Demeter

you and your lover in bed together late at night, but you two are just softly whispering to each other about anything and everything as you lay next to each other. the gentle whispers and peaceful atmosphere put you in such a calm state of mind that eventually pulls you into the best deep sleep.

when you are nervous and avoiding eye contact with your crush or lover and they suddenly stand closer to you and whisper, "look at me."

literally any endearing nickname. baby, sweetheart, angel, darling, beautiful, etc. omg i melt... (bonus points if the nickname is something random that only the couple would understand like an inside joke between them only)

someone leaning against the doorframe with the sweetest smile on their face just watching their lover get ready to go out.

"how did i get so lucky to have you in my life?"

your lover knowing exactly how you like your tea or coffee and them bringing it to you in bed in the morning with a kiss on your forehead.

when your crush or lover gifts you with something that you briefly mentioned wanting to have some time ago, not having any idea how much they were paying attention to what you were saying.

"i just want you to be happy."

two people being each other's safe space and finding a home within each other. a home where they feel completely comfortable being themselves and where they find the kind of peace that unconditional love brings.

There’s some fluff, some smut, some angst, and some funny prompts all mashed up from a bunch of prompt lists I’ve found. Absolutely none of these prompts came from me, I just threw a bunch of ones I liked together. 

“Come over here and make me.”

“Wait a minute. Are you jealous?”

“I almost lost you.”

“Wanna bet?”

“Don’t you ever do that again!”

“Kiss me.”

“It could be worse.”

“Looks like we’ll be trapped for a while…”

“You need to wake up because I can’t do this without you.”

“I’ve seen the way you look at me when you think I don’t notice.”

“Just once.”

“I think I’m in love with you and I’m terrified.”

“If you keep looking at me like that we won’t make it to a bed.”

“You heard me. Take. It. Off.”

“Wanna dance?”

“You fainted…straight into my arms. You know, if you wanted my attention you didn’t have to go to such extremes.”

“You did all of this for me?”

“I swear it was an accident.”

“YOU DID WHAT?!”

“If you die, I’m gonna kill you.”

“I fucking hate you”

“He’s dead, again.”

“It’s hard to get used to…” “what is?” “Being someone that someone cares for…”

“The first time you smiled it felt like the universe aligned.”

“It hurts…” “what?” “Loving someone who doesn’t love you…”

“Let me do this, please.”

you’re not as funny as you think you are

i’m just getting comfy

just because you can doesn’t mean you should

how don’t you know the difference between your left and right?

thank you for being in my life

text me when you’re home

you are such a nerd

why are you so cold?

stop laughing at me

you were put on this earth to give me a headache

you’re ticklish

can we go home yet?

you are a terrible influence

one of us is clearly smarter than the other

you need some sleep

how have you survived this long by yourself?

are you just quoting song lyrics?

i’m only here for the dog

sleep is for the weak

that was you?

“I have no idea what you’re talking about.”

“What? I have never-”

“I do not have an answer for you.”

“In my defense, I really wanted to.”

“At least I didn’t break any laws.”

“What did you do this time?”

“How do we get out?”

“I don’t hate you.”

“Don’t call me that.”

“Just marry me already.”

“Did I stutter?”

“Did I just say that out loud?”

“H-How long have you been standing there?”

“I’ve never felt this way before and I’m terrified to be honest.”

“Is that what you call an apology?”

“Is there anything you want to tell me?”

“Somebody’s in love!”

“Can I hold your hand?”

“There is no way this much stupid can fit inside one person.”

“I’m never leaving…I promise.”

“Uh, am I interrupting?”

“I like you, like like you like you.”

“Be my Valentine?”

“Can I kiss you?”

“God, I love you.”

“You’re so fucking cute.”

“Stop being a fucking prick.”

“Do you want me to stay?”

“You’re my everything.”

“I love seeing you smile.”

“i’ve been thinking about you all day.”

“ i can’t get enough of you.”

“i like being close to you. you’re warm.”

“i’m not wearing any underwear. thought you’d like to know.”

“is this okay?”

“this is a one time thing.”

“you know where to find me.”

“you’re really good at that.”

“here’s my hotel room number.”

