CollegeRecruiter.com Insights by Candidates Blog

Are you aware that most job opportunities never get as far as the classified ads or job posting boards? As a college graduate looking for entry level job opportunities, you should know this fact and the reason behind it. Most of the entry level job opportunities will never reach publication outside of the companies where they are offered because they will already be filled by that point. Through the use of networking and word of mouth, most companies can find the entry level employees they need because their current employees are willing to supply a stream of fresh, qualified job seekers to their doorsteps.

If you want one of these entry level positions, how do you go about getting on the inside track? Quite simply, by doing your homework. If the entry level positions you want are going to the friends and acquaintances of the companies current employees, it only makes good sense that you need to get acquainted with some of these people.

Using networking sites on the Internet is a great way to do this. Places like Myspace.com offer searches based on employers or professions and these make a great place to start. If you want to work for a specific company, target your search to current and former employees of that company. If your search is more broad ranging, search by professions or the geographical area where you would like to work.

When you have located an employee of the company or a professional in your field, introduce yourself. You don't have to jump right in and say "Hey, I need a job. Help me out." Rather, you want to spend some time making friends with those individuals in your field and developing a network. Once your network is developed, then you could bring up the subject of entry level positions within their company or profession or, if you are in no big hurry, you could just wait until they volunteer the information.

By developing this network, you go into an entry level job knowing a bit about the company you propose to work for and, quite possibly, with a good referral from your new found friends. Doing your homework can pay great dividends for the entry level job seeker.