We all know how tough it is for recent college graduates to find a job in today's market. Aside from the slower market in general, many people just out of college experience difficulty finding a job because of their 'lack of experience.'
This is why it is important when looking for a job to maximize your chances of landing that dream position, or even that job to simply get your 'foot in the door.' Working your way up is a great way to start.
The market is fierce so any advantage is highly beneficial.
Now that it is 'move in season' for colleges nation wide, the issue surrounding college kids finding a job when they graduate is one that's difficult to not think about.
Listed below are 10 things New College Grads Must Do Now To Snag A Job.
Hands On Learning Opportunities
At the end of the day, reading a text book or writing a paper is not what matters most; what matters is experience. Employers would clearly be more inclined to hire someone that has experience rather than someone who can regurgitate information. Internships, volunteering or shadowing are great ways to get the experience needed to give you a leg up on the competition.
Utilize Social Networking Outside of Facebook
Facebook is typically a first though when talking about social networking. Great as it may be, it's not the only way, or even the best way to utilize the net. In present time, employers can easily Google a prospective employee prior to hiring them. Anything that you don't want a potential boss to see or better yet WHAT YOU DO WANT THEM TO SEE, change it! Update your Linkedin (yes you should have one) and either privatize or delete your Faeebook account...What will show up when your name is Googled?
Be More Than Just a Paper Resume
Show your talents to your future employers outside of just your resume. As previously mentioned, any advantage on your competition is great! When it comes down to it, resumes can all tend to look the same. What separates them are all the 'little extras.' Maybe prior to your interview when the person Googled your name they came across a Blog, academic paper or even Pinterest that stood out to them. It added more to your value than simply what is typed on your resume. These 'little extras' can set you apart and make you memorable.
Understand That Summers Are Not To Waste
For some, summers may be for going to the beach or grilling up some food. Of course we all like to have fun and relax during the summer time, be mindful of the fact that it is also a few great months to gain some more experience! Again, getting that advantage. While your competition is at a pool party you can be out getting that boost of experience with some great resume builders!
Expand Your Classes Beyond Just Your Major
Well rounded candidates are desirable to employers. Employers can appreciate an individual that knows a decent amount of knowledge about a few different subjects, at the very least being knowledgeable in various areas can help with conversation! Be daring. Sign up for a different class. Expand your knowledge base.
Test Out Your Field With a Part Time Job
You can't actually know what you want to do unless you try it! So many people get their first experience in their field after they paid an absurd amount of money for four years to obtain that degree. I agree that a degree can be important in today's society but you may want to make sure that it's really what you want to do and try it out before you graduate. You wouldn't buy a car without test driving it first right?
Meet People- Networking Is Key
I cannot stress the importance of networking enough - NET WORKING IS KEY PEOPLE! With such a fiercely competitive market sometimes it really does come down to who you meet. Look into your Alumni community, reach out to professors in your department. Even if they don't know someone that could necessarily help you get a job, it's great way to get advice from people that are already in the career field that you wish you join. Meet people and ask them questions!
Know How To Talk About Yourself
Some people see talking about oneself as a bad thing. Although it can be at times, when searching for a job you have to know how to talk about yourself! Interviewers will ask you what your strengths and weaknesses are, what your coworkers would say about your personality or skill set. Be prepared for this type of questioning. Answer them and answer them well. Be confident (not overly so) and let them know what it is that you want.
Ace An Interview
You only get the one chance so make it count. Prepare for the interview process itself and know your stuff about the company and position in which you are applying for. Employers will know right off the bat if you are one of those people that applied for 20 random positions or if you sought out their company specifically and really want the position. Ace an interview and you will be invited back for a second.
Be Open To New Opportunities
Lastly, as a recent college grad you should really be open to various opportunities. You may think that you know what you want to do for the rest of your life...but you could also be entirely wrong. Some people discover their career path by chance or by taking a chance on a new opportunity. It could turn out to be your dream job, or could simply become a learning experience. Possibilities are endless if you are open to them.
****
http://jobs.aol.com/articles/2012/10/30/10-things-college-kids-must-do-now-to-snag-a-job-post-graduation/