“don’t be shy now, sit on my face.”

“Wanna join?”

“Stop doing that”

“YOU SENT ME PICTURES OF YOU NAKED WHILE I WAS IN A WORK MEETING!”

“If I ask you to kiss me in front of all these people, will you do it?”

“Don’t go on that date.” “Why?” “You know why.” “Say it.”

“ i think i might be in some kind of love with you.”

“say you want me, and i’m yours.”

“you need a place to stay for the night”

“i want to taste you”

“i love it when you talk dirty

“if you interrupt me one more time— so help me god”

“if we weren’t in public right now i’d have my head between your legs”

“i don’t know what to do” “then let me teach you”

“i forgot my towel”

“this feels dirty” “that’s because it is”

“don’t cover you’re face, i want to see you”

“are you sure about this?”

“ive never wanted to fuck someone as badly as i want to fuck you rn”

“do you want help with that?”

“im going to fuck you until you forget that assholes name”

“bend over the desk love”

“is that my shirt?”

“my mother adores you.”

“is that a drawing of me?”

“i didn’t mean to say that but yeah, i love you.”

“i’ve never seen anyone look so cute and ridiculous at the same time.”

“stop looking at me like that!”

“i didn’t know you could sing.”

“you weren’t supposed to hear that!”

“you wrote me a song?”

“i’m not scared but if you are, you can hold my hand.”

“this isn’t adrenaline, i want to spend my life with you.”

“do you think of me when you touch yourself?”

“Take my jacket, it’s cold”

“My friends get annoyed by how much I talk about you sometimes”

“I’m not going anywhere”

“fuck you.” - “when?”

“no one’s ever made me feel like this.”

“here, let me help you.”

“we’re quite literally fugitives of the state.” - “so no pizza?”

“you’re insane.” - “people keep telling me that.”

“you’re pretty.” - “you’re drunk.”

“i told you i’d come home to you.”

“i’ll keep you safe.”

“i’ll spend a thousand lifetimes coming back to you.”

“i didn’t think it was possible to love someone this much.”

“please never stop smiling.”

“Touch yourself for me.”

“Shut up and take your pants off.”

“Wanna see what I’m wearing underneath all this?”

“Do you know how beautiful you are? It’s truly distracting.”

“How are you this perfect?”

“I’ve waited so long for this.”

“Would you just shut up and kiss me already?”

“Tell me what you want.”

“Could he make you feel as good as i do?”

“Are you trying to turn me on or are you really just that oblivious?”

“Just let me finish this/this level and I swear ill go down on you until you cum at least three times.”

“I haven’t even touched you and you’re already this wet.”

“Were you just masturbating?” “U-uh..no, I was just..” “Want some help?”

“Tell me again.”

“I really want to kiss you right now.” “Then do it.”

“I don’t care what you do just fuck me.”

Welcome to my side-prompt blog! Ask me anything from writing, to prompt requests, and even join my discord where I can be frequently found!

Smoothing your fingers down your lover's tie, fixing where your lover couldn't tie it right.

Brushing your lover's waist/shoulder as they pass.

Instinctively pressing your hands against your lover's cheek as they passionately rave, only for them to stop talking and gape, completely distracted by the lack of distance.

Hooking your ankles together underneath the table.

Linking your hands together as you walk through school/a building/the streets--finger rubbing over your lover's knuckles softly.

Putting your hand on your lover's chest as they doze peacefully into the couch arm, focusing on the subtle beat of their heart on your hand.

Unflinchingly settling your head into your lover's lap while they watch television/are reading a book/doing their favorite hobby. Then asking your lover to explain what's going on/what they're doing.

On a whim, pulling your lover into an alley and pressing your lips firmly against theirs, getting lost in each other's touch while the streets bustle outside.

Holding your jacket over your lover's head as they hide from the rain, finding their formal outfit more important than your casual wear.

Whispering jokes/loving words in a lecture/school/church/a meeting. Trying not to laugh/flirt back in fear of disturbing everyone else who's trying to pay attention.

Putting your hand on your lover's thigh and feeling their eyes on you as they try to figure out your motives. Whether the touch is teasing or just for fun.

