About Career Blog

Research, Rinse, Repeat

As college graduates head into the working world, they should definitely research where they are going. One of the most embarassing things you can do as a potential employee is to say something like, "I am really impressed with the new endeavors the company is taking on," and then be unable to explain yourself.

In addition to the company's current work, be sure to research their history as well. By being knowledgeable about how it was started and what its founding principles were, you will also be able to relate your own values to their organization.

Taking simple steps like these and the ones Seymour and Brian mentioned can help put yourself above your competitors for these positions. Keeping an open mind, while balancing your own needs and priorities for your job can certainly aid in landing your perfect job.

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Posted by Amanda on 9/03/2009 11:04:00 PM
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When the End Is In Sight

My last semester of college began this past Monday and I have to say-- I am thrilled. While I have loved pretty much all of my time at university, I am very excited to close this chapter and begin a new one filled with career options and a steady paycheck.

There are millions of other soon-to-be-graduates having their "last first day of school" and it is my hope that they too are happy to see the light at the end of the tunnel. Yes, the economy is not at its best. I agree, the job market is not as hopeful as one would like. But the simple prospect of having a fresh start after graduation should be enticing to all.

In preparation for an impending graduation, be sure to spruce up your resume and start the job hunt EARLY. Do not wait until the week before your commencement to start searching for your next employer. Those millions I mentioned before? They'll all be looking around the same time too. Take advantage of the start of your last semester when your workload will likely be lighter to go on interviews.

Finally, it is very important that you make sure that you follow your school's guidelines for graduation. At my school, for example, you must register for graduation, then the commencement ceremony once you have been approved. Failure to do so not only results in you missing the actual ceremony, but you also will not have a diploma sent to you.

Taking these few steps into account as you finish up your higher education will not only make you a happy graduate, but a successful one as well! Congratulations Class of 2009-2010!

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Posted by Amanda on 8/27/2009 08:14:00 PM
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Should You Consider Taking a Gap Year?

You’ve just graduated from college and you’re thinking about taking a well-deserved break in the action before embarking on your new career. Besides, the current job market pretty much stinks. If this sounds like you, consider doing something meaningful as you explore your alternatives.

A “gap year” represents a prolonged period of time between two stages of life. Taking this time off is commonplace in Europe and Australia where young adults often take a break after high school or college. Graduates are encouraged to use this period to take on meaningful experiences for personal development and exploration before moving on to the next stage of life.

But, is becoming a “gapper” a smart move for you – especially given the current state of the economy? Naturally, it depends. Consider the pros and cons of taking a break.

Pros:

  • You can take this time to save money for grad school, an apartment, or a car.
  • If you’re tired of school, you may not do well in a grad school program without taking a break first – which could save you money in the long run.
  • You can use this time to explore careers alternatives, perhaps by interning.
  • Traveling across the country or abroad will allow you to explore geographical options and other cultures.
  • You can use this time to “give back” to your community by volunteering.

Cons:

  • After taking some time off, you may never want to further your education.
  • You could lose contact with those ever-important networking contacts you’ve accumulated while in school – such as professors and professional mentors.

Many educators believe that the increased focus, maturity and motivation gappers obtain are worth the break in the “job search” action. And, given that good jobs are few and far between right now, it might be a good time to escape from the pressure that has left many recent college grads burned out – the pressure of finding a good job in a bad recession. So if you’re inclined, take some time. This gap in your resume could work to your advantage. Good luck!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 7/16/2009 10:57:00 AM
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Standing Out from the Crowd

I've always been good at standing out from the crowd whether it was my numerous tattoos or artfully colored hair. However, as I proceed knee-deep into this journey of post-grad job searching, I'm curious... How do you stand out from the hundreds (if not, thousands) of other job searching folks? Better yet, how do you do it tactfully?

MSN Careers writer and author of "They Don't Teach Corporate in College," Alexandra Levit, offers 5 Ways for '09 Grads to Stand Out in the Job Market.

