As the end of the semester approaches, my senioritis kicked in a long time ago and my anxiety levels are at an all-time high. Yes, I’m graduating, this is actually happening ladies and gentlemen. So, What is life after graduation? There are definitely some pros about this next step in my life, like not stressing out about getting the perfect school schedule. There are also some unknowns, that I’m sure I’m not the only one that has thought about them, like do I have to move out the week after I graduate?
The holidays just started, my family and friends have not wasted time in asking me the infamous “Have you found a job yet?” question. As a soon to-be college graduate, I wish I had the answer to this question. Unfortunately, I don’t. What I do know, is that thanks to one of my interviewing principles course, I’ve learned many skills to improve my resume and my interviewing skills.
We know that landing your first entry-level job is not an easy task. I’m adding job searching to my resume because this is definitely a job of its own. It can take you many hours, a lot of perseverance, discipline, and you need to have the confidence to get your foot in the door. I know that I’ve been feeling a little overwhelmed with this whole job search ordeal. I’ve been doing my research and found some important pointers from people who have been in this same position.
1. Put on your detective suit.
We know that landing an interview is the best feeling ever, especially after all those hours of searching. Your hard work should stop here. DO NOT, go into that interview without having done some research. I repeat DO NOT! Make sure that you have been taking notes and doing research on the company, learn all the ins and outs. Also on the interviewer, some people tend to forget to look up the interviewer that you’ll be meeting. This information could be learned if you look
look at the company’s website. Also, you can try and research their clients and even check their social media outlets.
2. Don't think your online presence doesn't matter.
In the era of technology and social media platforms, this is the time you need to have a positive online presence. Your online profile matters, and it matters more than you know. Right now your social media is meant for friends and family, once you start applying for a job, it becomes part of who you are and how employers are going to see you. Social media and how you portray yourself says a lot about who you are. You don’t want to give the wrong impression of who you are to your future employers.
Your future employers will definitely look you up online, probably before they interview you. LinkedIn is a great place to have a professional online presence. You can also make a blog or site with all your information. Share the work you’ve done at school, extracurricular activities and even in your internships. Share your resume, have it in a downloadable form so employers can save it.
3. Finding a job is a job of its own
Williams puts it simply: "Hustle. Finding a job is a full-time job. If someone were to ask you, 'What did you do to find a job this week?' you should have a long answer that includes time sending résumés/cover letters, networking events, cold calls, informational interviews, research, and time crafting your portfolio/interview materials."
It's not always easy, but your hard work will eventually pay off, and you'll definitely thank yourself later for putting in all those hours that led to your success.
4. It’s not all about you
The main purpose of your resumer is to highlight your personal experience. When employers review your resume, theyre actually thinking about the company and how you’re going to benefit the company. In your cover letter you need to show off your skills and how they are going to help the future employer. In class we learned that you should always make sure to tweak your cover letter depending on the company that you’re applying to. You want to use words and skills that the employer is looking for. Obviously, don’t lie. I read online a little trick, and it says that you can try and mention something that you love or admire about that specific company. You can also try and mention how one of your skills can be a good asset to that.
5. Keep your values in mind
When job searching, you know that you need to start somewhere, this doesn’t mean that you need to settle for any company. You want to work somewhere where you’re passionate and where the company somewhat fits your most important values. When finding your first entry level job, you have no time to be choosy. What you can do is keep in mind your values and where you would want work, what environment, etc.
6. You live and you learn
I just started my job search and although I know it’s going to be a long road, there’s always something to learn. Every interview you bomb, will prepare you and make you better for the next one. You’ll learn the what not to dos. I always see new experiences as a learning experience that I can use in the future. Job searching will definitely benefit you in the long run, it help you grow as a person and in your career.