Mapping out your lover's features while they sleep in your arm, smoothing your thumbs down their cheeks, throat, collarbones, chin and nose.

Hooking a thumb into your lover's belt loop/pocket as a crowd surrounds you, making sure that you don't lose them in the people.

Pressing tiny kisses against your lover's shoulder while they're bent over a desk, trying to focus even though your touch is distracting them.

Wrapping your arms around your lover's waist and pressing your forehead against their back/resting on their shoulder, swaying to music only the two of you can hear.

At your lover's complaining, rubbing a spot where they ache, smiling as they lean into your touch and melt at both the touch and warmth.

Standing still as your lover rubs smudged lipstick/lipstick stains off of your skin, catching them off guard by pressing a kiss against their fingertip.

Pushing your lover against a wall after one too many teasing comments, but being met with unsaid tension instead of the quiet. Both of you unable to continue with the jokes.

After coming home from work/a long trip, finding your lover sobbing on the couch/in bed after a hard day, wiping away their tears with soft touches and gentle words--trying to convince them it's okay, and that you're there for them now.

Softly resting a hand on your lover's shoulder as they face something more difficult than ever, not bothering to exchange words as the touch does it all the same. You've got this in the bag.

Having your lover list everything they're insecure about, and responding with gentle caresses, kisses, and compliments about those areas.

While someone demeans your lover, standing up for them. Either in word, or by physically placing yourself right in front of them as a protective barrier.

Carding your fingers through your lover's hair after a bad nightmare, not caring that it's sweaty or matted, but just that they'll be able to get a good night's sleep, even if it's at the sacrifice of your own.

Protecting your lover's sleep as they doze on your lap, making sure nobody bothers them as they entrusted their peace to you.

Reading up on the things your lover enjoys so that when they talk about them, you'll understand a little better and be able to hold a conversation.

Tracing invisible shapes on your lover's skin as they're busy doing something stressful, keeping their attention half on what they're doing, and half on you.

Very softly placing butterfly kisses on your lover's skin up the length of their arm, either stopping at their neck, or drifting back down to their pulse point.

Reassurance in the form of food/movies/games, forcing them to take a second away and relax with you.

Not accepting that it's time to start the day, and pinning them onto the mattress with either your whole body, a leg, or more risque touches.

Visiting them at work, either with lunch, or just to spend the afternoon with them as they try to get things done. Whether they actually get things done, or thing devolve into flirting/romantic gestures is up to you.

DIALOGUE

"Hold on, let me fix this for you."

"God, you look so good."

"I'm... uh, dammit, your lips are so distracting. Are you doing this on purpose?"

"Your hands are always so warm."

"Be real with me, love. Do you really care about what I'm doing, or do you just want me to talk you to sleep?"

"If we get caught kissing in a small, dark, kind of shady alleyway, it's on you."

"Couldn't you wait to kiss me at home?"

"Please, I don't want the rain getting both of us sick. I volunteer to be tribute--take my jacket."

"Stop, stop! We're going to get in trouble, and I refuse to be yelled at because of you!"

"I am trusting you with that hand, darling. I hope my trust isn't misplaced."

"I promise I'll stay close."

"You know, I am trying to focus... but I can't deny that it doesn't feel good. Keep going, please."

"Take a small break, for me?"

"Never thought I'd have someone to sway with me in the kitchen... I'm glad I was wrong."

"You have lipstick on your cheek, here let me-- oh."

"I-- you-- where we we?"

"Kiss me, please."

"It's going to be okay, I promise."

"Let yourself cry, I'm here now. You're safe."

"You may think differently, but I love this about you."

"Every part, no matter how you feel, is amazing to me. I could spend all day explaining everything I love about you."

"You want to get to them, you go through me."

"Don't worry, I'll keep you safe."

"They're just a jerk, why don't we just go somewhere else?"

"I won't let them put their hands on you."

"I'm right here; I won't leave your side. Go back to sleep, darling."

"C'mere, I don't mind letting you sleep on me."

"Hey, leave them alone. They just fell asleep."

"Don't you dare wake them up."

"Wow, you really did your research, huh? That's amazing..."

