Top Ten Tips - Finding Your First Post-College Job
By Tip Diva | Apr 29, 2008
Categories: Adult, Behavior, College, Conversation, Employment, Etiquette, Facebook, Goals, Hiring, Interview, Job, Job Search, MySpace, Office, School, Social Networking, Tips, University, Websites, Work, Workplace
You’re finally done with your two or four years of college and are going into life with your diploma in hand. What’s next? For some people, it may be a summer break or backpacking around Europe, but sooner or later, it will be time to search for your first post-college job. Here are ways to make it easier:
- Define Your Career Goals - Know what you’re looking for in a career, such s personal interest, quick growth or a salary that will support your living situation. Write down these goals and keep them in mind when you’re looking for a job.
- Prepare Your Resume - Your resume is the first step towards getting your first job. Include your education, past experience, applicable course work, interests and other information that may be of interest to a potential employer. For more tips, see Top Ten Tips - Creating A Resume.
- Upload Your Resume To Monster And Other Career Websites - Employers are constantly scouring sites for potential employees, so make sure you’re in the pool. Make sure you also post to specific employment websites, such as those for media or teaching jobs.
- Limit Access To Your Social Networking Profile - If you have profiles on websites like MySpace, Facebook or Friendster, limit access to these profiles by making them private. Employers are Googling you - and you don’t want them to find those drunken concert photos. For more tips, see Top Ten Tips - Controlling Your Online Identity.
- Create A Profile On LinkedIn - LinkedIn is the premier business networking site - think of it as a MySpace for professionals. Create a profile, connect to people you know, get recommendations and start networking. You never know who you might meet or may find you.
- Enlist The Help Of Your College’s Career Office - Most colleges have a career office that will help graduates find work, whether temporary or permanent. These offices are well-connected to recruiters and employers, so make use of them.
- Don’t Limit Your Search - Don’t stop at websites like Monster. Search the newspaper, scour Craigslist or ask friends or business contacts if they know of any openings.
- Buy A Business Suit - Preferably, buy more than one, but you at least need one for your interviews. Make sure it’s tailored and dry cleaned. Buy nice, shined shoes and a professional purse or briefcase to carry around.
- Brush Up On Your Interview Skills - Interviews do not have to be intimidating - making sure you’re prepared ahead time makes all of the difference in the world. See Top Ten Tips - Preparing For An Interview for everything you need to know before stepping into a potential boss’ office.
- Network Often - Go to your school’s career fairs, join professional societies and hob-nob with names in your industry. You never know on what path a contact may lead you.
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