10 Tips for Job Hunting College Seniors
John Buettner of Stevenson University, was quoted in an Examiner.com article about how college seniors can land a job in a down economy. John provided 10 great tips for the article. I've taken those tips and adapted some of them to better suit the needs of the students and recent graduates who use CollegeRecruiter.com to help them find a great internship or entry-level job:
- Get real - If you have not yet done so, think about how much time you need to secure a job upon graduation and make sure you get your job hunt under way before then. If you have not yet started, you're already starting too late. But you can catch-up by following these steps.
- Identify your targets - Focus on one industry, occupational job, and geographical area. Don't get distracted by looking at too many options.
- Focus - Your daily schedule must include a serious job search arrangement. Be organized. Find a job search partner so you can hold each other accountable.
- Meet with your advisor or faculty member - Meet with your campus advisor or a faculty member who knows you and talk with them about your career interests. They will help you identify possible employers, business contacts, and give you guidance on your job or industry interest.
- Talk to your parents and network - Have the same type of conversation with your parents. They will be more likely to provide you with good advice and help. Keeping them informed about your progress shows your appreciation.
- Connect with your Career Services Office - Make an appointment with a career services office staff member at your school. They will help you refine your resume or cover letter, prepare you for interviews, point to job postings, and all the job fairs in town and more.
- Use the job boards - Most schools have a job posting service through the career service office web site. Use those as they as they contain postings from employers who want to hire students like you from your school. Many of the services also offer additional features like interview simulations. Also use the college job boards like CollegeRecruiter.com, a couple of niche boards which focus on your industry, a couple of niche boards which focus on your desired geographic location, and a couple of the general boards.
- Be prepared - If you were to be called today for an interview tomorrow, would you be all ready? If not, get ready now so that you're prepared.
- Manage your job search - Be organized using a system, whether it is an on-line tool or something off-line like a well organized notepad. Use your network, including Facebook friends, LinkedIn connections, parents, friends, and other contacts.
- Check-up from the neck up - Have a positive attitude. Hundreds of thousands of graduates are entering the labor market this spring and thousands are looking for positions similar to what you are. You'll likely face dozens and perhaps even hundreds of competitors for each position you apply to. You'll win out if you are more persistent and positive than they are.
Hello,
Just wanted to start by saying that I love the blog and thinks it's very informative.
I recently stumbled upon an amusing article concerning summer jobs for college students and I thought it was right up your alley.
http://www.ecollegefinder.org/blog/post/5-Summer-Jobs-You-Might-Actually-Like.aspx
Keep up the good work!
Sincerely,
Roger W.