If someone graduates from a police academy does that guarantee them a job--right away? Or do they have to try their luck?

Watch the movie.

It depends, if you do a basic police academy it doesn't. Like if you did one out of a college. There are departments that will sponcer you and as long as you pass the academy and the state exam you're pretty much guaranteed a job. They might not start you on the street r igjt away bit you can still be employed with the department

If it's a department's academy yes if it's an academy you paid for then no

no they still have to get hired

Trainees get hired before they go to an academy.

If you are in a state that allows for you to self sponsor to an academy you are only certified, if you pass the state test, to be a peace officer if legitimate department hires you.

No idea what the current situation is but when I was down in Texas 8 years ago there were at least 1000 certified who could not find a job. If they did not get hired within 2 years they had to repeat acadamy and retake the state test.

Idk

Even after graduating from the academy, potential officers have to apply to precincts to become an officer