Your 2025 Post-Grad Career Guide

You did it! After years of hard work, you finished your classes, passed your exams, and made it to graduation. Only one question remains: Now what?

You probably know you need a job, but how should you go about getting one? And how do you find the right job for you? If your head is hurting trying to figure it all out, I don’t blame you. In the immortal words of Paramore, “Ain’t it fun living in the real world?”

The good news is, you don’t have to go into it blindly. In this guide, I’ll give you some pointers on finding a career after graduation. I’ll walk through a series of six steps, including:

1. Identify your career goals
2. Build out your resume
3. Find and apply for jobs
4. Prepare for the interview process
5. Evaluate your job offers
6. Start your new job

Read on for the full post-grad career guide. And if you’re interested in a position at WebFX, be sure to apply!

1. Identify your career goals

Generally speaking, it’s not a good strategy to start indiscriminately firing off job applications left and right. That could lead to you applying for a lot of jobs that aren’t a good fit for you.

Before you apply for anything, you first need to figure out what type of job you’re interested in. Ask yourself the following questions:

• What fields does your degree qualify you for?
• What types of jobs interest you the most?
• What type of salary and benefits are you looking for?
• Do you prefer to work remotely or in-office?
• Would you rather work for a large organization or a small team?
• What kinds of growth opportunities do you want from your job?

Your answers to all of these questions will help you set some goals for your career and start your job search on the right track.

Like I mentioned before, if you skip this step, you could end up applying to jobs that don’t match what you’re looking for. That will only result in a lot of frustration and wasted time. But by setting some goals ahead of time, you can limit your search to jobs that will be a good fit.

2. Build out your resume and personal brand

Once you’ve set your goals, there’s still another major step before you start the job search — namely, building out your personal brand. Your personal brand is the way you present yourself to different companies, and it commonly consists of four things:

• Resume
• Cover letter
• Social media
• Portfolio

Let’s talk through each of those.

Resume

Your resume is the most important element of your personal brand. It exists to give prospective employers a summary of your qualifications, and without it, your job search won’t get very far.

What information should you include on your resume?

You should put your name and any contact information (like your phone number, home address, and personal email address) at the top of your resume.

The rest of the information on the page should be divided into a few main sections, with specific details underneath each one. Here are some of the best types of info to include on your resume:

Usually, you would put your work experience front and center. If you’re like most recent grads, though, you may not have much (or any) related work experience, and that’s okay! Most entry-level opportunities will be accepting of recent graduates. In that case, you should make your education the focus instead. (The exception might be if you worked any internships or co-ops while in college.)

You can still include unrelated or part-time jobs you’ve worked, even if they’re not the focus. Working at an ice cream shop might not seem relevant to the jobs you’re applying for, but it could still show off soft skills like time management and teamwork.

If you have no work experience to include, though, you can replace that section with a list of relevant projects and coursework from your time in school. The point is to demonstrate that you have some experience doing things similar to what you’ll be doing in the roles you’re applying for.

Formatting your resume

It’s important to format your resume in a way that looks professional and easy to read. If you really want to do a deep dive into the nuances of resume formatting, there are plenty of resources out there that can help you. One of the best templates to use is the Harvard bullet point resume, but there are other options too.

Regardless of what template you use, though, here are a few of the most important tips to keep in mind:

• Limit your resume to one page.
• Use a standard font size and typeface (e.g., 10-pt Times New Roman).
• Avoid images or graphic design elements — use text only.
• Use plenty of action verbs throughout your resume to bring it to life.
• Where possible, quantify your achievements with hard numbers.

If you’re struggling with formatting your resume, you should be sure to visit your campus career center for help!

How do employers read resumes?

When you’re writing your resume, it’s helpful to understand how prospective employers will read it. A lot of recruiters will only skim your resume for a few seconds (6–7 on average), and it’s growing more common for employers to filter resumes through an applicant tracking software (ATS) or AI tool.

Keep this in mind as you’re creating your resume. Based on the field you want to work in, do some research to identify the best keywords to include in your resume text, and keep the layout of the page as simple and — well, boring — as possible. It might seem counterintuitive, but it really is the best way to get your resume through ATS and AI software.

