Finding work as a recent graduate is easier said than done. Many students are afraid of the uphill task of finding work after graduation. Many students are concerned about how they will complete university, and some are even more concerned about how they will find work after graduation, especially given the current employment situation for recent university graduates.
Here are five suggestions for a successful job search:
Be Specific
Most graduates will tell you that any job will do. However, in order to obtain one, you must be specific and understand what it entails. Different fields have different application requirements, and you must be aware of those for the field in which you are interested. Do you require a résumé, a cover letter, a writing sample, a portfolio, or something else? You must also understand how these materials appear in your field and which skills and experiences you must emphasize. A legal résumé differs from a management résumé, which differs from a marketing résumé in both form and content.
Network
Good connections are required to survive in the job market, so build, network, and activate them. Inform everyone you know about the type of job you’re looking for. There is no sin in looking for work, so get everyone in your network to work for you. While your hairstylist is unlikely to be a lawyer or a management consultant, he or she may know someone who is.
Be Patient
It is easy to become frustrated when your job search is not yielding results; however, you must remain patient and persistent. Set aside time each week to search for job postings, conduct research on employers in your field, and submit a manageable number of applications. When you work on your job search on a regular basis, rather than in fits and starts, it is easier to stay focused and control the stress that inevitably comes with it.
Be Positive
Maintain a positive attitude throughout the interview. Smile; it will be heard in your voice. Do not be distracted by the interviewer’s facial expressions or tone of voice. Do not assume that a specific answer is “wrong” or that you have “failed.” Maintain your confidence. Make no excuses or elaborate explanations when asked about a perceived negative. Give it one sentence and then proceed.
Practice Out Loud
It is beneficial to practice out loud before an interview. Anticipate the types of questions you’ll be asked and practice your answers. Find someone to do a mock interview with if you lack experience or are uncomfortable in interviews. Communication skills, like any other skill, improve with practice.
