are currently in school, it is not an aggressive enough strategy to find a job quickly. Passive job searching ensures that you can be found by employers, but the active job search is much more direct.
The Active Search
An active job search involves any method that involves contact with the employer or recruiter. For example, rather than posting your resume and waiting for a response, an active job seeker would apply to postings, follow up through email or phone, and even seek out opportunities themselves that may not be posted online. Aggressive networking, job search document refining, and contacting employers are all strategies that may be used.
Conclusion: Combine Strategies
To make the most of your job search, you want to combine the active and passive approaches. There are often several hundred applicants for each job posting, so it\’s crucial to stand out. Following both strategies will be beneficial and help you land a job after graduation.