Cover letter

In addition to a resume, some businesses may request a cover letter. A cover letter is a one-page business letter that explains why you’re a good fit for the job you’re applying for. Whereas your resume is strictly informational, your cover letter is a piece of persuasive writing — more of a personal marketing tool than anything else.

Should you write a cover letter?

I’ll be honest — there was a time when cover letters were virtually inseparable from resumes. It was just assumed that you would submit both when you applied for a job. Today, it’s a little more nuanced.

For one thing, in an age where people might apply to hundreds of jobs online and not hear back (or even know which jobs are real), cover letters have grown a lot less practical. You can often get away with sending out the same resume to all the jobs you apply for, but cover letters have to be tailored to specific roles, which becomes incredibly time-consuming when you’re applying to a high number of jobs.

Furthermore, public opinion (particularly among younger generations) has started to turn against cover letters. A lot of people feel that cover letters are both unnecessary and demeaning, which is why many of those people refuse to apply to jobs that require them.

That said, there are still cases where it can be advantageous to submit a cover letter. It’s a way of going above and beyond, which can help you stand out from other applicants and sometimes act as a tiebreaker between you and another candidate.

Ultimately, it’s up to you whether or not to write a cover letter. Maybe you decide it’s worth it to submit one with every application. Maybe you join the growing population refusing to write them. Or maybe you avoid it in most cases, but occasionally write cover letters for jobs you really want.

How to write a cover letter

If you do decide to write a cover letter, you might not know where to start. Formal letter-writing isn’t as common a skill as it used to be, so if you’d like to write a cover letter for an employment opportunity, we’ve got you covered with some tips to get you started.

There are several things you need to do in your cover letter. Here are the main ones, in order:

• Introduce yourself: State the position you’re applying for and how you found out about it.
• Establish your qualifications: Explain why you’re a good fit for the position. Reference some of the hard skills from your resume, such as your degree and any certifications you have.
• Express an interest: State your eagerness to have the job, and name something specific about the company (possibly from its values or mission statement) that makes you interested in it.
• Demonstrate your character: Further explain what makes you a good candidate for the job, this time by naming a few soft skills like time management and punctuality.

In the interest of keeping things short, you should only spend a sentence or two on each of those. Avoid making it an autobiography. Instead, focus on why you’re a good option for the company. You should appear both qualified for and excited about the role. Just make sure that everything you say about yourself relates directly to the position you’re applying for.

If you want to get a better feel for what a cover letter should look like, you can find plenty of examples online. Be careful not to treat those examples like copy-and-paste templates, though. The whole value of a cover letter comes from its personalization, so you should write your own!

Social media

When you’re considered for a job, it’s a pretty safe bet that the recruiter is going to check you out on social media. Your social media presence helps them get a sense of who you are, and it gives them a glimpse of the unique qualities you bring to the table. For that reason, you should take a look at your social media accounts before you start applying for jobs.

Cleaning up existing profiles

Do you have any publicly viewable social media accounts on sites like TikTok, Instagram, or X? If so, you can expect employers to look through them before hiring you. Your social media presence lets companies get a feel for the kind of person you are.

The question is, when those companies look at your accounts, what will they see? To answer that question, you should do a quick audit of your various profiles. If you notice a bunch of questionable content — anything you think might hurt your chances of getting hired — you may want to consider taking it down (or just archiving it).

That doesn’t mean you need to wipe every trace of your personal life from your social media accounts. Don’t get too in your head about it. But if you spot any glaring concerns, it’s definitely a good idea to remove them.

Of course, maybe you decide that you don’t want to work anywhere that takes issue with your social media posts, and you leave everything up — even the questionable stuff. If so, that’s fine, as long as you’re aware it could make the job search harder.

Optimizing your LinkedIn account

If you don’t yet have a LinkedIn account, you should consider creating one. It’s the most valuable social media platform when it comes to job hunting, and you can use it as another outlet for showcasing your professional brand. When employers view your LinkedIn page, you want them to be impressed and encouraged by what they see.

For best results, aim to fill out as much of your profile as you can. Use a professional headshot (which you should be able to get taken for free at your campus career center), and write an engaging description of yourself that lays out your skills and career goals. Be sure to indicate where (geographically speaking) you’re open to work. Plus, include some keywords to make it easier for recruiters to find you (e.g., “dean’s list,” “graphic designer,” etc.).

