How to Find a Job After Graduation: A Step by Step Guide

Finishing your program is a big moment. You have worked hard, built new skills, and now you are ready to begin your career journey. But for many graduates, finding a job can feel confusing or stressful. The good news is that there is a clear and simple path you can follow. With the right strategy and the right support, you can move from graduation to employment faster and with confidence.

This guide will walk you through each step in the job search process. It is designed for new graduates who want practical advice, easy to follow steps, and real tips that work in the Canadian job market.

AOL Toronto is a career college that focuses on preparing students to become Career Ready, and this support continues even after graduation. The Career Services team offers lifetime career support, meaning you always have a place to return to for guidance, job search help, resume support, interview practice, workshops, and resources.

Let us begin.

Step 1: Understand Your Strengths and Career Goals

Before you start applying for jobs, take time to understand what you want and what you offer. Many graduates try to apply everywhere without clarity, and this wastes time.

Ask yourself:

• What skills am I most confident in?
• What type of roles match my training?
• What industries interest me?
• What lifestyle do I want my future job to support?

Use this simple table to help you map your strengths:

Area	Examples
Technical Skills	Accounting, admin support, medical intake, IT, customer service, design
Soft Skills	Communication, teamwork, time management, leadership
Work Preferences	Remote, hybrid, in person
Career Goals	Promotion, specialization, stability, long term growth

This clarity will help you choose roles that fit your abilities instead of applying randomly.

AOL Toronto career advisors can also help you map out these strengths. They meet with graduates one on one to review skills, interests, and goals so you can build a personalized career plan.

Step 2: Build a Strong Resume That Shows Your Value

A resume is not just a list of experiences. It is a marketing tool that shows why an employer should choose you over someone else. In Canada, most hiring managers spend less than 10 seconds on a first resume scan, so clear formatting and strong keywords make a big difference.

Tips for a strong resume:

• Keep it short. One page is best for new graduates.
• Use simple language and action verbs such as supported, organized, assisted, managed, coordinated.
• Match your resume to the job posting using similar keywords.
• Focus on achievements, not only duties.
• Add your AOL Toronto program and credentials.
• Include internship or practicum experience if you completed one.

Example:

Weak Resume Line	Improved Resume Line
Answered phone calls	Answered customer calls and provided clear information using strong communication skills
Helped with data entry	Entered data accurately into client records and supported daily office operations
Worked with clients	Assisted clients with intake, documentation, and service questions while maintaining privacy policies

AOL Toronto Career Services offers resume reviews for all graduates. Many employers prefer candidates with clean, modern resumes, and having an expert check it can increase your chances right away.

Step 3: Build a Simple but Effective Cover Letter

A cover letter should explain why you want the job and how your skills match the position. You do not need fancy language. Use clear Canadian English and keep it to three short paragraphs.

Basic Structure:

1. Introduction

Mention the job title and where you found the posting.

2. Why You Are a Good Fit

Highlight two or three skills or experiences that match the role.

3. Closing

Thank the employer and express interest in an interview.

Tip:

AOL Toronto Career Services can help you create a starter cover letter that you can adjust for each job.

Step 4: Use the Right Job Search Platforms

Not all platforms work the same. Some are better for entry level roles, others for specific industries.

Top Platforms for Canadian Graduates

Platform	Best For	Notes
Indeed.ca	Most general roles	Largest job board in Canada
LinkedIn	Professional networking	Helps your profile show to recruiters
Government of Canada Job Bank	Stable roles and public sector jobs	Verified listings
Company Websites	Direct applications	Higher chance of being seen

Pro Tip:

Set up daily job alerts with your preferred job titles. This saves time and ensures you apply early.

Step 5: Grow Your LinkedIn Profile

LinkedIn is one of the strongest tools for job seekers in Canada. Recruiters often search for graduates by skills, not by resume submissions.

Make your profile strong by:

• Uploading a clear, friendly photo.
• Adding a short headline like Administrative Professional Graduate or Career Ready IT Support Graduate.
• Writing a simple summary about your skills, strengths, and what type of work you are seeking.
• Listing your program from AOL Toronto.
• Connecting with classmates, instructors, and industry professionals.

AOL Toronto also offers LinkedIn support sessions where you learn how to build a professional online identity.

Step 6: Network with Purpose

Many jobs in Canada are filled through networking. Networking does not mean attending big events only. It also includes small actions such as:

• Connecting with hiring managers on LinkedIn.
• Asking your practicum supervisor for job leads.
• Talking to family and friends about your job search.
• Joining professional groups related to your field.

Simple Networking Script:

“Hello, my name is _________. I recently graduated from AOL Toronto and I am exploring career opportunities in ___________. I would appreciate any advice or connections you can share.”

This shows professionalism and confidence.

Step 7: Apply the Right Way

It is better to apply to fewer roles with strong applications than to send the same resume to 100 employers.

Apply with intention:

• Read the posting carefully.
• Tailor your resume for each role.
• Apply early. Many jobs close before the official deadline.
• Follow instructions exactly, especially for file formats.

Step 8: Prepare for the Interview

Interviews can be stressful for new graduates, but with practice they become much easier. Employers want to know two things:

1. Can you do the job?
2. Will you work well with the team?

Common Interview Questions:

• Tell me about yourself.
• Why do you want to work here?
• What are your strengths?
• Can you share a time you solved a problem?

Use the STAR method:

Step	Meaning
Situation	Describe the situation
Task	Explain what needed to be done
Action	Share what you did
Result	Highlight the positive outcome

AOL Toronto provides interview practice sessions for all graduates. Practising with a career advisor builds confidence and helps you answer more professionally.

Step 9: Follow Up After the Interview

Always send a thank you email within 24 hours. Keep it short and polite.

Example:

“Thank you for meeting with me today. I enjoyed learning more about the role and your team. I appreciate your time and I look forward to hearing from you.”

Following up shows professionalism and respect.

Step 10: Keep Improving While You Search

Job searching takes time. While applying, you can:

• Take short online courses.
• Attend career workshops.
• Improve your communication skills.
• Build your portfolio or samples of your work.

AOL Toronto offers workshops all year for graduates, including resume clinics, job search training, and employer networking events.

Step 11: Stay Motivated and Use Your Lifetime Support

Finding a job is rarely a straight line. There may be days when you feel discouraged, but every step brings you closer.

Remember that as a graduate of AOL Toronto, you have lifetime career support. You can always reach out for:

• Resume updates
• Interview practice
• Job search support
• Career guidance
• LinkedIn help
• Employer connections

Career Services is here for you at every stage of your journey.

FAQs About Finding a Job After Graduation