Graduate Jobs in the United States

Recent Graduate Jobs Overview

Looking for recent graduate jobs? You’re in luck. Research shows that college graduates are half as likely to be unemployed compared to those that don’t possess higher education. If instead, you’re after jobs for high school graduates, there are just as many positions for you too. These include internships, as well as careers in retail or sales jobs that don’t require a degree.

When choosing between recent graduate jobs, remember that you have all your professional life in front of you. So don’t be afraid to try out different options before settling down. After all, that’s how you understand what suits you best. Here are some of the most popular roles to consider:

• Entry-level jobs: These positions are designed for individuals who are new to the workforce or a specific industry. They typically involve tasks that require minimal prior experience or expertise. They provide an opportunity to gain foundational skills and knowledge within a field.
• Part-time jobs: In part-time roles, you’ll work fewer hours per week than in full-time positions. They offer great flexibility if you’re trying to balance work with other commitments or want to get your foot in the door.
• Intern-jobs: Internships are temporary positions. They offer students or recent graduates the chance to gain practical experience and insights into a specific industry or profession. They involve working under the guidance of senior professionals.
• Research jobs: If you pick research jobs, you’ll conduct investigations to gather information, analyze data and contribute to the advancement of knowledge in your field.
• Jobs for MBA graduates: These positions often include leadership and management roles. You'll get to apply the strategic thinking, decision-making, and business acumen that you built during your MBA.
• Working abroad: Have you ever considered employment in a foreign country? You’d experience a different culture, expand your perspectives, and develop cross-cultural communication skills.

Salaries for Recent Graduate Jobs

How much you can make in recent graduate jobs depends first on your level of education and the type of major you picked. Based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics findings, the following are the median weekly earnings for each qualification type:

• high school diploma: $809
• associate degree: $963
• bachelor’s degree: $1334
• master’s degree: $1574
• professional degree: $1924
• doctoral degree: $1909

More specifically, based on your major, recent graduate jobs pay on average:

• data science: $78,607 to $110,567 per year
• financial analyst: $52,162 to $70,642 per year
• software developer: $81,044 to $114,866 per year
• English teacher: $41,018 to $58,972 per year
• marketing specialist: $37,885 to $54,435 per year

However, any experience you gained during your studies and your location also impact your salary. If you have a particular role in mind, check out Monster’s Salary Page. You’ll discover the median wage for that and similar positions in any city you’d like. Plus, we’ll suggest skills that make you more competitive in a specific field.

How to Find the Best Recent Graduate Jobs

Not sure where to start looking for jobs for college graduates, let alone find your ideal match? Worry no more. Below are a few factors to consider to help you find the best roles for you:

Know Yourself

Identify your strengths, interests, and career goals. You’re young so don’t be afraid to make mistakes, you’re always in time to change. But make sure to have a general direction on where you’d like to land.

Research, Research, Research

Study your chosen industry and then the companies you're interested in. Read about their missions and values, and what previous employees say. Then try to understand if you could fit in with their company cultures.

Screen the Job Ads

Carefully read the job listings. Are the job titles, responsibilities and requirements clear? The language used by the company in the job ad can also give you an idea of what the work environment will be like.

How to Apply to Recent Graduate Jobs

Impatient to apply to the recent graduate jobs you found? Make your application stand out by following a few simple tips for your resume and cover letter.

Update Your Resume for Jobs for Recent College Graduates

Whether you’re looking for jobs for high school graduates, jobs for MBA graduates or anything in between, you must craft a sharp resume to catch a recruiter’s eye.

Fast-track your writing by using a template, like our high school resume template, or the grad school resume sample, which are perfect if you don’t have much experience. They provide you with a clear structure already divided into sections that you only have to customize.

As you’re likely very new to the job market it is crucial to think in terms of transferable skills. This will help show recruiters that you possess what it takes despite your lack of work experience. Some of the best transferable skills to include in your resume are:

• clear communication
• critical thinking
• adaptability
• collaboration
• time management
• emotional intelligence
• creativity
• continuous learning attitude
• presentation skills
• negotiation skills

You can cite such skills from any previous job or responsible, role including an internship, summer jobs, extracurricular activities and so on.

Also make sure to present those skills with the same keywords used in the job listings. For example, if the job ad uses “analytical skills” rather than “critical thinking”, mirror their language. Tailoring your resume for each job you apply for is crucial to overcome automatic tracking systems (ATS) and recruiter screenings alike.

Need more help with your resume? Ask the experts at Monster’s Resume Writing Services.