You can also use your profile page to display a lot of the same info that you include on your resume, like your education and any work experience you may have. And if there’s any info that you didn’t have room for on your resume (like extracurriculars or awards), your LinkedIn page is the place to put it.

Filling out your profile is the most important thing, but you can also go a step further if you’re really dedicated. You can treat LinkedIn as the social media platform it is, following brands you’re interested in and engaging with their posts. You can even create posts of your own that talk about your professional interests and experiences.

Also, one of the biggest benefits of using LinkedIn is that you can use it to submit job applications directly, which is yet another reason to take advantage of it. There’s a whole tab on the website just labeled “Jobs” where you can search for open positions. LinkedIn will even recommend specific openings to you based on your profile.

Portfolio

A portfolio is a collection of past projects you’ve worked on in your career. Its purpose is to show off what you’ve done in previous jobs (or, for recent grads, what you’ve done in school) so that prospective employers can get a feel for the quality of work you do.

Do you need a portfolio?

Not everyone needs a portfolio. Many people don’t, and if you’re one of those people, you can skip this section. That said, a portfolio is an important (and sometimes necessary) part of the job-hunting process for a lot of people. And even if you don’t need one, it can be a good thing to have to help you stand out.

Fields that commonly require portfolios include:

• Photography
• Graphic design and art
• Writing
• Architects
• And more!

If you’re not sure whether you need a portfolio, do some quick research to see if it’s necessary in your field.

Creating a portfolio

Portfolio guidelines vary by industry. For instance, a writing portfolio will look very different from a photography portfolio. If you want to get a sense of what a portfolio in your field should look like, you’ll have to do some research on your own.

That said, I can give you a very loose idea of what a typical portfolio looks like. Most people create digital portfolios, which often take the form of personal websites. Using a tool like Squarespace or Wix, you can create a webpage where you upload some of your best work.

Here’s an example of what a portfolio might look like:

(Note that the above screenshot is of an unedited Wix template. While starting with a template is fine, I’d recommend changing the template enough to make the site your own.)

For each project you include, you should also add a description of what the project is, and maybe some details about how you created it. Use your portfolio to show off not only the final product, but also the work that went into it. It’s recommended that you have a separate page on your portfolio where you introduce yourself and provide contact information.

Portfolios also tend to be very image-heavy. Graphic designers, architects, photographers — all of those people rely on images to present their work. So, make sure that your photos and graphics come through clearly.

Usually, you would include a link to your portfolio in your job application. Alternatively, a prospective employer might ask for it during the interview stage, while some employers might not require it at all. This is another one of those things that varies based on industry.

3. Find and apply for jobs

With your personal brand now established, you’ve finally reached the point where you can start sending out applications. But how does that work? I’ll break it down in the following sections:

• Finding job postings
• Submitting applications
• Professional networking

Keep on scrolling for more info about each one.

Finding job postings

Let’s start by talking about where to find job postings in the first place. The most common way to find jobs today is to visit online job boards. Here are some of the best ones to use:

• LinkedIn
• Handshake
• ZipRecruiter
• Indeed
• Glassdoor

Your school may also have its own internal job board, so check with your career center if you’re not sure.

Some of these sites let you fill out information about yourself so they can recommend jobs to you. Alternatively, you can just use the search bar to look up job titles you’d be interested in. You can hone your search based on different features you want in the job, like a specific salary range or location.

In some cases, you may also be able to find niche job websites that specialize in particular industries. For example, if you want to work in marketing, you could try the American Marketing Association website or MarketingHire.

And if there’s a specific company you want to work at, you can always check out their website to see if there’s a careers page where you can apply directly.

Submitting applications

Once you find a job that you’re interested in, you can start filling out the application. The exact application process will be different for every job.

Some job applications will be really straightforward — you’ll just submit your name and resume, and that’ll be it. On LinkedIn, for example, some jobs will be labeled “Easy Apply,” and you can typically finish them in around 30 seconds.

Other job postings might take a lot more time to fill out, but if it’s a job you’re interested in, it could be worth investing the time and effort. Some of the questions might ask you to repeat what you already listed on your resume, usually because the employer is using an ATS to filter applicants.

