It’s been four years, maybe more for some. You have triumphed through the lows of college life, pulling all-nighters, presenting countless projects and meeting deadlines. You see that graduation is slowly approaching and are able to sigh with relief. Soon it will all be over. No more class. No more meetings. No more deadlines. No more crossing your fingers and hoping to get a “C” or better once final grades are posted.
With great expectation, you await the graduation you’ve been working towards for years. But wait…it’s not over! School may be coming to a close soon, but real life waits at the closing of its door. Landing a job that utilizes all of the knowledge and skills acquired during college, as well as paying you gainfully for it, is the hardest effort. After all, it is the reason you began this journey in the first place.
While competing with your peers to achieve top grades and academic honors is a challenge, competing with other graduates from all around the country will be even more difficult. In order to be the most qualified candidate for the job, there are a few things you need to know.
Roberta Kaskel, career coach and director of Loyola’s Career Development Center, collaborated with her fellow staff members to determine the best strategies for landing a full-time job post-graduation.
BEFORE your search begins:
1. VISIT THE CAREER DEVELOPMENT CENTER
Ideally, you should have done this during your freshman year, but if not, make this an immediate priority. Here you will find all the tools necessary to be successful in your employment search.
The CDC offers services like:
• EMPLOYOLA: this is a 24/7 job board for employers that want to recruit Loyola students
• MGI Career Invitational & Fall Career Expo: the CDC co-coordinates at least two career fairs per year
• Appointment with career coach: develop a strategic plan with your coach that will target the industries and employers of your interests
2. POLISH YOUR MARKETING MATERIALS
Get help writing a cover letter, resume, a writing sample or putting together an e-portfolio. Have your application materials reviewed by someone in the CDC. The cover letter should be focused. Your resume should clearly reflect and highlight your career goals and accomplishments.
DURING the job search:
3. BE FLEXIBLE AND OPEN TO RELOCATION
Don’t limit yourself by geographical location. As a new graduate, you might find that relocating is more beneficial than you think.
4. NETWORK, NETWORK, NETWORK!
“At any given time in the U.S. economy, close to 75 to 80 percent of all the jobs that have to go filled in this country are never even publicized,” Robertas Kaskel said. This tool can open doors that might otherwise be shut. It provides a circle of references that can help you to get in touch with the right contact person for a job that you are interested in. Sometimes, it is who you know more than what you know. Contacts for jobs can be developed in four ways:
• Family, friends, alumni, neighbors, church members, professors, advisers, internship supervisors, co-workers, etc.
• Informational interviews with employees in the field you are seeking employment in.
• Mentors and professionals with credibility in your field, can offer job counsel and inform you of job vacancies
• Professional organizations allow you to research opportunities in your field. Search for local, state, or national associations and check their websites for job postings
5. BUILD SOCIAL MEDIA NETWORKS
If you’re not already on LinkedIn, you should be. It allows you to connect to people and organizations. It can also be used to complete job searches, send mass emails and link other social media accounts, like a blog or Twitter.
6. BE PERSISTENT AND PATIENT
Set aside time every week to check job postings. Don’t overdo it. Pace yourself. Send out fewer quality resumes as opposed to many generic ones. Quality beats quantity.
AFTER interviews are lined up:
7. PRACTICE THE INTERVIEW BEFOREHAND
Anticipate the questions that will be asked and practice your responses. If possible, recruit someone to do a mock interview with. Listen to how your responses sound so that you can determine if you need to change them.
8. MAKE THE BEST FIRST IMPRESSION
Dress to impress. Always choose a suit. This applies to both men and women. Ladies, wear conservative jewelry and cover tattoos and cleavage. Men, cover tattoos and if you have long hair, pull it back into a ponytail. Maintain good posture. Make eye contact with interviewer. Smile. Give a firm handshake. This shows trustworthiness and honesty.
9. BE INTERACTIVE DURING INTERVIEW
Establish a good rapport with the interviewer by knowing the employer through prior research and asking pointed questions. Show enthusiasm for the job you are applying for, but do not seem anxious or desperate. Remember to stay away from questions regarding compensation.
10. THINK POSITIVELY
Stay positive during the interview. Smile as you respond to questions. Do not allow the interviewer’s facial expressions or tone of voice discourage you. Stay confident, even when asked about a perceived negative. Respond to it in one sentence. Be the best interviewee you can be.
