When the time comes for you to leave the homework and dorm life of college behind, it is time to search for “real” jobs. This can be a scary time, as many students are going to be required to pay all of their own bills, find their own insurance policies and of course, search for jobs in the competitive job market. Here are some tips to help you along the way.
Network
Do not discount anyone as a possible connection to or recommendation for jobs. Networking is the No. 1 way you will find jobs. You may spend months scouring the classifieds, when all it takes is a good recommendation from the VP you met at your uncle’s barbecue last summer to land a solid job. Talk to everyone you can and keep in touch.
Another networking technique when you are searching for jobs is to use leads. If you can’t find jobs with your network of contacts, many of them will offer you leads to other possible openings for jobs in your field. Ask your network contacts for the names of people to whom you should talk at other companies. Then call and talk to the specific person your contact named, then say something like, “I spoke to (insert name of original contact) and he/she said I should talk to you about an opportunity in your organization.” Go on from there. You create an immediate rapport and have a foot in the door when you utilize your networking skills when searching for jobs.
Internships
Some students are lucky because their internship experiences turn into permanent jobs. This helps them bypass the stressful job-hunting phase and gives them entry-level experience so they are ready to move onto other jobs in a few years. Internships that turn into full-time jobs are a blessing for many recent college grads that constantly get turned down for other jobs because of a lack of experience.
Internet
The Internet is another place to search for jobs. Be aware that the competition for jobs listed on the Web is steep. These companies are conducting a national search, so you had better present yourself in the best light possible. Many online job search engines are a good place to post your resume and see what kind of response you get. But don’t depend on the Web alone to find jobs.
Hit the Pavement
Don’t discount hard work. Good, old-fashioned filling out applications and handing out your resume is another way to find jobs. Granted, you probably won’t find the job of your dreams, or even a great professional job in the classifieds or by simply filling out applications, but you might get lucky — or you might find something to pay the bills until you can secure something more permanent.
Be Employed
The classic mantra goes, “It’s easier to find a job when you have a job.” Hence, you may have to take a “filler” job while you look for other jobs in your field, or a job that better fits your requirements for location, salary, benefits, and other factors. This doesn’t mean you should take the first thing offer comes along, but don’t be too proud, either. Weigh your options so you can find the right job for you.
By D. Blair Thompson