It's June and that time of the year again, when new graduates receive their diplomas and launch themselves into a career search. Many new graduates, who didn't begin preparing for their job search while still in school, are now asking the question, ''I've graduated�now what?''

The students, who took advantage of their college career centers, probably received counseling and valuable career tools to get their job search started. A college career center is a great place to learn about career fairs, internships and job opportunities. It is estimated that 60% of interns are asked to stay on permanently after graduation, so it is worth looking into. Plus, internships give students an opportunity to see and feel what work in their chosen profession will be like. Internships also become an impressive reference after graduation.

• Students that chose not to take advantage of early preparation can still get ahead by taking time now to prepare before launching their job search. They first need to decide on the direction they will focus their career search in. Many students are unsure even after graduation. Making a list of potential industries and positions and conducting a preliminary research is a good way to find out where their interests lie.
  
  
• If very unclear in their focus, I suggest hiring a career coach. Career coaches are very effective and have wonderful tools and exercises that allow graduates to realize their strengths and weaknesses and what they like and don’t like. Tools such as Behavioral Assessments, and Job Search Plans help graduates and all job seekers move forward and get organized in their search.
  
  
• The next step is to update or in some cases build for the first time your targeted career tools. If you are not very confident about writing powerful and specific resumes, cover letters, thank you letters, reference sheets and other career documents it may be worth your time and energy to seek out a certified resume writer. They will have a wealth of information not only on writing your documents but job search strategies as well. They will also keep you informed about various interviews.
  
  
• Digging deeper into researching companies, industries, and even specific managers, gives you a better feel of the work environment, and the company expectations. You will also get to know what your daily job will entail. Check out local industry, newspapers, and magazines. Develop contacts that can provide information and insight. Look at the competition as a valuable source of information to help you in narrowing your decision.
  
  
• Expanding your contacts and developing a network that you can rely on may be your most critical move in finding a job. Utilize both professional and social networking forums to expand your contacts. Look up old friends, alumni and employers; join organizations and associations and get connected! Make use of online networks too, such as LinkedIn and Face Book. Use local groups such as your Chamber association to make connections in the right places.
  

If you are fresh out of college the job market can be an exciting, and competitive arena. It offers great promise and opportunity for those who take the time to prepare for the launch of their career. Find the right job the first time and you have done a congratulatory job.

In an effort to further assist you in gaining vital information that will support you throughout your career; I invite you to check-out my website and blog. There you’ll find more great articles, free resume critiques and access to in-depth career building information. Visit me, Kris Plantrich – Your Career Management Authority and owner of ResumeWonders Writing and Career Coaching Services at http://www.resumewonders.com.

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