By Chris Villanueva, CPRW and Founder of Let’s Eat, Grandma Resume Service
Job Search Anxiety Is Real. But You’re More Ready Than You Think.
When I was applying to jobs as a senior in college, my anxiety was extremely high. I remember going for a swim one day with the full intention of just relaxing. But my brain wouldn’t stop running in loops. (No…not a real medical phrase).
I’d ask questions like the following:
- Where should I even apply?
- What job should I even be aiming for?
- Should I settle for the first offer?
- Why haven’t they responded yet?
- Why does my resume stink?
And then I would repeat the same questions back again from the top.
I didn’t have the answers when I was graduating. And if you’re nearing (or heck even past) graduation, maybe you don’t either.
If you’re anything like I was—balancing classes, finals, a part-time job, all while preparing for “the real world”—you’re probably feeling overwhelmed. That’s normal.
But here’s the good news: You’re not behind. You’re not underqualified. And you don’t have to go through this alone.
At Let’s Eat, Grandma, we’ve helped thousands of professionals get interviews, promotions, and job offers (including many senior leaders). Along the way, we’ve seen what works, what doesn’t, and how new grads can give themselves a real shot in this strange job market. We’ve been featured on Forbes, NY Post, Money.com, and we want you to know you can trust us despite all the confusing things we’re sure you’ve seen on TikTok.
Here’s the advice I wish someone had given me when I was graduating:
1. Tap into your network (yes, now)
This might sound intimidating—especially if you feel like you “don’t know anyone important.” But your network is bigger than you think.
You’re at one of the best moments in your life to grow and activate your connections. Most people actually want to help new grads. You just have to ask, and that’s something I wish I did more when I was in college.
Think about:
- Former internship supervisors
- Alumni from your school (especially NSCS alumni!)
- Professors or mentors
- Friends of your parents
- Classmates with a connection at a company you’re interested in
Use the power of LinkedIn and Google to network. Here’s a search query you can run on Google if looking to find NSCS alumni on LinkedIn who have been in a financial analyst position:
site:linkedin.com “financial analyst” “NSCS” “@gmail.com”
Then, paste the results page in ChatGPT, which can then organize your search results more effectively.
When you reach out to job search prospects, ask for a quick 15-minute informational interview. Post something about your interests or goals on social media. Share your resume and say you’re open to feedback or advice.
And it doesn’t need to be perfect. Most people won’t judge you for not having it all figured out. And those short conversations? They often lead to unexpected introductions, job referrals, or even internship extensions.
Bottom line: Don’t apply to every job cold. Use your network to give your resume a warm entry.
2. Fix these resume mistakes we see all the time
We’ve reviewed a lot of college student resumes, and the same mistakes come up again and again.
Here are a few ways to avoid them:
Don’t go too wide, and not deep enough.
A lot of students feel like they need to list everything they’ve ever done—from high school volunteer gigs to every club and side project. But this can overwhelm the reader and not give much of a conversation to springboard off of.
Instead, pick a few relevant experiences and add more detail. Focus on impact: What did you do? What changed because of your actions? What skills did you use or build?
Example:
Instead of:
- “Worked at campus library checking out books.”
Try:
- “Assisted 150+ students per week and reorganized book filing system to reduce search time by 30%.”
We’d recommend expanding on the professional experience that is most relevant to your short-term career path. Aim for at least 5 solid bullet points in your expanded professional experience section. Cut down the sections that aren’t as relevant.
Make it ATS-friendly.
Most larger companies now use Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) to filter resumes. These systems scan your resume for keywords related to the job description.
That means two things:
- Use language from the job posting (especially in bullet points).
- Avoid overly designed or “creative” resumes that use tables, columns, or images. Those often confuse ATS software and get rejected automatically.
Use your education section to your advantage.
Right now, your education is one of your strongest assets.
Include:
- Relevant coursework (especially if it aligns with the role)
- Academic awards or scholarships
- Extracurriculars with leadership or team experience
This section can also be a good place to add keywords that match your target job—especially if you’re light on formal work experience.
Want help getting started? We’ve put together a free resume guide just for NSCS members. It includes real examples and a proven template that’s ATS-friendly. Download it here.
3. Keep going — even when it’s quiet
Here’s a hard truth: You might not get interviews right away. And you’re not entitled to them even if you have an impressive educational background.
You might even be doing the same exact things I recommend in this article but not hear back from a company you were excited about.
You might feel like you’re doing something wrong. But that silence doesn’t mean you’re not qualified.
It just means your job search isn’t finished. It means you have to keep going.
The average job search now takes slightly longer than it did two years ago, and this is something to keep in mind to quell any anxious emotions.
One of the biggest mistakes students make is stopping after a few applications. Maybe they get discouraged. Maybe finals take over. Or maybe they think they’ll just “figure it out later.”
Don’t wait. Apply now, even if you’re not 100% sure what you want. It’s okay to change direction later. Right now, your goal is to build momentum, grow confidence, and learn as you go.
Keep these habits in mind:
- Set a small, consistent goal (e.g., apply to 3 solid roles per week).
- Customize your resume for each application.
- Follow up when possible (especially after networking).
Persistence pays off. The students who stay engaged—who keep improving their materials and reaching out—are the ones who land roles faster.
Final Thoughts
Graduating can feel like stepping into the unknown. I know it did for me, and that’s normal. But you’re more prepared than you think!
The job search doesn’t have to be a mystery. With a few small shifts—activating your network, cleaning up your resume, and staying persistent—you’ll give yourself a huge head start.
And you don’t have to do it alone.
Download Your Free Resume Guide
We put together a short guide to help you write a standout resume that works for your first job (and your second and third). It includes:
- A proven ATS-friendly template
- Tips for tailoring your resume to each job
- Real examples of what works
Download the LEG Resume Guide now → Link to download