"Next time, we can talk more about--"

"You know, you make these kinds of things not so painful, so thank you."

"Hmm... I don't whether to appreciate or complain that you're distracting me."

"I love how your pulse races for me..."

"Do I make your heart jump?"

"Come on, watch this movie with me. I promise it won't be as bad as the previous one."

"I bought this really cool game. Come and play it with me?"

"Hey, I got some food. Why don't we go eat in the kitchen for once?"

"Hrmg, I'm not moving. Don't make me."

"It's far too early for this..."

"Please, we need to get up."

"Touch me again, and I'm pushing you off the bed."

"I'm staying here, and I'm not moving. I do not care about your empty threats! Hey-- wait-- what are you doing?"

"I bought two sandwiches... by total accident, of course. Thought I might come give one of them to you, and maybe while I'm here spend some time with you, hm?"

"This... isn't doing work. But I don't think I mind."

feel free to use :)

“i genuinely don’t know why my brain just goes blank when i look at you. i think i’m going a little crazy.”

the little laugh or smile a character a does in utter disbelief because character b is just so endearing and sigh

one character going “so this is really awkward cause i know i told you i wasn’t looking for love but then i kinda fell in love and i would love it if you’d take me”

“can i love you?”

“i just… adore you.”

character a noticing character b is sleepy while driving and being like “hey i can take over for you”

the classic “no i’m not in love with character a, yes thinking about hurting them makes me want to throw myself into ongoing traffic, no it doesn’t make sense to me either”

their love interest fell asleep and your main character has a blanket so they give it to them

confessions when one character thinks the other is sleeping

they kiss for the first time and one character just steps back and is like “um ok. yeah that’s not a normal kiss i def love u”

character not being able to even fathom or come close to understanding how someone can dislike such a beautiful ray of sunshine and oh yeah ok…. they’re def in love

characters who’ve been married for years falling in love all over again

exes to lovers

“i think i love you…?” “….. think?” “let’s just say a ninety-nine percent chance.” “i’ll take it.”

that moment where your character just… looks. just looks at their love interest for more than five seconds and doesn’t understand why or how this earth can exist and the sun and moon exist and the sky can be an eternal source of happiness and yet this person right here can bring so much more warmth and comfort to them with just a single glance

note confessions because yes written confessions in letters are superior

“i got you a gift. i hope you like it.” and character who receives the gift tries not to mention that any gift would mean more than the stars in the sky as long as it was from them

## for best friends or for lovers, if you pick the right ones

“you’re so dumb.” [insert fond smile here]

“you could punch me in the face and i would still want you ngl.”

“are you cold? here you go. come here.”

“you have stars in your eyes. i like looking at it.”

“i trust you. it’s okay.”

“you’re driving me crazy here.”

“wherever you want to go, i promise i’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“i’ll be damned if i don’t make you smile at least once today.”

“...please stay.”

“hey…” [hesitates] “be safe, alright?”

“i’ve been worried sick! where the hell were you!?”

“so what? you’re still my [name], idiot. i don’t care about what they say!”

“let me take care of you today. don’t do anything in return, just let me.”

[cups person b’s cheeks] “you are a menace and you almost died back there if it wasn’t for me.”

“how did you even get sick? you look ugly. come here.”

“i will never not think about you.”

“you… you don’t even have to love me back, you know?”

“i’m— i’m happy when you’re here. i’m happy.”

“this—” [points at their chest] “—this belongs to you. always.”

hope you all enjoy this list. it’s compiled from random internet prompts, my brain, and some things i’ve heard said/said to others/had said to me. pls send me a number and what ship you want it with and i’ll write a one-shot based on it!! my list of fandoms is in my pinned:) i love doing stuff like this<3

“you think it’s cute when i’m mad? great, because i’m about to become real fucking adorable.”

“you do realize we just got locked in here, right?”

“sorry, my 12-year old self is just kinda freaking out on the inside right now.”

“i don’t need saving!” “what if i want to save you?”

“i can’t concentrate with you looking at me like that.” “good.”

“are you sure you aren’t giving me the name of a drink that doesn’t exist to make me look stupid? because this shit sounds like i’m casting a spell.”

