JOB
TIPS FOR THE GRADUATES OF
THE
CLASS OF 2007
Last month I wrote to parents who may
have been inclined to help a little too much with their young adult’s job search.
This month, I write to those young adults who may be expecting a
little more help from parents than they should.
If
you are graduating from college in the spring and have not already started
looking for a job when this issue of Point of View hits the stand,
you’re arriving very late in the game.
By now, employers who have formal, structured entry-level opportunities
(i.e., training programs) have extended most or all of the job offers they plan
to extend to students in the Class of 2007.
You
have no time to cry over spilled milk!
Here’s what you need to do IMMEDIATELY!
1. Figure
out what you want to do! This is a critical step that students sometimes forget. Knowing the type of work you want to do is
going to drive your job search strategy.
Knowing what you want to do and being able to articulate it – quickly
and clearly – will also prepare you for
interviews. Try the Princeton Review
Career Quiz - http://www.princetonreview.com/cte/quiz/default.asp?menuID=0&careers=6
2. Create
a resume – or two. Your
resume is your first opportunity to make a good impression. Or not.
Within the first 2 or 3 seconds of review, I know whether I want to
spend any more time reviewing a resume.
If it’s poorly formatted, I won’t take the time! Jobstar Central offers good tips and
samples. http://jobstar.org/tools/resume/index.php
3. Start
looking. Since
you’ve gotten a late start, you need to quickly explore every job search
opportunity you can find. This is one
of those times when it’s important to call on assistance from friends and
family. Let everyone (literally) know
that you’re looking for a job and ask for referrals. As soon as you have names and numbers, start making calls! You should also consider searching online,
but don’t let the Internet be your only search tool. Get started at College Grad.com- http://www.collegegrad.com/.
4. Write
a winning cover letter. Always
write a cover letter to accompany your resume when applying for jobs. In two or three well-written paragraphs,
your cover letter should help you express your interest in the job and company,
highlight your relevant skills and experiences and set out a plan for
follow-up. Jobstar Central has some
very good tips and sample cover letters.
5. Interview,
interview, interview.
Interview with everyone you can for every opportunity that comes your
way, even if the job isn’t exactly what you’re looking for. Even if you don’t get or want the job your
interviewing for, a good interview can open the door for other
opportunities. Plus, with interviewing,
practice makes perfect. Visit your
career services office on campus to explore opportunities to do “mock interviews.” Before you attend your interview, even if
it’s just informational, be sure to learn as much as possible about the company
and be able to explain why you would be a good asset to them. How do your skills and experiences make you
the best person for the job?
6. Follow-up. Always collect
business cards during your interviews so that you can send thank you letters to
everyone you’ve met. You should send a
brief letter or email thanking the interviewer for his or her time, reiterate
your interest in the company and the job, and why you’re the one to hire!
For
those of you who have a year or two before graduation, you should be looking
for an internship. NOW IS THE
TIME! You can apply the same advice and
use the same resources.
Jump in feet first and remember – the best way to predict the future is to create it!