Enter the Job Market Successfully
posted by JenCarpenter on 6/15/2009 2:33:16 PM
Today's guest blogger shares expert advice for recent grads.
If you have recently graduated from college, you probably already know that the economy isn't at its best right now. And while most colleges do their part to prepare you for the future and how to succeed at a job, they don't always tell you what you have to go through to find that first job.
There are many things to expect when embarking on your first job hunt. Especially now, it's not a given that you're going to get hired right away or even within a certain amount of time. But it's important not to give up. It might be discouraging at first, but the ones who stick with it are the ones who are eventually going to land that perfect job.
First, it's important to know where to look for jobs. Job boards, newspapers and other media are important, but they shouldn't be your only means of searching. Many companies post job openings on their own Web sites and you can contact other companies to see if they have any openings. This will also show those companies that you're willing to take initiative.
Second, make sure to network. You should use every source available to make new connections. Social media sites like Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn are good places to contact companies that may have job openings or individuals who may be able to recommend you for positions. You also can use resources from your college's career center or get in touch with employers from former internships.
There are a lot of ways to network, but you should never forget that meeting people face to face is often the most effective. You can join a professional organization or go to a networking event or job fair to meet new people who may have an interest in your industry. These are also good places to learn more about the process of finding a job.
Next, if you're able to secure an interview, be sure to go in prepared. Interviews today can take place in a variety of formats. You may have a normal one-on-one interview, a pre-employment test to gauge your skills or even have to undergo a background check.
You can do research on the company you're interviewing with and can usually find a plethora of information on the company's Web site. Aside from being prepared for your end of the interview, it's always refreshing to have a few questions ready to ask the person who's interviewing you. That way the company will know you've done your research and that you're not only interested in a job, but about learning more and understanding what the company is all about. And it goes without saying to show up to your interview in appropriate attire.
Lastly, always follow through. If you apply for an opening or are able to secure an interview, don't be afraid to contact the company to find out where you stand. If you wait around too long for an answer only to find out that you didn't get the position, then you're only wasting time that you could have spent looking for and applying to other jobs. But also remember not to be too overbearing. Calling a company too often can turn them off, and any professional employer will give a finite date that they will contact you by.
So what do you do if you get the job? Just like you did during the searching and interviewing process – make sure you go in prepared. Know what the employer expects of you and have questions prepared for anything you might not know or understand. Make sure you're confident, but don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
Jen Carpenter is a junior copywriter for Cheezhead, a widely-read blog on employment and the recruiting industry. She has a bachelor's degree in journalism and mass communications from St. Bonaventure University.