“you’re the kind of person people write poems about.”

“at least i can check that off my bucket list.” “who the fuck puts getting arrested on their bucket list?!”

“how did you even get up to my window? my room is on the second floor.” “romeo finds a way, juliet.”

“you look so pretty when you’re happy.”

“how the FUCK did you make it past eighth grade?”

“this might be a bit controversial, but i think that went well.”

“are you like, sexually attracted to danger, or something? because i can’t remember a single time i’ve hung out with you that i haven’t risked my life.” “and i’ve always looked incredible while doing it.”

“i love you.” “who doesn’t.”

“well, this just scrambles my eggs.” “please just say FUCK.”

“if you were a cereal, you’d be raisin bran.” “i can’t tell if that’s supposed to be a compliment or an insult.” 

“where are you going with peanut butter and duct tape?” “on a date.”

“who DO you like, then?” “why do you think i talk to you so much?”

“your eyes are like the ocean.” “please don’t go into some cliche thing about how they’re deep and endless and you could get lost in them for forever.” “nah, i was just gonna say they’re blue.”

“i think my mom thinks we’re dating.” “what? why?” “because i told her we’re dating.”

“my family really likes you.”

“this brings our relationship to a whole new level.” “dude, i’m just keeping a toothbrush at my house for you.” “EXACTLY!”

“you deserve to have a fairytale romance.”

“you have no idea how fucking crazy you drive me.”

“when i said ‘whatever helps you sleep at night’, i didn’t picture this.”

“do you mind if i observe you guys for a day? i have to write a romantic scene for my creative writing class and i need some inspiration.” “um, that’s fine, but we’re not dating.” “you’re not?” “nope.” “…are you sure?”

“there’s no reason why your awful attempts at flirting should be giving me butterflies, but here we are.”

“hey, hey, it’s okay. it was just a bad dream. i’m here.”

“i really want to have my heart broken so i can scream this song properly.”

F/O: You know That Thing You Like? Would you mind explaining it to me again? For hours?

S/I: *Proceeds to gush in intricate detail on everything they love about F/O and why*

wanting to impress your partner

'' you're doing good. ''

'' it's already perfect, all right, you are enough. ''

'' i want this night to be special. ''

'' i want [our first kiss] to be special. ''

'' you deserve everything. ''

'' it's my job to spoil you. ''

'' breathe. ''

'' am i dreaming? '' '' nope. this is all me. ''

'' i've never felt this way before. ''

'' you brought me flower? ''

'' you don't have to do this. '' '' i want to do this. ''

'' come with me. '' '' what have you planned? ''

'' oh my god, it's beautiful... ''

'' you did this all by yourself? ''

'' what do you want in return? '' '' maybe a kiss or two. ''

'' close your eyes. i have a surprise for you. ''

'' just something small. '' '' something small? this must have taken hours... ''

'' if you're trying to impress me, it worked. ''

'' i wanted you to have something to remember me by. ''

'' gotta give a good first impression, right? ''

'' you mean for our next date? '' '' i was thinking third anniversary. ''

'' you said your ex never did these things, so i took it upon myself. ''

'' it's not too over the top, is it? ''

## for best friends or for lovers, if you pick the right ones

“you’re so dumb.” [insert fond smile here]

“you could punch me in the face and i would still want you ngl.”

“are you cold? here you go. come here.”

“you have stars in your eyes. i like looking at it.”

“i trust you. it’s okay.”

“you’re driving me crazy here.”

“wherever you want to go, i promise i’ll be with you every step of the way.”

“i’ll be damned if i don’t make you smile at least once today.”

“...please stay.”

“hey…” [hesitates] “be safe, alright?”

“i’ve been worried sick! where the hell were you!?”

“so what? you’re still my [name], idiot. i don’t care about what they say!”

“let me take care of you today. don’t do anything in return, just let me.”

[cups person b’s cheeks] “you are a menace and you almost died back there if it wasn’t for me.”

“how did you even get sick? you look ugly. come here.”

“i will never not think about you.”

“you… you don’t even have to love me back, you know?”

“i’m— i’m happy when you’re here. i’m happy.”

