Last week, we looked at . Here are some more tips:
• Attend Career Fairs. Many college graduates are reluctant to attend career fairs thinking it is not the way to find a job. In some instances that may be true; however there are other benefits of career fairs. This can be a way of making initial contacts at companies, practicing your “elevator pitch” and networking with other attendees. Most importantly, always follow up with recruiters and hiring managers that you meet at career fairs.
• Go Beyond Applying for On-Line Jobs. Go the extra step once you apply to a job online. Try to find a way to network your way into the company by seeing if you know anyone or through one of your contacts that may know someone who works there. LinkedIn is a great resource for finding connections in a company. Can you get your resume to that internal person so that they can hand it to the HR manager or hiring manager with a personal recommendation?
• Be Prepared for Interviews. Research the company through their website and press releases before you interview. Contacting someone who works there is even better for company information. Check out www.manta.com www.glassdoor.com and www.vault.com. Learn about their products/services, competitors, challenges and culture so that you can prepare appropriate questions. Check out the hiring manager on LinkedIn. Dress appropriately, and most importantly turn your cell phone off during the interview.
• Send Follow-up Letters After The Interview. Within 24 hours of the interview, send a thank you to everyone you met (make sure you get their business card). Let them know why you think you are an excellent candidate for the job. Also follow up after networking meetings or with people who have helped you get interviews. This is not only common courtesy but will keep you on their mind. Try to find a way to give back to those who have helped you.
• Continue Looking Until You Have an Offer. Many job seekers stop their search when they have an interview. They wait for that offer to come through. You don’t have an offer until you have a starting date and a starting salary. So keep networking and keep looking!
Looking for your first job after college may seem daunting but can be exciting as well. It’s an opportunity to take all the knowledge and skills you learned in college and apply them to the “real world.” Remain positive, open and enthusiastic, and I am confident you will be successful in your job search.
Cathy Rimsky is a certified career coach and job search strategist. She partners with her clients to create marketing oriented resumes, develop effective job search strategies and helps clients hone their networking and interviewing skills. She provides one-on-one consultation and workshops on Resume Writing, Interviewing Skills and Using Social Media in job search. Additionally she facilitates the Port Washington Job Club. For more information email cathy.rimsky@gmail.com or visit www.linkedin.com/in/cathyrimsky.
