Your future is now: 3 must-dos for the job-hunting recent grad

Life is full of stages, and college graduation is one of the big ones. It wasn’t too long ago that you moved on from your teens, closing that book and leaving behind habits, rituals and beliefs that, while serious stuff back then, are ill suited for life as a twenty something.

Whether you’re just about to graduate or you’ve recently walked across that stage, it’s high time you realize that there’s now a part of your life you’ll refer to as “back in college.” This time of late nights partying, later nights studying and youthful indiscretions is behind you now — or at least you’re working on it. As you run your fingers over that all-important piece of paper signifying that you’ve learned something, your degree, remember the good times and prepare yourself to enter a land of pragmatism, professionalism and people who’ve lived there, day in and day out, for decades. Welcome to adulthood. Now, get a job.

Preparing for the hunt: 3 things to do before applying for a real job

It’s very likely that you’ve had a job at some point in college, maybe even a few of them. What you’re applying for now isn’t like those, which is why the term “career” gets bandied about. The people looking to hire someone smart, fresh-faced and educated like you have wants and needs different from your old bosses, which brings us to your first task:

Grow up your resume

You’ve probably made a resume at some point in the past. Maybe it was a relic from high school or maybe you put it together more recently — either way, if it’s over one page long or includes your tenth-grade science fair win as an honor, it’s time for an overhaul. You’ve likely heard it time and again, but it’s worth repeating: Your resume should not be over one page long. That’s especially true at this point in your career (the starting point).

First, employers don’t care about the summer you worked at the banana stand. Consider removing, or at least abbreviating, any job that isn’t related to your current search. If it isn’t recent, it should probably go. Try using a short, targeted bio instead of an “objective,” which should be covered in your cover letter and fairly self explanatory. Beef things up with a section about your skills. You’re probably up on the latest tools and tricks in your field. Cash in on that. You really don’t have experience at this point, at least not in the workplace. Wow them with a solid cover letter that shows you’re interested in the field, their company, what you can learn and how you can contribute.

Tap that network

Depending on your field and a few other things, you may have had an internship. If not, you’ve got professors who probably know people in the field and a host of family, friends and acquaintances with connections. Now’s the time to reach out to those contacts. Get the word out that you’re looking for work, and you’re likely to get responses.

The next part is absolutely critical, so take heed: Never ask a friend or family member to give you a job — ask for an interview. First, very few people can simply dole out jobs. Second, asking for a job makes you seem needy and lazy, while asking for an interview makes you look like you’re eager to prove yourself. One day you’ll be in a position that you worked hard to get to. Which do you think you’ll prefer: A friend who wants to cash in on your success or one who wants a chance to make you both more successful?

Grow up yourself

As unfair as it might be, you’re entering a tough market and tougher generational stereotypes. According to some cynical pundits, you’re self-centered, demanding and often lazy, and you have a symbiotic relationship with your smart phone that requires you to text, tweet and post constantly. You don’t care about the office dress code or what time you’re supposed to show up in the morning. You know this isn’t you, but a potential employer may not know that. Surprise your potential employers with some traditional common sense: Show up fifteen minutes early to your job interview, dress sharply and smartly, be polite, be thoughtful, and be confident but humble without a hint of a know-it-all attitude.

Keep in mind that today’s executives are actually taking courses and reading books to know how to deal with your generation. They think they know you, which makes surprising them in a good way easy.

Your college days are behind you, but don’t worry — this next part is a different kind of fantastic. You don’t ever have to lose your sense of wonder or let go of those dreams, but you may need to grow up a little (or pretend to — either way works just fine).

About the Author:

Karl Fendelander cut his teeth on web writing in the late nineties and has been plugged in to the newest technology and tuned in to the latest trends ever since. With an eye for design and an ear for language, Karl has created content and managed digital media for startups and established companies alike. When he unplugs, Karl can be found biking about town and hiking and climbing throughout the West.