As you’re choosing jobs to apply for, make sure you consider the goals you set in the first step. You might have to apply to some jobs that don’t meet all of your preferences, but they should at least meet your biggest ones. If you can’t find any jobs that do that, it might be a sign to loosen your standards a bit.

You may want to start by casting a wider net. Apply to industries and roles you’re interested in, but also feel free to explore some industries you wouldn’t typically expect to work in. You might be surprised at some of the jobs your degree could fit — just take a look at some of the different majors here at WebFX.

Professional networking

Applying online is the simplest and most common way to get jobs, but the process goes a lot more smoothly with the help of professional networking. Networking refers to the process of connecting with fellow professionals — professionals who can give you a helping hand when it comes to finding a job.

Don’t neglect the power of networking in the job-hunting process. As the saying goes, “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.” If you have the opportunity to connect on a more personal level with prospective employers (or employees who can vouch for you), don’t pass it up.

One way to do that is through career fairs. If you haven’t yet graduated, or if your school still lets recent grads attend career fairs, you should consider attending one so you can speak to representatives from different companies in person. They might be able to get you more direct access to the hiring team, or at least put in a good word for you when you apply.

You can also connect with people through platforms like LinkedIn. You can then build up those connections by sending them personal messages when they post big career updates (like promotions or job changes).

When you apply to companies where your connections work, they can sometimes give you a leg up in the hiring process. That said, make sure you’re not asking too much of them or being demanding. And if they ever do put in a good word for you, be sure to thank them.

4. Prepare for the interview process

I mentioned before that the job market can be competitive — think about how many people graduate every May and are looking for jobs just like you. But if you’re persistent in putting out job applications, you’ll eventually get that email or phone call to schedule an interview.

If you’re introverted or have social anxiety, the interview process can feel incredibly daunting. That said, your application was most likely selected out of hundreds of others. That’s an achievement in and of itself, so try not to stress yourself out. First of all, an interview is just a way for employers to get a sense of what you’re like. And secondly, there are ways to prepare.

Here are some topics to be aware of when approaching an interview:

• Preparing for interview questions
• Conducting the interview
• Remote interviews
• Interview assignments

I’ll explore each of those in more detail below.

Preparing for interview questions

The majority of an interview will consist of the interviewer asking you questions about yourself and your career. Your answers should effectively capture your strengths and personality in a way that presents you as a good fit for the role. But it’s hard to come up with answers on the spot, which is why you should try to prepare them in advance.

Of course, you’ll never be able to anticipate every single question an interviewer will ask. You’ll have to answer at least some questions off the top of your head. But there are a lot of standard interview questions you can prepare for, and you should take the time to research those questions and come up with answers in advance. A few examples of common questions include:

• What is your biggest strength?
• What is your biggest weakness?
• How do you handle stress?
• When is a time that you exceeded expectations?

Preparing responses to these types of questions not only helps you feel more at ease, but also allows you to tell your story compellingly and clearly. You can find various guides online that tell you the best way to answer specific questions. You may want to practice answering them from memory so you’ll be ready for the actual interview. That said, make sure you deliver your responses in a natural way.

You should also do some research on the company you’re interviewing with. Look through their website and get a feel for their products or services, their history, and their values. Being able to cite that information in an interview will really boost your standing with them.

Conducting the interview

When the day comes for the actual interview, make sure you show up on time. You should also dress appropriately. Appropriate attire varies by company, but usually, you want to aim for either a “business professional” or a “business casual” style.

Throughout the interview, make sure to present a friendly demeanor, and try to appear at least relatively confident. The interviewer should understand if you’re a little nervous, of course, but you should still aim to make good eye contact and speak in a clear voice.

While answering questions, keep your answers short and concise, and stay focused on things that would be relevant to the job you’ve applied for. Put your prepared answers to good use when applicable, but when you get asked a question you don’t expect, don’t freak out — just answer it as best you can.

Even though you want to stay focused and concise, you should still aim to be yourself. Here’s a tip from Megan K., who joined WebFX in 2024 after graduating from Arcadia University:

Something else to remember is that interviews are a two-way street. True, the employer will be the one asking most of the questions, but you should also take the opportunity to ask some of your own. Many interviewers will give you a chance to do this at the end of the interview.