1. Hunt down the unadvertised jobs
2. Make your résumé pop
3. Customize all communication
4. Have a professional online persona
5. Do pre-interview intelligence

Seemingly reasonable... I started with #1. and did what I know best... research! I started with College Grad's recently announced 2009 Top Entry Level Employers list that includes companies of all sizes and industries and its projected number of entry level hires. Then, I cross analyzed the list with who was on Twitter.

Following these companies on Twitter has given me the inside scoop on who's hiring as well as allowing for me to initiate a relationship without having to wait for someone to get back to me. Knowing that these companies are receptive to hiring entry level workers and having a leg-up with real time communication is giving me the "stand-out-ability" that I've been searching for... minus the pink hair!

What are you doing to stand out?

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Posted by Melissa on 5/13/2009 11:45:00 AM
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This Is the True Story...

As graduation looms and seniors send off resumes and attend interviews, one thing is certain: life after college is uncertain and a bit scary. There are plenty of ways to combat that fear and prepare yourself for "the real world."

Although you may have had a part-time job and juggled other activities while taking classes, many students will find that the balance of a career and social life is much easier to maintain. Because they have already mastered the art of time management and scheduling, they have no problem acclimating to a 9-5 workweek and using outside time to relax or enjoy their hobbies.

The biggest shift for many is becoming completely independent from their parents and college lifestyle. While the hours may be earlier, many will find that their 40-or-so-hour workweek is much more lenient than the crazy noon-4 a.m. schedule they previously enjoyed.

Seniors should just remember that everything leading up to graduation can prepare them for life afterward, if utilized correctly. College is a time for learning and growing, both in and out of the classroom.

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Posted by Amanda on 4/10/2009 02:15:00 AM
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Collect Diploma, Next Step: Paycheck

Applying for your first post-graduation job can be an exciting and intense time. You may seek out multiple positions in a variety of fields, or prioritize one main job and look for the right company fit.

Some things to keep in mind as you go out into the applicant pool include maintaining a positive attitude, allowing your skills to shine both in person and on your resume and consider the old adage: if at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

There's nothing wrong with not getting a follow-up interview on your first try. Many graduates lack experience with interviewing for full-time positions and struggle to stand out the first time around. Just keep at it and know that you will end up at a company not only that you work for, but that works for you!

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Posted by Amanda on 3/26/2009 11:08:00 PM
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Stand Out From the Crowd!

In today's competitive job market, it is vital to your success as an applicant to stand out in some way from the hundreds, or thousands of other people seeking employment. One lesson I've learned through various job hunts is to tailor your resume and cover letter to the position and company you are applying.

Each job may offer myriad options for the style in which you will work. For example, one may be analytical, the other creative. One could be hands-on, while another is strictly science. As you are writing your cover letter and resume, keep these things in mind. You can highlight your strengths in the areas that they need strong candidates.

The key to success in any job hunt is to keep an open mind and positive attitude. If you don't wow prospective employers on paper, you may not land that elusive interview. So learn from past attempts and really show them that it's your time to shine!

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Posted by Amanda on 2/26/2009 03:50:00 PM
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Job Fairs: How to Stand Out From the Crowd

Job fairs are critical venues to finding your first job. They are a great way to practice your interview skills and professional presence. But job fairs can make you feel like a small fish in a very big pool of applicants. So how do you stand out from the crowd and impress potential employers?

It’s important to make sure you do your homework. Find out ahead of time which companies are going to be at the event and then map out which ones you are most interested working for. Conduct research through traditional (corporate web sites and news articles) and non-traditional (blogs, social networking) outlets to gain a well-rounded understanding of the company.

Limit the number and be specific about the companies you intend on visiting at the career fair. Interviews can be exhausting and too many during one day can diminish your alertness and keep you from being a good interview. So don’t overload yourself with so many appointments you can’t perform at your best, or even forget which companies you interviewed with.

It might also be tempting to go to a career fair with a friend to feel more comfortable, but I would recommend going alone. Not only will you be more focused on the task of finding a career, but it will show that you are independent and serious about starting your career.

