The job market can be an intimidating place. That’s why I’ve dedicated much of my career to sharing job search advice that can help new grads figure it out, like basics on how to build a resume and where to start a job search.
This week, I’ve been reading the latest job search advice for this year’s graduates. I think you’ll find these articles and blog posts helpful. If you’re on the hunt for own your first job, good luck, and if you know a recent grad, please share!
3 Tips for Graduates Looking to Land Their First Job. Fortune: “You may not have much experience yet, but you can show diligence and intellectual curiosity in your questions and comments during the interview. Do research on the company, financials, product and people. Find out who the main competitors are, what employees say about the culture, or why analysts and influencers think this is a company to watch. I’m always impressed by candidates who have a thoughtful point of view and are eager to learn more. This is true of whatever stage you are in your career, but especially important when you are first starting out.”
Job Search Must-Do Tips for the New Graduate. AOL: “Since this may be your first official job search, don’t forget to include all of your relevant experience. For example, incorporate details about your leadership and volunteer experience. Describe these as if they were jobs, in the ‘Experience’ section of your resume. Similarly, don’t forget to include all of your work background, including service jobs, such as waiting tables. Describe the skills you used there, not just what you did. For example, you might include, ‘Demonstrated suggestive selling skills as winner of restaurant’s ‘Appetizer Tuesday’ contest.’”
7 Job Hunt Mistakes New Grads Should Avoid. Fastweb: “Be aware that, while your qualifications may get you in the door for an interview, selling yourself and giving examples to demonstrate how you are the right job candidate to fill the position are what gets you hired. When you go into any interview, be prepared to sell yourself. Enter armed with examples of how you’ll get the job done and what you, as a unique individual, will bring to the company. Many new graduates lack this type of interview experience and charisma and it costs them job offers as a result. You’ll gain the upper hand by brushing up on these skills and, likely, job offers, too!”
10 Job Search Tips for 2015 Graduates. Quirk’s: “Many graduates have large debts to pay off and are understandably tempted to go for the highest salary offered (perhaps you can identify!), but that course of action could be a mistake. High salaries come with high expectations. And if you don’t have enough experience, you could be setting yourself up for failure. Furthermore, the position that pays best now might not be the one that helps you achieve your long-term goals. Your first job should not necessarily be the one that pays the most; it should be the one with the greatest opportunity for you to learn – not only what to do but also what not to do.”
Best Work Environments for Millennials By Personality. Monster: “While it’s difficult to box somebody into one ‘work personality,’ it seems useful to determine your primary personality in order to make certain your potential employer’s workplace will be the right fit for you, as companies are offering more workplace options than ever for their new generation of workers. For example, Artistic (Creators) often feel stifled in a cubicle environment, while Realistic (Doers) feel focused.”
What’s your job search advice? I’d love to know — please share in the comments!
Lindsey Pollak is a New York Times best-selling author and a nationally recognized millennial expert who helps employers recruit, train, manage and market to the millennial generation. Her speeches and training sessions inspire multigenerational collaboration and foster lasting organizational success. Contact Lindsey to learn how she can help your organization understand and connect with millennials.
