Entry Level Job Search Tips You Won’t Want to Ignore
ningcontentIf you’re one of the many people who has been actively job searching for the past few months or more, you’ve probably realized just how tough the competition for entry level jobs and internships has become.
Employers can afford to be choosey because there’s such a wide variety of quality candidates all vying for a lot of the same positions. That’s why it’s absolutely imperative for candidates to go out of their way to prove their worth, not only in terms of competence but cultural fit as well. In a previous post, I featured advice from career coaches and a recruiter. Now, I would like to share the advice of people who could easily end up interviewing you for a job some day, including another recruiter.
Kassi Belz, director of client services for Mass Media Corporate Communications, shared this detailed outline of how candidates can make themselves stand out from their competition, “Know about the position and firm you are applying for. You must be really savvy and impressive to succeed in today’s world. Research the company, its recent news and the person who you are interviewing with – Google, google, google.
“If are you apply for a job in a particular industry, learn about the position and its expectations. For example, if you are looking for a PR job, research the agency setting through sites like PRSA.org or Ad Week, PR Week and understand what the day -to -day responsibilities are for that type of position. Review your resume and tailor it to highlight your strengths in these areas. Prepare for the interview like you would a presentation.
“Dress Appropriately
- NO JEANS – EVER!!!!!
- Wear a suit
“So many young professionals show up and are not dressed appropriately. I’ve had 2 people in the last 3 months show up in jeans.
“Think about these questions:
- What are the three main points you want to make?
- Do you have research/evidence to back it up (use your resume here)?
- What are the next steps?
- What may the interviewer want/need to see or know about you?
“Review and know what your resume says
- So often people haven’t looked at their own resumes.
- Highlight the key points on your resume.
- Eliminate “and stuff, your know,etc.” from your vocabulary.
- Discuss your skill set and past experience in depth and do not assume the interviewer knows what you are talking about.
“Example:
Interviewer: Tell me about your experience with special event planning.
Interviewee: Oh, I just put together the event and stuff like that.
“This type of response does not showcase your talents. The response should have been:
I coordinated all event logistics such as corresponding with venue for space, tables, decor; I handled the F&B contracts, I managed the invite and all communications including….“
Joy Goberville, managing director of Technisource (the IT division of Spherion), made these suggestions, “Keep in mind that for many companies, good people are still hard to find, despite the statistics reported today. While a company may be in need of specific technical expertise, they are also looking for someone who possesses the necessary “soft skills” to fit into their organization’s culture. And, not all open positions are posted because some companies adopt the belief that ‘good people know good people.’ They might rely on referrals from their current employees first before handling the onslaught of resumes submitted to an internet posting. The best way to get more leads about job opportunities is to network, network, network.
Make sure everyone you are in contact with is aware of your specific interests and job search. Contact current and former professors, employers, and anyone you plan to use as a reference to ask if they are aware of any opportunities.
“Professional networking through social sites such as LinkedIn is an excellent way to extend your reach but should not be your only source. I would recommend increasing your face-to-face networking by attending meetings held by professional organizations in your community. Many organizations have student chapters. Get business cards printed up with your name, email address, contact number, and the title of the position you are interested in. VistaPrint.com is a good source for free cards.
“If you haven’t had time to volunteer for any organizations while in school, now is a great time to start. You can meet new contacts as well as give back to the community, which shows your social commitment. Companies look for individuals who will not only bring leadership skills within their own organizations but also to the communities they serve.
“After researching the companies you are interested in working for and discovering they do not have open positions at this time, ask for informational interviews. An informational interview is a great way for you to learn more about a company, and talk with individuals who are already working there. Sometimes through these discussions, you can learn more about upcoming projects and gain insight into how you can be considered in the future.
“Practicing your interview skills and polishing your resume to differentiate yourself is critical now. When you think about your previous work experience or education, try to practice answering questions that will show the immediate value you can bring to an organization.”
Steven Himmelrich, founder of Himmelrich PR, offered this succinct bit of advice, “More than ever, job applicants need to convey why they are uniquely qualified for a position – what skills and experience will make them more successful than the scores of other qualified candidates with the same courses, summer jobs, and extra-curricular activities. Candidates should also convey that they are prepared for flexible responsibilities, changing priorities, and long hours – doing whatever it takes to get the job done. In tough times, entry-level professionals (or any professionals!) don’t have the luxury of only doing what is defined on a written job description.”
It seems like a lot to remember and a lot to do, but as Himmelrich said, times are tough and candidates have to do whatever is required to get the jobs they want. Employers are more demanding because they can’t afford to hire people who aren’t serious, qualified or good fits for their organizations. Taking the extra time to follow the tips given by Belz, Goberville and Himmelrich could put you ahead when you go on your next job interview.
