Job hunting for the recent or soon-to-be college grad can seem
formidable. Most students know about crafting superb resumes and cover letters
and often take workshops at their colleges to make these even better. The problem
is, however, that many students don’t even know where to begin or where to even
look for that entry-level position they want. The good news is that even in
this less-than-stellar economy, students are not left up-creek without a
paddle. There are definitive ways to increase your chances of landing that job
after graduation.
1. Have Ambition
No, you don’t have to aspire to become the new Steve Jobs. You just need
a vision for yourself before you set out on your journey. It’s also perfectly
normal to not be sure what you want to do. There are many people in their 40s
who change careers or still haven’t decided just yet what they want to be when
they grow up. An ambition can be that you want to find an entry-level position
that can leave you enough money to live on. If you want something directly
related to your major, then set out on acquiring internships in those areas to
increase your marketability. It’s also prudent to find a professional mentor
who can give you sound career advice. The basic idea is to set a vision for
yourself and go after it.
2. Your Major is Relevant
Humanities majors unite! If your major was anything other than
basket-weaving, your major can help you to build a successful career. For
example, if you were a theatre major, your oratory or performance skills could
help you be an effective teacher. It could also help you to nail that interview
or to knock out an effective meeting that leaves everyone raving. People skills
are always important. Or let’s say you were a history major. The ability to
write effectively, to conduct meaningful research, and to give critical
analysis is valuable in marketing, news organizations, and many other
industries. The bottom line is that whatever you learned in college can help
you in your professional career. Don’t knock your French major to anyone,
especially to the person who is interviewing you. Explain to your interviewer
how the skills you learned in college can be applied to the job opening at
hand.
3. Internships are Your One Foot in the Door
Don’t underestimate the importance of college internships. They can
often lead to job opportunities that you didn’t even imagine. If you were a
good intern before graduation and you come back for employment, they just might
hire you for the job. Even if you aren’t hired at the company you interned at,
it still serves as valuable job experience. It is certainly more impressive on
a resume than that gig you had in high school flipping burgers. Go to your
college career development center and see what internships they have or what
alumnae connections they have.
4. Networking is Key
As Chris Rock once said to his audience, “80% of people in here got a
job because a friend recommended them.” That is still absolutely true today. I
got my current job because of the strong network I had. Not sure if you have an
adequate network? Build one! The way to do that is to always be kind and
courteous to everyone, even if they aren’t your best buddies. Also, try to go
to career fairs sponsored by your college to meet representatives from
different companies. See if your college has an alumnae database of former
students who are connected in certain companies or industries that you are
interested in. Just telling a person that you went to their college can
sometimes make them want to help you. Why? College often makes people feel all
warm and fuzzy inside.
5. Every Meeting is Important
Going to job interviews is very important, even if you’re not that
interested in the open position. Show up looking crisp, clean, wide-eyed, and
bushy-tailed. You never know who your interviewer knows. Prepare for each job
interview or meeting with a professional by reading about them or their company
and by having important and relevant questions to ask. This shows that you have
initiative and drive, which are both important traits for any career
field.
6. Old School Social Graces are Still Classy
Remember how your mom always made you write thank-you cards after your
birthday to the relatives who sent you presents? That is still good habit to
keep up as an adult. Always send a hard-copy thank-you note to your interviewer
or to any professional you hold a meeting with. It shows that you have manners
and are grateful for their time. Maybe if they don’t hire you, they will keep
you in mind for a later position or they can refer you to someone else they
know who is hiring.
7. Censor Your Facebook Profile
If you have any compromising pictures or wall posts of any kind, REMOVE
THEM PRONTO. If you have friends that leave you messages on your wall about
getting wasted, partying, etc., delete them. You don’t want a prospective boss
reading about all the blunts you smoked at the party or how trashed you were.
Keep it professional, even on your Facebook page. You never know who’s looking.
8. Use Social Networking Sites
More job recruiters are taking advantage of Facebook and LinkedIn
to find potential employees. Learn where your friends are working or whatever
connections they might have. This can be hard right out of college but it
becomes easier once more people get hired over time. Create a snazzy profile on
both websites that markets yourself for whatever career you are interested in.
LinkedIn’s Events application allows users to peruse events highlighted by the
professionals in their network. It also includes information about conferences,
speaking gigs, or programs that people are attending. Both sites offer the
opportunity to engage with people in a way that increases your professional
network.
9. Find a Hobby and Meet People
You may be a mighty World of Warcraft player but that will never give
you the edge of actually meeting real human beings and engaging with them. If
you have musical talents, try to put together a band and organize shows in your
community. If art is your passion, try volunteering at a local gallery so that
you can make inroads with the local artistic community. If you love the
outdoors, try and find an outdoorsy group that goes on weekend outings. Or if
you’re sporty, try to join a recreational adult sports league. The point is to
try to meet new people, which isn’t always easy after you finish college. These
people may know all sorts of people who could be looking for someone with your
skills and talents. It certainly doesn’t hurt your odds of finding a good
job.
10. Create Your Own Online Brand
Last but not least, build up your own brand. Sell yourself to potential
employers out there before they even know you. YouTube personalities like Ray
William Johnson and Jenna Marbles are famous because they successfully built
their reputations as entertainers based on their original show ideas. Namely,
Ray William Johnson created a popular show called “=3” that showcases three of
the most popular viral internet videos twice a week. And Jenna Marbles
discusses her observations on life as an attractive twenty-something woman. You
don’t even have to become internet famous. A good place to start would be to
create your own website. It can showcase your ideas, accomplishments, or
creative output. You could also start a blog about a topic that is of interest
to you that might attract potential employers. Therefore, don’t create a blog
about your love of Beanie Babies! Try to make it about a topic that interests
you and might be interesting to kindred connoisseurs. For example, if you’re
interested in film making, make it about that. What does this have to do with
employers, you ask? If they Google your name and your interesting website or
blog comes up, it can show you have initiative and/or talent.
These are all just some preliminary ideas and suggestions to help you to
get a job after college. Remember that many people have to try for years before
they get that dream job or even an adequate one. Don’t despair and keep up the
good fight! If you’ve got education and ambition on your side, you’re sure to
make it eventually. It just may not be right after graduation.
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