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Transitioning from college life to the work world can be a daunting task.
Having an approaching graduation with a lack of job prospects can make even the
coolest person hyperventilate. Though finding a job isn't always easy, it's
certainly not impossible. In fact, job seekers can greatly increase their
chances of finding the right job by using the right job search techniques.
Unfortunately, many students don't learn those techniques because they don't
take advantage of a great resource that is right there on their college
campuses. Career Services departments help students to enter the work world by
providing connections with prospective employers and teaching students and
recent graduates job search strategies that work. They can offer a wealth of
knowledge on everything from preparing a winning resume to dressing to impress
on the interview.
You are in Control!
* In considering all of the factors
that are important to employers as they recruit students in colleges and
universities nationwide, college major, grade point average, and work-related
experience usually rise to the top of the list. Granted, the importance of
these three factors should not be underestimated and are critically important
in the selection of candidates for interviews. However, once an interview
schedule is developed and the day of the interview arrives, there are several
factors that are totally within your control that will make the difference in
who gets invited for second interviews, and ultimately, who receives the job
offers.
As employers conclude a day of
interviews in the on-campus recruitment program at Louisiana State University,
they are asked to complete an evaluation of Career Services and of the students
they interviewed. One of the questions on the evaluation is "What are the top
three things you look for in a candidate (for example, grades experience,
etc.)?" Repeatedly, the most popular factors include the following:
"motivation", "attitude", "enthusiasm", "energy", "commitment", "eagerness to
learn", "excitement", "ambition", "confidence" and others along these lines.
Think about it! You've already
impressed the employer with your resume or you wouldn't have been invited to
the interview. In preparing for the interview, of course you'll thoroughly
research the organization and create a great first impression by being well
groomed and professionally dressed. But once the door closes and the interview
begins, remember that you hold the power to determine your ultimate success.
Realize that you are in control and express yourself so that your enthusiasm,
energy, confidence, etc. are evident to the recruiter. Then sit back and watch
what happens!
* The best way to compete
for jobs is to out-smart the employer and competitors. You must market yourself
in a way that seems appealing to a possible employer. How would you do this you
ask?
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Visit a Company you would not work for and sit through the interview. This is
your first line of experience and it helps rid you of the nervousness you may
have. From here on job searching will be easier. You will find people to be
very warm and friendly.
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Know what Company is best for you. You should try to find those that will fit
your qualifications/educational background. Remember, companies don't waste
time on those who are not qualified.
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Have a resume and Keep it Short and Simple (KISS). Use it like it's a flyer
that you would send to employers. Remember a job application asks for ordinary
information such as education, work experience, and references. You are an
"extraordinary person," you have skills, abilities, and accomplishments. Put
them on your resume.
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Employers look at a typical resume for 10-15 seconds. If the resume is too
long, too wordy, too cluttered, or disorganized – it is disposed of. Typically,
a resume is one page long, organized, clean, and easy to look at. This
generally tells the employer that a person is qualified and can deliver
results.
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Look in your local job centers, local newspapers, online career sites,
placement offices of your college, employment agencies, and most of all network
with your family and friends. As a major tip, get your resume in before the
Company advertises.
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Always follow-up with a phone call after you turn in your resume. This shows
the Company that you have an interest in them. In turn they may have an
interest in you and request an interview.
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You already made it ½ through with selling yourself on paper. Now its time to
sell yourself by your looks and knowledge. Executive business attire is
recommended, proper manners, and no attitude.
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When you fill out your job application, only use a basic black ballpoint pen.
Print legibly and do not ever put "see resume" on your application. It shows
you are lazy.
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Ace your interview by asking questions, taking notes, being prepared, and
selling yourself.
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You should always send a thank you letter after an interview. Again, it shows
an interest in the employer.
With this advice you should be well on
your way to starting your career.
For many students and recent graduates
the job market can be frightening because it is un-chartered territory.
However, with the right advice you can go from being nervous to confident,
apprehensive to self-assured, and a college student to a member of the
workforce!
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