As always, be professional by dressing corporate and bringing copies of your resume and any work examples that may be valid to share with potential employers. Following the event, don’t forget to get the names or business cards of those you met with and send a thank you note.

Be confident and good luck!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 1/16/2009 10:24:00 AM
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Failure to Launch: When Your Internship Doesn’t Turn Into a Job Offer…


Many times, internships can be used as a route to full-time employment, but what do you do when your internship ends and a job offer does not present itself?
Rest assured that although internships are great resume boosters and can provide access to new networking opportunities, they are not your only option. Temping offers a paid alternative to internships, while still allowing for you to get the work experience and networking opportunities needed to make a smooth transition into the workforce. Temping also enables you to meet people in your desired industry, to understand the internal workings of a company and to become accustomed to the terminology that is commonly used. The employees you meet can give you advice on what future employers may be looking for, lead you to future job offers, and may even be able to write you a letter of recommendation. It is always a good idea to network and both temping and internships are an excellent way to accomplish this.

With internships it is essential to work hard and make the most out of every opportunity you are given. Show up early and stay late—do whatever your company needs and wants. Basically, go above and beyond. The knowledge that practical work experience brings is not something that can be learned in the classroom, it is knowledge that can only be gained through working in your field. To many employers, education and experience do not go hand-in-hand. So, if you just graduated and have little experience working in your field, temping and interning are ways for you to gain the experience that your future employer desires.

The first hand experience and knowledge that entry-level positions yield can put you one step ahead of your competition. It enables you to go into any interview with confidence because you already know what is expected. You may even be able to offer examples of how you have completed similar tasks in the past or offer fresh alternatives for completing the same tasks.
Remember, there is no such thing as a wasted experience. If your internship does not turn into a full-time job offer, then it has still given you invaluable knowledge, experience and networking opportunities that will help you tremendously when transitioning into the workforce. Also, remember that internships are not your sole option. Temp jobs can be just as helpful, and even if your first temp job doesn’t turn into a full-time employment opportunity, you can keep working with a temp agency to help place you in your next position.
Looking for a temp agency? Check out a Spherion local office near you!

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Posted by Seymour Jobs on 1/09/2009 03:59:00 PM
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We Want You As a New Recruit!

Recruiters are resources that often times do not get the appreciation or attention they deserve. These people work hard to find positions for prospective employees and serve as an excellent go-between for the company and job applicants.

Though I personally have never used the services of a recruiter, I know that as my college graduation date looms, I will be ready and willing to work with one. Not only will job hunting become less stressful, but I will also be able to focus my talents and skills into the most productive way possible... two heads are better than one, indeed and having a recruiter go to bat for me at a company will surely be of great help.

More than anything, I look forward to the advice and knowledge that a recruiter will pass on to me. Their insider information and wisdom will serve as an invaluable tool, should I land an interview with a particular company. Knowing that I can have the power of a recruiter on my side will certainly make graduation a little less scary!

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Posted by Amanda on 12/25/2008 05:43:00 PM
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Smart Spending, Smart Employee

    One way to gauge your career aptitude (aside from what Seymour said and those ridiculous tests they used to administer in high schools) is to consider your personal spending and savings patterns. When payday (or a parental disbursement) rolls around, how do you allocate your money? Are you a saver or a squanderer? In my personal experience, those who save tend to be those who can adhere to schedules, effectively compromise, multitask, and possess all manner of other business skills that employers value. This isn't to say that a tendency to blow your cash will blow your chances of successfully holding down a career - just look at the entertainment industry if you need proof of this. However, sensible money management is an important skill to learn, as it not only keeps you out of financial hot water (duh) but, once mastered, facilitates the learning of other key life skills. It's often extremely difficult to properly balance spending and savings, so once you develop this ability, everything else is a breeze. If you can't seem to get your act together, stick to a budget for a few weeks and then evaluate your employability as per Seymour's criteria. You should be pleasantly surprised. 

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Posted by Brian on 11/19/2008 01:13:00 AM
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