Job Tips for College Grads- Part One

June 20th, 2008 at 08:21am Brent Swanson

College graduation.  An emotional day in any student’s life.  It’s a day to reflect on memories of good times, a sense of accomplishment from all the hard work, and closing a chapter in one’s life.  Once the dart board, futon, or television stand is all packed up and ready to go, it is time to begin thinking about the next chapter in your life- your career.  Here are a few tips to help you as you begin your job search:   

1) Don’t get Frustrated:  A job search is not easy.  It takes time.  You’re not going to get every job that you apply for.  As you begin sending your resume out to job opportunities, you may find yourself in a Catch-22.  Companies telling you that your resume looks good, you interviewed well, but just don’t have enough experience.  You will think to yourself, “how can I get experience if nobody will give me a chance?”  Don’t get frustrated.  Keep looking for the right opportunity and fine tuning your interviewing skills, selling yourself, and why they have to hire you.  You may also look at the big picture at the company, and try to get into a lower level position with opportunity to grow within the company.   

2) Be Clear:  Two thing employers want to know after reading your cover letter and resume:  what do you do, and what do you want to do.  Unless your degree is specific to the job you are applying:  engineering, IT, education, etc., they may be unsure what your experience is and what you are wanting to do.  Be sure to highlight accomplishments, internships, and work experience from college on your resume.  A cover letter is a good forum to let them know the position you are applying for and why you feel you are a qualified candidate for the position.  Due to the fact you likely will not have much professional work history, you will need to sell yourself in some manner. 

Entry Filed under: Marketing Yourself