College graduations are coming up or have already taken place at many schools. If you are still in school, now is the time to maximize the resources available and start exploring your career options before you graduate.
Career centers are set up to help students get started in their job search. In order to get the most out of your career center, talk with a trained professional. A career coaching appointment will help you fine tune strategies and pinpoint specific contacts and employers to pursue. They can also help you with your resume and cover letter.
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Conduct an analysis of yourself to determine what your strengths are and how best to use them to attract employers. You will also learn what skills are lacking and can start right away at finding a way to develop those skills.
Target employers with a plan in place. Think about what kind of jobs you are interested in doing and also qualified for and then search for those jobs across an array of industries. Sticking to a specific industry won’t produce enough positions to go after and casting your net too large will leave you applying to jobs you clearly are not qualified for.
Use other sources to find jobs besides just job boards. The hidden job market contains many opportunities that may be just right for you, so start connecting with alumni, following companies on social media sites, browsing a company’s career page, networking, and using other sources to learn about jobs not necessarily shared.
This is where the importance of a network comes in. Have an elevator pitch already rehearsed and your LinkedIn profile updated and outstanding. Reach out for information on possible employers hiring or tips on what employers are looking for so you know how to pitch yourself better.
- See Be Proactive in Business and in Your Job Search for more information.
Be sincere and knowledgeable about any organization you apply to. Employers want qualified graduates, but they also want graduates that are passionate about their company. Know what current topics the company is handling to give yourself an edge.
- See Interviewing Tips: The Five Musts of Interviewing for more information.
Keep your social media presence professional. You can keep certain aspects of your profile private, but it is best to not put anything online that you don’t want potential employers to see. Ask your friends to keep what they tag you in professional as well. No company wants to spend the time and money to hire someone that may be a risk.
- See Protect Your Reputation at All Costs for more information.
For more career advice for college students, read the following article: Four Goals for Summer Employment.
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