Conducting Your First Job Search
College Graduates Need to Know Where to Look and What to Expect
With graduation just around the corner, soon-to-be graduates may be overwhelmed, but the job hunting process isn't so difficult when you know what to expect.
"So, what are you doing after graduation?"
Be prepared to answer that question at least a few dozen times before the end of the semester -- parents, teachers and friends will all want to know where you plan on using your new degree.
Although the job hunting process can be a bit overwhelming, with the right tools, expectations and resources, you'll be more than prepared to join the workforce at the end of the semester and answer any inquires from concerned parties with ease.
Available Resources
Take advantage of the many resources at your fingertips.
Since you’re still in school, talk to professors, advisers and career centers to see if they can help you perfect your cover letter, point you toward any job leads, or put your resume in the hands of a potential employer -- remember, sometimes it’s all who you know.
Look at newspapers in areas where you are willing to work. Some employers only have the time and resources to advertise locally.
Sometimes it works best to put the cart before the horse and pick your preferred location before your preferred position -- if your heart is set on working in Washington, then pick up a copy of The Post and see what’s there.
Attend job fairs. Many employers recruit at colleges and are looking for fresh, energetic faces to fill entry-level positions. So dust off your best suit, print out a couple of dozen resumes, and see what your college fair has to offer.
Also, do research on the Web. In addition to sites like Monster.com and Careerbuilder.com, look for sites that cater to your specific field -- these can be sites like Journalismjobs.com or Engineeringjobs.com. Don’t completely rule out sites like Craigslist.com. Though less conventional, you never know what you may stumble upon.
What To Expect
Just because you send an employer a resume, it doesn’t mean that you’re going to land an interview. Depending on the size of the company, an employer can get hundreds of applicants for any given position.
Know how to make your resume stand out. Make sure it is clear, concise and user-friendly. Make sure that your cover letter is unique, upbeat, focuses on your strengths (think volunteer work, part-time jobs) and minimizes your weaknesses (lack of professional experience, a not-so-perfect GPA).
Don’t forget about your resume once you drop it off at the post office or click send. Make sure that you follow up with potential employers to encourage the possibility of a face-to-face meeting. How else can they really get to know the real you?
And don’t expect employers to foot the bill for travel and all-expense paid hotel stays during your interviews unless you’re in a competitive field and you’re a hot commodity. Expect to be taking plenty of mini road trips in the upcoming weeks. You need to show potential employers that you’re willing to take a risk by coming to them so that they may be willing to take a risk by making you an offer.
Be Realistic
Don’t expect too little of an employer. In today’s tough job markets, it’s easy to take the first job that you’re offered, but make sure that you aren’t setting your sights too low.
Know what you need to make to survive -- note the word survive … this might mean forgoing cable TV or a new car for a bit.
Also know your expectations -- you might not instantly be given a major advertising account or you may have to do some dirty work for awhile, but making coffee and copies shouldn’t be your only job responsibilities.
Be also willing to keep looking if you can’t find what you want right away, after all, “good things come to those who wait.”
