How to Land Great Jobs at Graduation
For a long time, the path to getting a great job was pretty clear. First, you went to college and got good grades. Then, as graduation approached, you printed a crisp resume, put on your first business suit, and showed up at interviews arranged through career fairs and job postings.
It's amazing what can change in a decade or so.
These days, a tough economy and an incredibly competitive global market have made the road to a graduate’s first position a lot tougher. It's not enough to be a "good" candidate anymore; to be assured of a place with a leading company, you have to stand head and shoulders above the millions of other young people who are trying to get their foot in the door, too.
Luckily, that's not as hard to do as you might think. But the earlier you start, the easier it's going to be. With that in mind, here are four things you can start doing today, even if you are a year or more away from finishing your degree:
Create a plan. Maybe the biggest weakness a young person can have in the job market is simply not having an idea of what they'd like to do. Strange as it sounds, I meet dozens of students every month who aren't sure what career path they’d like to take. That doesn't have to be a big problem -- after all, college is a great place to learn about yourself personally and professionally -- but it can really hurt you as you get closer to leaving school.
So, if you're not really sure where you're going to be headed in the future, try to take a little bit of time every week or month to figure it out. Make a list of your interests, as well as your future goals and aspirations. If that doesn't help, talk to your family and friends; they might be able to shed a different perspective on which careers could be a good fit for you. And finally, be sure to speak with a few working professionals, along with the staff at your campus career center. They know a great deal about what you're going through, and can probably help point you in the right direction.
Stand out. No matter what field you choose, make sure it's one you're interested in. Professors and recruiters can always tell which students are engaged in their coursework, and those impressions can go a long way toward getting you hired. In fact, I landed my first job, at a Fortune 500 company no less, on the recommendation of one of my professors. I didn't have the best grades, but he knew I'd succeed because I took an active interest in the field.
Join up. No matter what kind of career industry you're thinking of entering, you can be sure that your campus has a group devoted to it. Joining these clubs and associations is one of the smartest moves you can ever make. Not only will you make valuable contacts in the professional world (more on this in a moment), but you'll get some real-world exposure to what's happening in the job market.
Beyond professional groups, it still pays to be involved. Recruiters and managers love to see students who have been a part of social and charitable groups -- it shows that they are team players. So try to find interests and join up with other like-minded students.
Build a network. How many people do you know in the working world? How many people do those people know? Having a network of professors, friends, and professional contacts is the number one resource for finding a job. That's because they work like a small army of voices -- one that thinks highly of you, knows you're looking for work, and can be on the lookout.
Putting together a strong network is easy. First, be sure to spend a little bit of time in the relevant clubs and associations. Then, simply collect business cards and contact information, and be sure to keep in touch once in a while. That doesn't mean you have to fly around the country or donate kidneys to strangers; just be sure to put in a phone call, greeting card, or cup of coffee once in a while. You'll be amazed at the sheer number of men and women you'll get to know over time.
Finding your first job after school might be tougher than ever, but you can still land with a great company if you approach it the right way. Follow these tips, and you can have the top job lined up before you ever slip on a cap and gown.
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Joe Mayne is a veteran recruiter, professional speaker, and author of “Your HIRE Calling: Unconventional Job Search Tactics That Work for College Students in ANY Economy.” Over the past 15 years, he’s interviewed thousands of candidates, examined countless resumes, and helped students from hundreds of campuses around North America find great jobs after graduation. You can see more about him and his work at www.MayneSpeaker.com
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