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As the job market continues to struggle, the need to remain competitive remains crucial for new and prospective graduates. Not only are you competing with each other, but you are also competing with professionals who may have years of experience and have recently been laid off or are looking for a change in career. Students should develop a proactive strategy for their
1. Start Early
Students expecting to graduate in May should start thinking about their job search early will also allow students to start making contacts and developing relationships with company leaders.
2. Network
Networking is one of the most valuable tools in the
Students should also take advantage of networking opportunities initiated during previous internships or through contacts made at job fairs. Any of these contacts could lead to a referral or job tip.
Learn how to integrate social networking into every aspect of your job search and then leverage your social media presence for ongoing professional success. Build professionally relevant networks and a desirable, flexible brand that evolves with your growing experience, while you build and nurture networks that help you navigate a long worklife, and gain greater control over your destiny.
3. Utilize Your College Career Services Office
Almost every
CareerAlley links to cover letter resources.
4. Cast a Wide Net
When jobs are not as plentiful, every job seeker has to widen the focus to make more opportunities available. Students who are developing a job search strategy should cast a wide net by looking for jobs in different locations, looking for job postings in a variety of places (such as online job boards, forums, company Web sites, job fairs, and more), and looking for jobs in a variety of related fields (for example, jobs in marketing and public relations and advertising). The more options you make available to yourself, the greater your chances of getting that first job and starting to accumulate the experience you need to land the
5. Consider Other Options
Have a back-up plan. If you can’t find employment immediately upon graduation, there are a number of other things you can do to build professional experience to ensure you remain competitive. Some options include working as a temp, taking an unpaid
From building your college experience to the job search to landing a job, Career Coach Kristin Shopp helps the college student navigate the job search process and set themselves up for professional success. To the point yet filled with helpful tips and up to date knowledge of the college job market, this book is sure to give the job seeker a competitive edge.
The key to any successful job search is preparation and perseverance. Prospective graduates can use these tips to get a jump start on their job search now to ensure the best opportunities for success. What other tips might you have for new graduates looking for their first professional job?
The Dream Job Catcher™ method is based on hundreds of high-caliber clients in tech who have made successful strategic career moves. These moves have changed their career trajectory, reinvigorated their passion, and empowered them to realize their full potential.
