Recent graduates can get lost when it comes to finding a job. The tips below are designed to ease the transition from school life to work life, helping you find that job you’ve been looking for. While many graduates are aware of the effect social media can have on a job search and how to clean up a profile, it takes more than deleting some old Facebook photos to attract an employer. These tips are specifically designed to help you network, search itself, and help you prepare for career success in a career.
1. Don’t use the same cover letter for every job. Every employer has different things they are looking for, so make sure you have a cover letter tailored to the employer’s needs with each application you submit. Also try to have a few different resumes available, again depending on the needs of each job.
2. There are four types of job websites that can be of great help in your job search:
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General (LinkedIn, CareerBuilder, Indeed)
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Field specific (those that are created for a given field)
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Location-specific (some sites post jobs based on city or state, rather than field)
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Social media
Look around you and look everywhere. You won’t see your dream job every day, not even one you qualify for, so the broader your search, the greater your chances.
3. Keep your search organized. Bringing your resume to all employers who have a job you qualify for takes time and dedication. The last thing you want to do is spend hours applying for the same position multiple times or sending multiple emails to the same person without realizing it. Keep an accurate list of what you have applied for and when, as well as the name of the employer.
4. Network. You need to showcase your talents and interests without that desperate tone that some job seekers have. Social media is a great way to show what you can do and how well you can do it. Your expertise shows more clearly in your daily activities, so stay up-to-date on what you are doing related to a field. Posting and commenting on interesting news or articles in your field of choice can increase your credibility and generate interest from potential employers. Remember to maintain a certain tone of curiosity to learn more in the field and to show a willingness to work hard. Some employers focus entirely on the dedication and potential of new hires.
5. Check your social media accounts and delete certain photos. You don’t want a potential employer to search your Facebook and find an entire album dedicated to party photos. Even a Twitter account can look professional based on your posts. Also consider the Facewash tool, which is designed to clean up a Facebook account upon encountering inappropriate language or potentially negative comments. Remember that many employers receive hundreds of applications each week, so don’t give them an easy reason to dismiss you.
6. Show your knowledge of industry terms and phrases. Networking within the industry can provide a great advantage, as it gives you the opportunity to learn the jargon that the professionals use. Incorporate them into your daily vocabulary on social media sites and get comfortable with specific phrases from each field. It shows the employer that you are not only interested in the field, but that you understand some commonly used terms that are needed to function more effectively. While the use of formal language has its place, overuse of formality can be just as daunting as using shorthand on an official resume. Always listen carefully to how your employer speaks and try to use a combination of formal and professional language. The same advice applies to clothing. A suit and tie may have once been the standard, but some employers opt for a more casual setting. Dress for work and do your research at each company so you don’t start off with the wrong mindset.
7. Keep a list of your goals. Technology is wonderful for the ease with which it allows you to track progress of any kind and gives you a very quick way to review notes, update goals, and add additional progress or goals. While a physical list can be helpful, paper is frequently lost or thrown away. It is much easier to keep track of a digital file. It’s always a good idea to bring a small notebook to an interview to take additional notes, but be sure to add them to the file once you get the chance. An organized list can keep you optimistic and keep an eye on your job search progress makes it much easier to see how far you’ve come.