Cover Letter Tips for Recent Graduates

Write a recent graduate cover letter to provide more details about your profile such as past achievements and long-term goals. We know it can be an intimidating task to approach, so here is an easy blueprint to follow:

• Salutation: Address the hiring manager by name. You’ll find it on the job posting on the company website, if it’s not there, call and and ask. If you’re unsuccessful, your last resort is using a general “Dear Hiring Manager”.
• Introduction. Start with a strong opening. Mention the position you’re applying for.
• Education and skills. Your experience is likely limited. Don’t sweat it, though. Emphasize the relevant skills you gained through coursework, project groups or other activities such as internships, part-time jobs, or volunteer work.
• Use examples. Include a couple of examples to explain how you developed certain skills.
• Express enthusiasm. Explain why you’re interested in the role and the specific company. Show that you share the same values and that you’re on board with their mission.
• Close strong. Briefly sum up why you’re the candidate they’re looking for. Thank the recruiter for their time and offer to provide any extra details they might need.
• Proofread. Check for errors in grammar, spelling and formatting. Ensure your tone is professional as well.

When you’re resume and cover letter are ready, upload them on Monster’s free candidate account. Applying to any future jobs for recent college graduates will be easy and fast. Plus, we’ll keep you updated with all the latest roles available matching your profile.

How to Follow Up with an Employer

You might think following up with employers about the recent graduate jobs you applied for is not necessary. Think again. It demonstrates your enthusiasm and professionalism. Here’s how we recommend doing it:

• After submitting your application, give it about a week before reaching out.
• Craft a brief, friendly but professional email. Stick to this medium for this phase of the recruitment process.
• Reference the position you applied for, why you’re the ideal candidate and express your continued interest.
• Kindly ask for an update on your application, be patient and stay positive. You’ve got this!

Interview Tips for Recent Graduate Jobs

Did you receive your first callback and are now wondering how to prepare for your first job interview after college or high school? Here’s our mini crash course to nail your job interview:

1. First, learn what kind of interviews you’ll face. If the recruiter didn’t make it clear, there’s nothing wrong in asking.
2. Get familiar with the job interview basics. These include all the most common questions like “Tell me about yourself” or “ What are your strengths and weaknesses”. Also pay attention to your non-verbal communication.
3. Next, focus on the specific role you’re applying for. This also implies revising any technical knowledge you need for the role.
4. Then, research extensively the company you’re interviewing to help you explain why you want to work with them. This is also a good time to prepare a few questions regarding company culture, the team and anything else you might want to clarify.
5. Expect behavioral questions. They are meant to test how you behave in unfamiliar situations. Use the STAR method to prepare your answers.
6. Finally, remember to send a thank-you note within 24 hours of the interview. Express appreciation for the opportunity and mention something meaningful from your conversation.

What to Do When You Get an Offer

Getting your first graduate job offer is an exciting milestone to celebrate. Make sure to express your gratitude for the offer and request a reasonable time to decide if you’re going to accept or decline the job.

During this time, carefully review the offer. Make sure to analyze the entire compensation package including salary, health insurance coverage, retirement plans, PTO and other benefits.

Consider how the role aligns with your career goals and values. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to ask for clarification. Once you’ve decided, respond promptly and in a professional manner.

Recent Graduate Job Career Paths

The career paths you can progress into with recent graduate jobs depend on your academic background, skills, interests, and industry trends. Here are some common ones to consider:

• Corporate careers: After gaining experience in entry-level roles in marketing, finance, human resources, operations, or customer service you could advance to managerial and leadership positions.
• Startups: You could also join a startup. This path allows you to grow and take on different roles with lateral moves, gain hands-on experience and potentially shape innovative products or services.
• Healthcare and medical fields: Did you pick a healthcare-related career? You could become a nurse, medical technologist, pharmacist, healthcare administrator or more. Generally, the more you specialize, the better the pay will be.
• Education and academia: Interested in education? You have plenty of choices. You could pursue roles as a teacher aide or assistant to teacher, instructor, or educational administrator. You could work in K-12 schools, colleges, university, or online education.
• Consulting: You could enter a consulting job as well. Consulting firms hire graduates from various disciplines to provide expert advice to businesses, government, or nonprofit organizations in areas like management, strategy, technology, or finance.

Similar Occupations

Looking for more job offers for recent grads? Check out the following popular options:

• remote jobs
• entry-level jobs
• summer jobs
• internship jobs
• overseas jobs