“this—” [points at their chest] “—this belongs to you. always.”

GROWING PAINS

cliche (k.akaashi) pairing: akaashi keiji x fem!reader

summary: there’s nothing in the world that keiji loves more than surprising his girlfriend at her workplace. word count: 374 genre/warnings: boba shop!au, established relationship, fluff notes: waking u up with a boyfie akaashi drabble, i present it to you bae @hikariakaashi​ make me a drink now pls

“and what can i get started for you today?” you spoke freely, muscle memory taking over as you cleaned your workspace, quickly disinfecting the area whilst helping the next customer in line. you hadn’t been working at the shop for long—but it really was a place that you enjoyed. “would you like to hear our specialties or personal favorites—”

“keiji.” your voice stopped, eyes narrowing at the sight of your boyfriend on the opposite side of the counter. while you absolutely loved the times in which he would visit you at work, you knew that he had some major english school work to get done by midnight—he should definitely not be anywhere outside of the three-foot area surrounding his desk. “what are you doing here?”

he smiled sheepishly, stuffing his hands into the pockets of his raincoat—still dripping raindrops from the heavy pour outside the safety of the glass window panes. “i wanted to see you.” his handsome face broke out into a bright smile, glasses slipping down his nose. “how was i supposed to get any work done with my motivation miles across town?”

at his words, your attention was drawn to the bag slung over his shoulder—no doubt filled with his laptop and textbooks, all ready to be strung across one of the wooden surfaces, his study session moving to the table just beyond your register. “and i just wanted to see you.”

“the sky was so dreary, i needed a glimpse of beauty again.” 

with a blush rising on your cheeks, a groan escaped your lips. “that line? really?” you laughed, shaking your head and punching in his usual order—knowing the exact price and ingredients at the top of your head. “sounds like something out of a movie, keiji. what? are you practicing lines for your novel?”

he shook his head, following your path as you maneuvered the ingredients with ease—a slight skip in his step, his energy being rejuvenated in your presence. “they might lines for a movie, possibly my mid term paper—do you like them?” he was leaning against the counter, eye wide with his hair tufting above his brows. “after all, i could always reuse them in the future.”

“maybe you’ll hear them again in my vows, beautiful.”

Then I hear my little bro say, “You just let people push you around like that???”

He’d snuck into the gallery and instead of saying “hi” like a normal person of course he decided to body-slam me. 

So I punched him in the gut. 

Related answers:

Resume and Cover Letter Guide

Job interview tips

Job hunting 101

Off the top of my head, top 3 below.

Top 3 job hunting mistakes college students make

1. They think it’s easy

This is how most students think job hunting goes (theory):

I attend college

I do relatively well and graduate with a degree

I submit some job applications to my favorite jobs

I interview

I get a job offer!

This is how job hunting actually is (reality):

I attend college

I do relatively well and graduate with a degree

I submit some job applications to my favorite jobs

I get all rejections or no responses from the jobs

I apply to more jobs

I get no responses

I apply to more jobs

I get no responses

I apply to more jobs

I get maybe 1 interview

I interview but I don’t get the job and have no idea why I didn’t get it

I start to get frustrated and lose hope

I have been unemployed for months post-graduation

I start to panic

I settle for a crap job

WTF happened?

It’s overconfidence mixed with a huge dose of naivete due to a lack of real world experience.

To avoid underestimating this process:

Understand that job hunting is a highly subjective process– it’s not an objective process. That’s why it’s so difficult, it’s like dating. A candidate can have all the qualifications and be a “perfect” fit but can still be rejected because the company didn’t “like” the person or the timing was off or the position was filled or the company knows someone internally who’s a better fit or [insert other rejection reason here]. There are many unknown variables that are invisible to the job applicant. Often times, job applications submitted via websites are rarely seen, interviews are expedited for people with specific connections to the company or skills relevant to the role, schools/majors/grades weed people out immediately, and offers are only extended if the stars align for the candidate. This is why preparation is critical to success.

