Finding a job may be the toughest job you’ll ever have. The failure rate is quite high. You will hear many “no’s” before you get a “yes”. Looking for your first professional job can be daunting.
If you’re a recent graduate and still looking for a job, you might not be taking advantage of all the available opportunities and resources. One small change in your approach could allow you to move out of your parent’s home.
Take advantage of these job-search tips:
1. Make the most of your university’s services.
It’s important to your school that you find a great job. All colleges and universities advertise their placement rates. Smart high school students look at job placement figures when choosing a school.
Just because you’re out of school doesn’t mean you can’t still avail yourself of your school’s career services department.
2. Spend the necessary time and money to create an effective resume.
While there are many instructional resources dedicated to constructing an effective resume, many graduates still struggle to put their best foot forward. If you’re unable to create an impressive resume on your own, get help. Considering paying for a professionally written resume if necessary.
3. Create a profile on LinkedIn.
LinkedIn is a powerful networking tool. This website is constantly searched by recruiters. Networking activities on LinkedIn fill many of the available jobs. Many of these jobs never even appear in public.
4. Do a little housekeeping on your social media accounts.
The photo of you drinking beer while standing on your head might bring a smile to your face, but it won’t bring any job offers. You’re an adult now. Many professionals avoid making social media accounts.
Consider closing your accounts. If you choose to keep them, consider what you’re willing to show the public. Keep in mind that many potential employers are insisting on seeing your social media accounts from the inside. These requests have held up in court.
5. Practice your interviewing skills.
There’s more to preparing for an interview than reviewing common interview questions and contemplating your responses. Find a friend or family member that regularly interviews job candidates to conduct mock interviews with you. Your school’s career placement services department can also provide assistance.
6. Build a website.
A personal website is another useful tool. You can provide much more information than a typical resume will hold. It also provides positive information if a potential employer searches for your background.
7. Get on the phone.
Many job-search gurus believe that you’re not doing anything to find a job if you’re not making at least 100 phone calls per week.
Call potential companies and ask the appropriate people for advice on finding a job. Asking for employment will put them on the defensive, but everyone likes to give advice. Look on LinkedIn to find the ones to call.
8. Contact alumni for advice.
It varies from school to school, but some alumni groups are very active and loyal to each other. You never know who will want to help you. Facebook and LinkedIn are searchable by school attended. Reach out and see what happens.
Avoid losing hope. It can take time to find the right employment opportunity. Take responsibility for your job search and spend time searching each day. Until you find a job, consider your job search to be your full-time job. The perfect employer is searching for you right now. Ensure they can find you as quickly and easily as possible.
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