This article wasoriginally published on CouponShoebox.com. It is unedited by AskMen.College graduations are being celebrated, and newly-minted grads are looking forjobs. If you are just graduating, you will want to be able to stand out during the jobsearch. You also need to be ready to take advantage of any opportunity that comes yourway.
According to NPR, only half the college grads from 2009-2011 are finding work. That numberisn’t likely to improve as a fresh crop of 2012 grads enters the fray. If you arelooking for some tips for the job hunt, Ellen Lubin-Sherman, from The Essentials of Fabulous, shared somegreat tips for college graduates:Have a business card in your walletat all times: You may not have a job title on it yet, but include yourskill set and contact info. (My own business cards were printed at Moo.com, which offerslow prices, and the ability to customize.)Follow companiesyou’re interested in on social media sites: Many companies tweetposition openings and you can see what’s new in your industry on sites such as LinkedIn, whether it’s a topic starter in aninterview or to see a connection at the company.Create an onlineportfolio to share your work easily by just sending a link: You should be proudof your accomplishments and want others to see.Don’t be afraidto ask for help: Sit down with your family and ask for the names of their mostconnected friends. Make it plain that you do not expect these friends to give you a job --all you’re hoping for is an introduction.Remember to maintain ajob search/life balance: Compose a snappy cover letter and then meet afriend for coffee. Looking for a job is tough work, but don’t torture yourself whiledoing it. It’s only temporary.Never email a thank-younote: Eighty percent of applicants never send a thank you note soyou’re not competing with the world -- just the top 20%. Outperform the competitionand always send a handwritten note even if you don’t get the offer -- the personthey’ve hired could turn out to be a dud and your note might clinch it foryou.Full-time jobs with benefits are few: So take a part-timejob in a field that interests you. Ask a company if you could do an “audition”and work for a few weeks without pay. Stay busy so interviewers see that your resumedisplays your ability to hustle.
I like the common sense advice shared. It’s important to remember that socialmedia is playing an increasing role in the job search, and you need to pay attention toyour profiles. I also like the realistic view that you might have to work part-time. Youcan also engage in an internship. It’s important to show that you are makingprogress and working on a marketable skill. If you want a job, you have to show that youare ready for one -- and that you can bring value. It’s definitely anemployer’s market out there on the job hunt, and you have to be able to standout.
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