Would you like to know the six keys to landing a good job after graduation? I did in-depth interviews with more than 40 recent college grads who landed successfully in the job market. That research is the basis of my book Graduate to a Great Job. Those six keys are easy to remember because they spell F-I-N-I-S-H. Use them to organize your approach and you can significantly shorten your job hunt.
Focus
Do you know what kind of work you want to do? Potential employers won’t take you seriously unless they see a logical link between their needs and your stated career objectives. Clarifying the types of positions you’re going after must be your top priority. This isn’t a lifetime commitment. Your focus could change in a few months. But to make real progress you need to narrow the field of opportunities you’ll pursue for now.
Internships
This is a stand-in for “experience” related to working. (Hey, I needed something that started with “I”.) Most employers don’t care about your major or what you’ve done in the classroom. All they want to know is what kind of experience you already have, and what kind of skills you’ve demonstrated. That’s why it’s so important to keep building on internships, summer and part-time work jobs, and volunteer opportunities. Don’t forget any of your relevant experiences when creating your resume.
Networking
Connecting with people who can help you in your job search is the most important thing you can do to clarify your career interests, identify specific job opportunities, and get the inside track on positions you really want. As a college graduate you have access to a huge network of people ready to help. You just have to learn how to connect with them effectively.
Internet Technologies
The Internet and related technologies, like LinkedIn and applicant tracking systems, have dramatically changed the job search process. There’s a lot to learn in how to use these software tools to your advantage. Failing to understand certain technologies will really hold you back. You can start by creating a detailed LinkedIn profile on the web. Go to www.LinkedIn.com/ to get started.
Selling Yourself
Not knowing how to sell yourself to potential employers is a major barrier to making your college degree pay off. When you find specific job opportunities you want, be ready with a professional looking resume and good interviewing skills to separate yourself from the competition. Start by getting professional advice on your resume design.
Help – Get it and Use It!
Everybody needs help when looking for a job. And there’s no time in your career will you have more people anxious to assist you. You’re crazy if you don’t take advantage of any relevant networking connections your parents and their friends can provide. And those people in your school’s Career Center are dying to help you succeed after school. Go see what they have to offer.
Plenty of students and recent college grads struggle with their job search because they don’t have a good framework for attacking the problem. Now you know the six keys to making your degree pay off. Try to Get Focused first. Then everything else starts falling into place. To learn more by reading the first chapter of Graduate to a Great Job for free click here.