Here are some good questions to ask:

• What does a typical day look like in this role?
• Can you describe the culture of this company?
• What do you like most about working here?
• What are the next steps in the process?

These questions let you get a feel for the work environment and a clearer picture of what you’ll be doing on a day-to-day basis. You can also ask any other, more specific questions you might have.

If you have multiple rounds of interviews, it’s sometimes better to save these questions for the later rounds, but it’s up to you.

Remote interviews

Though many interviews are held in person, some occur virtually or over the phone. The process of answering questions will look pretty much the same either way, but there are a few extra things to check before a remote interview:

• Make sure you’re getting good phone/Internet service.
• Choose an appropriate and professional background (if on a video call).
• Be ready to answer the phone or start the video call at the scheduled time.
• Run a test with the platform you’re interviewing on to ensure everything works.
• Find a dedicated, quiet space for your interview.

No matter what the interview setting, try to stay relaxed, and be friendly and personable (while still keeping it professional).

Interview assignments

In some cases, you’ll be given an assignment to work on either before or after the interview. The assignment will usually be similar to the work you’ll do in the role you’re interviewing for. The purpose of this assignment is to give the employer a feel for your skills, capabilities, and workflow.

Not every job will do this, of course. It depends on the type of role you’re applying for — a writer might be asked to complete a writing assignment, for instance, or a developer might be asked to create a webpage.

In some cases, the assignment might be more work than you’re willing to do. In that case, you’re perfectly entitled to decline and look for a job elsewhere.

In fact, that’s exactly what you should do in some cases. The unfortunate truth is that some companies give out interview assignments as a way of getting free labor. If you feel like that’s the case for you — that a company is taking advantage of you — you should look for work elsewhere.

One way you know that’s not the case, though, is if the company offers to pay you for the work. That usually indicates that they’re acting in good faith, especially if the assignment is something reasonable.

5. Evaluate your job offers

If your interview goes well, you may get a job offer. At last! You have a job! You should immediately accept, right?

Well, not necessarily. Let’s slow down for a minute.

First of all, are there any other jobs you’re expecting to hear back from that you’re considering? If so, you’ll have to decide if you want to take the offer or hold out for one of the other jobs.

Even if there aren’t any competing offers, there are still some things to consider before accepting, including:

• Salary and benefits
• Company culture

Let’s look at each of those in more depth.

Salary and benefits

Needless to say, the financial components of the job are some of the most important to consider. After all, at least half the point in having a job is to make a living. So, if the salary and benefits aren’t substantial enough, that might be a sign that you should find a different job.

Think back to the goals you set in the first step. Is the company offering a package of salary and benefits that matches your needs? If they are, great! If not, you’ll have two options: You can either accept the offer anyway, or you can reject it and continue your job search. Which one you choose is up to you.

Only you can decide what qualifies as a good salary for you — it’ll depend on a lot of factors, like your location and living expenses. Just make sure that it matches what was initially advertised to you.

If the company pulls a bait-and-switch on you — advertising a specific salary in the job posting but then offering you a much lower amount in the actual job offer — that’s a big red flag. It’s your choice, but in that situation, I’d recommend finding a job at a more honest company.

In addition to salary, you should also look at benefits. What kind of benefits package (if any) is the company offering? Common employment benefits include:

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• 401(k) and IRA plans
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid sick leave

There are plenty of other benefits a company might offer, but these are some of the most common (and essential) ones. You’ll have to decide for yourself whether you’re happy with the specific benefits being offered to you.

Of course, some jobs might not offer any traditional benefits at all (aside from maybe time off). This is particularly common with contractor jobs. Again, you’ll have to decide for yourself whether or not that’s something that aligns with your lifestyle.