Understand that job hunting is ultra competitive. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of people applying for the same position and they’re just as smart and just as qualified– if not more. Often times, students think because they academically excelled at their specific university that they’re competitive against a field of graduates from other universities when they’re actually a big fish in a small pond. This is a mistake. Exercise humility, treat every position and organization with respect, don’t assume you’re a special snowflake overachiever, and always assume that you’re the underdog.

Prepare like hell. There are tons of resources on this blog and everywhere on the internet to help craft compelling resumes, make professional/industry connections, improve interview performance, and give huge advantages to people that seek them out. Be proactive.

2. They don’t leverage their network

Pop quiz. What’s the advantage of going to college if you can learn most of this stuff on the internet? Why are you paying $XX,000 thousands of dollars per year for an education if Google, free visits to the library, and discount books online can relay the same information? Why?

Answer: The main advantages of a formal education from a reputable university are that it establishes external credibility, grants an academic cohort that eventually becomes a professional network, and provides career resources.

Advantages are only advantages if you actually use them.

To leverage a network:

Attend career campus events. Colleges work around the clock to get companies to come on campus and hire their graduates– do not miss these events. Polish your resume, dust off your suit, and come with your best smile to explore opportunities and meet students.

Visit the university career center. There are people employed and paid solely for the purpose of getting you a job. Any company or alum looking to hire a graduate from your school will go through the university career center so staying close to the staff here will get you first pick.

Use the university job board. These are positions usually offered by alums in other companies that are exclusive to your school. This gives you first pick of positions that may or may not be live on other job websites.

Network with alumni. Get a professional mentor, reach out on LinkedIn, volunteer at alumni events. Alums are former students who have been in your exact position so they understand the struggle. Any alum who commits time and energy into attending an alumni event usually has school pride and wants to give back. Engage them.

Join on-campus professional groups. Professional frats, affinity groups, study groups, etc. Shared interests = shared bonds = relationship building.

3. They start too late

I’m going to repeat this over and over until people get it: the most difficult time to get a job is straight out of college when you have little to no relevant work experience that separates you from a sea of candidates. For this reason, do not procrastinate.

Remember that employers want to minimize the risk of hiring the wrong person and maximize the chance of hiring the correct person which is why college graduates have a tougher time entering the job market than experienced professionals who have projects, references, and bodies of work (empirical evidence) to vouch for their abilities. Once a college graduate accumulates years of experience this problem goes away but until then they need to be proactive in searching for opportunities while in school. It’s imperative that students start job hunting, internships, and recruiting activities before they graduate college to avoid missing critical deadlines only available to them as students.

It’s exponentially more difficult to find a job after graduation because all the desirable positions will have already been filled. One of two things tend to happen to people who don’t recruit well during college and who graduate without a job:

They’ll scramble for low-level positions they’re overqualified for that don’t require a college degree, that are lower paying, but more difficult to get because of the larger applicant pool

They’ll apply for positions for experienced professionals that they’re underqualified for because the new grad entry-level positions are already gone but they also have no substantive work experience for these experienced positions

This is a form of professional purgatory where they’re neither here nor there; a college graduate overqualified for menial jobs but also underqualified for entry-level jobs that require 1-2 years of experience. This is not a good position to be in; do not be in this position. Career procrastination and the failure to recruit properly during college will create something called career debt because bad job placement post-graduation will set a career back years especially in pursuit of leadership positions.

To get a head start on job hunting:

Have meaningful internships throughout your college career. Graduating without an internship is not a good look. It basically tells the world that you didn’t do anything outside of the classroom; no exposure to the professional world, no extra effort into researching your career, and no additional parties to vouch for your work. This means that in a crowd of graduating students, nothing differentiates you from the herd. Search online for internships, there are tons of resources for this and most companies will post internships directly on their career pages:

Indeed

Glassdoor

LinkedIn

Apple internships

Amazon internships

Start job hunting 6-9 months before graduation. There are positions aimed specifically for new grads and they’re marked with (wait for it) “NEW GRAD” in the job title. They’re hard to miss. These positions are specifically for college students without any work experience but they have strict deadlines and cut-off dates that shouldn’t be missed. Examples of those are below.

Deloitte New Grad Portal

PwC New Grad

Google Students

Facebook New Grad

JP Morgan New Grad

Kaiser Permanente Early Career