Tips & Tricks for Recent College Grads
So, you graduated in May and are still trying to figure out what you want to be when you grow up. Certainly, every situation is different. However, the number one most common problem for recent grads is that they do not know what to do with their degree. The following tricks and tips are intended to ease the pain of finding a new job…especially in this economy.
- Make smart career choices. Do your homework on the jobs you are considering. Some industries are growing. Others are shrinking. Do online research. Talk with people such as alumni, parents, professors, and your college career office. Use these sources to help you understand as much as possible about your future career.
- Be creative. There are, after all, other ways to search for a job besides the Internet. Even though search engines can help you find jobs in the comfort of your own home, it’s not the only alternative available to you. The number one way to find a job is to get out of your house and network. Talk to as many people as possible – ideally those in your field.
- Do not box yourself into only working for a huge, international company. These large firms receive tons of resumes each day and yours could easily get lost in the maze of paperwork. Consider applying for positions at smaller companies with fewer than 100 employees. This strategy might at least get your foot in the door for an interview.
- Proofread! Resumes with mistakes are absolutely unacceptable – and 99% of the time they end up in the “circular file.”
- Make sure your resume reaches the right person. If possible, avoid sending your resume to a general human resource addresses. Instead, find out the name of the hiring manager and send your resume directly to her.
- Be prepared for that all-important interview. Research the company. Learn as much as you can about the competition. Expect and prepare for all questions. Mind your manners. And, bring extra resumes.
- Be choosy. Even though your main objective is to find a job, you must ultimately choose the position that’s best for you. Carefully weigh your career goals and how the position you’re considering can help you attain them. If you determine that the job will help you gain the experience that you need to move to the top, then go for it.
Above all, be patient. There is a lot of competition out there, and not nearly as many good jobs as there used to be. But with some perseverance and hard work, you’ll eventually land on your feet. Good luck!
Labels: getting noticed, graduation, interview preparation, job search, resume writing tips
Posted by Seymour Jobs on 8/28/2009 09:49:00 AM
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2 Comments:
Excellent suggestion about getting your foot in the door at smaller companies. Though the pay and prestige may not be that of a mega-corporate desk job, working at a smaller, more insular company will allow you to learn the ins and outs of business hands-on, and more responsibilities will be delegated to you due to the limited employee pool. Starting small is a perfect resume-builder, and you may find yourself on a more satisfying career path as a result of your experience in the "little leagues."
Cover all your bases. Don't think that getting your degree is the only thing you need to do to land a job. Be prepared. Make sure your resume is well rounded and gives employers a sense of who you are and the hardworking employee you can be. Research the jobs you are applying for, and above all else be totally prepared when you're going in for the interview. Interviews can be make it or brake it when it comes to landing a job, so make sure to take advantage of the opportunities given and PREPARE, PREPARE, PREPARE.