Advice for Recent College Grads
What to Look for When Applying for a Job After Graduation
Oct 20, 2009
It's important for recent graduates to be patient when looking for a job. It's important to look for the job that right's for the individual.
The Value of Internships
Interning while in college was important. Some companies even decide to hire interns after the internship is over. After graduating, it's hard to take internships because most of them don't pay. Be available to work for free, it makes good connections and it may turned into a full time position.
Don't give up on internships. It's important to stay with the opportunity. Don't feel used and if there's a problem, always bring it up to the immediate boss or intern coordinator. Also, understand what's going on in the internship. If there's money going out the door and it's not going to paying interns, say something.
Make Connections Through Alumni Network
Don't be hesitant to ask alumni group for help. Most groups wouldn't be able to set up a position for recent graduates, but the alumni group offers support in different ways.
Some alumni bases put recent graduates in touch with other graduates in the selected markets. The alumni group also offers events and get togethers for alumnists in a particular market. It is a great way to meet and re-connect with fellow graduates.
Resume Building
Always ask for advice about how to improve on a resume. It's important to get it edited by people that have experience in looking at resumes. If possible, send it to a human resources person that will take a look at it and ask for feedback.
Even take the time to ask potential employers to evaluate the resume because the company will usually send constructive criticism on resume. This also works on cover letters as well. Cover letters offer a better chance to be specific about the areas of expertise when applying for a position.
Interview Tactics
When interviewing for a position, remember to arrive early and prepared with a fresh resume and anything else the potential employer has asked the interviewee to bring. It's also important to bring a list of references to the meeting. Also, it's good to create and compile a portfolio to show to potential employers. This gives advantages because it shows off one's talents and achievements. It also provides a small capsule of the work that the recent graduate has done.
Portfolios represent a portion of all the work done while in college and during the internships. A journalist's portfolio may consist of published works, along with designs that have been published. It's also important to explain every piece of the portfolio so that the interviewer can put down the portfolio, pick it up again and know exactly what he/she is looking at.
Don't feel bad about not having a job in the field right out of college. More college graduates are entering the work force and the employment market hasn't fully rebounded yet. There are jobs out there to be had for recent graduates. Employers are looking for one person that can do a whole lot more than being very good at one task.
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