As a recent college graduate, I’m used to that worried look from people asking about my post-college job plans. Knowing how bad the job outlook is for recent grads, they immediately press me about my back-up plan, all the while looking at me with pity.
According to a recent New York Times article, 22.4 percent of all college graduates were not working and 22 percent were working in jobs that did not require a college degree. The article also states that employment rates have fallen sharply in the last two years. Despite all the earnest concern and the horrible statistics, I kept a positive attitude and stayed on a determined track to find a job using my degree. And now I have that job at WordWrite. So how did I do it?
First, I think it is important to decide what you really want to do. Throughout my exploration of the public relations field, I decided early on that working in an agency was the right choice for me. Second, it is important to establish where, geographically you are willing to work. Target your search to specific locations. Do some research on the area you choose and use what you discover to fine tune your resume and interviewing approach.
Third, use the resources available to you at school. I relied a lot on my professors at Slippery Rock University, who were willing and eager to relay any job openings to me. I spoke with them early on to let them know what I was looking for, and they were able to help me best because they knew what skills I had acquired.
Fourth, target your applications to plausible positions. Rather than applying to anything and everything, apply to fewer positions that your qualifications fit best. Be sure to tailor your resume and cover letter for each separate position. Not every job posting looks for the same qualifications and it is important that your resume and cover letter reflect that. This also gives you the opportunity to highlight specific credentials that pertain to each position.
Fifth, sell yourself when you get the interview. That means polishing yourself and your work to the highest of standards. A suit is an investment that is a great way to show that you are serious about the position. As for your work, select only your best samples and be sure that they are edited and free of errors. Be confident in your skills at the interview, they wouldn’t have asked you there if they didn’t want to hire you.
Finally, keep a positive attitude and your eyes on the prize. I truly feel that one of the main reasons I got a position while many of my classmates continue to look for volunteer work to keep their skills sharp is that I was adamant and determined to find a position that fit what I wanted.
Based upon my experience, new grads who get that position they’ve been waiting for need to get used to the surprised looks they’ll get when they tell people about their new job. It really is a tough time to find jobs for recent graduates. But if my experience proves anything, it’s that there are jobs out there, if new grads have a plan and follow it.
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Emma Walter is an apprentice for WordWrite Communications. You can find her on Twitter @emmasreallytall.
June 09 2011 | Uncategorized | Add a Comment »