Company culture

If the salary and benefits all look good, you should evaluate one last thing: The culture. What exactly do I mean by the word “culture,” though? Basically, company culture refers to the work environment of an organization. It includes a variety of different elements, including:

• The dynamic between coworkers
• The way the company treats its employees
• The values of the company
• The work-life balance of the employees

Finding a workplace where you can thrive is important. While it can be tricky to gauge a company’s culture before you’ve officially joined, there are signs that can help you get a better sense of the environment. Asking the right questions can help you distinguish between a healthy, supportive workplace and a toxic one. Here are a few questions to consider:

• What does work-life balance look like at this company? Are employees asked to complete tasks outside of their normal work hours?
• Have you observed how interpersonal communication is handled — are there any challenges related to gossip or team dynamics?
• Does the company offer opportunities for growth? Are employees given the chance to advance to more senior roles and take on more responsibilities over time?

A workplace that exhibits positive characteristics in those areas — one that respects its employees’ work-life balance, encourages genuine friendships within the office, and provides opportunities for growth — is likely a great place to work. If you get a job offer from a company like that, you’re in good shape.

6. Start your new job

Congratulations! You’ve accepted a new role. Now it’s time to step into your professional career and begin the job itself. Starting any new job can bring about a mix of feelings, from excitement to anxiety, especially if you’re a recent grad who’s just starting your career.

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you first start your new job:

• Navigating imposter syndrome
• How to succeed in the first 90 days of your job

Let’s look a little more closely at each of those.

Navigating imposter syndrome

There’s a good chance you’ll feel out of place in your work environment when you first start. You might think, “Am I the right fit for the job? Will I be able to form relationships in the office?” The feelings might be similar to how you felt starting your freshman year or joining a new extracurricular group!

As a result, you’ll likely experience some degree of imposter syndrome, which is the feeling that you don’t deserve the position you have despite your qualifications. I have no idea what I’m doing, you might think. And sooner or later, they’ll realize how incompetent I am and fire me.

I’ll tell you now — that’s how most recent grads feel when they start their first job, even the ones who seem confident on the outside. Actually, the same goes for a lot of older professionals who have been out of school for years.

But you shouldn’t listen to those thoughts. Remember that you were picked above all the other job applicants. That didn’t happen by mistake — it happened because you were the best candidate, even if it doesn’t feel like it.

So, don’t stress yourself out too much. Yes, you’ll likely have some jitters when you first start, but they’ll go away over time as you get a feel for what you’re doing and become better acquainted with your coworkers.

And if you’re feeling this way, don’t hesitate to talk to your boss, coach, or mentor. Chances are, they’ve been through something similar and can offer guidance, support, and reminders that you’re not alone.

How to succeed in the first 90 days of your job

Most jobs aren’t going to throw you in headfirst and expect you to do the job like you’ve been doing it for years. There will typically be a training process of some kind, which often lasts a few weeks. Even once you start getting assigned actual work, your job should allow for a learning curve.

The exact details of your first 90 days on the job will depend on your specific industry, company, and position. That said, here are a few tips to help you start strong:

• Ask plenty of questions. Your supervisors and coworkers will understand that you’re new, and they should be happy to help you with anything you’re confused or unsure about.
• Establish relationships with your coworkers. You don’t have to be a social butterfly if it’s not in your nature, but at least introduce yourself to the people on your team.
• Stay organized. That goes for both your physical workspace and your overall process. Forming good habits early on makes your workload much more manageable.
• Ask for feedback. If there’s anything you could be doing better, your supervisors will tell you, allowing you to keep upgrading your performance and growing in your role.
• Set some career goals. Give yourself something to work toward, whether you’re looking to advance to a higher position or want to hit a specific achievement.

Interested in a marketing job? Join the 500+ marketing experts at WebFX

If you’re currently in the midst of the job-hunting process, be sure to check out some of the open positions here at WebFX! We’re a digital marketing agency, which means we help small to midsized businesses market themselves online through channels like search engine optimization (SEO), social media, and more.

Just a few of the different roles that exist at WebFX include:

• Account managers
• Sales representatives
• Data consultants
• Content specialists
• Website developers
• And more!

Our main headquarters are in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, but we also have offices in several other locations in Pennsylvania, Florida, and abroad. WebFX invests in its people and its culture, and as a result, we’ve been voted the Best Place to Work in Pennsylvania for nine consecutive years!

Take it from Megan K., the 2024 grad you heard from earlier:

If working at WebFX sounds like something you’d be interested in, feel free to apply for any of the positions currently open. We’d love to be the company to kickstart your career!