Students graduating from college today face the toughest job market in decades. Few companies are hiring new entry level workers, and many recent graduates are feeling ready to throw in the towel. By following these four tips, recent grads will be able to successfully navigate this employment dip and ultimately
Some college students create very specific visions of their career trajectories, only to have these visions shattered when they are not hired for their dream position. You must not get discouraged; instead, look for work or volunteer opportunities in fields that may not directly relate to your intended career path. It's likely that you will develop valuable skills through these opportunities, which will enhance your desirability to companies in your dream field in the future. And who knows – perhaps you will discover a passion that you never knew existed! Maintaining a flexible career outlook will lead to greater satisfaction down the road.
Through whatever means you can – family connections, college alumni databases, or volunteering/ job shadowing – try to locate a person with extensive experience in your chosen field who can give you valuable insight into the demands and rewards of the profession. Many experienced workers are eager to help out energetic and talented young people. In addition to offering advice, mentors can be a great networking resource, and can often help you to locate a suitable job. If you are fortunate enough to have secured a job, try to create a real relationship with your boss.
It takes a lot of extra time, but you must personalize each resume and cover letter that you send out. Be sure you include only the most relevant work experiences to the position to which you are applying; there is no use in mentioning that you tutored children in Spanish if you are applying to an electrical engineering position. Additionally, unless you did something truly remarkable in high school, leave secondary school experiences off the resume. Your resume should be no longer than one page and should include specific details about your positions. Highlight specific accomplishments; if the children you tutored improved their test scores by a letter grade, make sure you mention that. When writing a cover letter, make sure you have researched the company or institution, and demonstrate your knowledge of the company in the letter. Be sure to mention exactly what you can provide for the company, and how you are unique among the many applicants. As was true with your resume, limit your cover letter to one page.
It is very possible that you will face rejection many times throughout the process. It is important to realize that this is not a reflection upon you as a human being, nor it is a referendum on your skills. You have graduated from college, so you have shown yourself to have considerable intelligence, initiative, and determination. Bring that across in your resume and cover letters, and bring a positive attitude into your interviews. You will dramatically improve your chances of landing a position.
Michael Todd is a guest writer for BrooksidePatioFurniture.com which specializes in resin wicker patio furniture. Also, make sure to check out this developing site that provides information on bonsai trees.
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