Job Hunting Tips For After College

Whether you are a recent graduate from community college or just received your doctorate, there is no moment more stressful than looking for a job and wondering “What’s Next?” Unfortunately, due to the economy, the influx of entry – level positions is not as vast as it once was, but this does not mean you can’t be successful in your search and ultimate landing of your first job after graduation.

Here are six tips to successfully job search after graduation:

1) Don’t Fret:

Searching for a job is a job in and of itself. It can be stressful and daunting and it can zap away at your energy and self-esteem if you let it. Take control of this situation by choosing to be positive, calm and excited about all of the new opportunities that may exist and all of the information and experience you will soon garner. Keeping a leveled head and optimistic outlook may greatly increase your chances of seeking and landing new opportunities.

2) Utilize Your Network:

Your friends, professors and administration at your school should always remain a great source to tap into for information on new jobs and assistance with applying for new jobs. Just because you have graduated does not mean they will not assist you. Call, email and even schedule time to sit down with them to discuss your goals and how they may be able to assist you in your search.

3) Update Your Resume:

Your resume should be a reflection of all things current. You have graduated now, so it’s time to update your resume highlighting this accomplishment. Additionally, if you happened to have graduated with honors or at the top of your class, this information should be placed on your resume as soon as possible. Only include information that is relevant to the position you are seeking and paints you in a favorable light for interviewers and recruiters.

4) Be Professional:

Update your email address. No company wants to hire someone with an unprofessional email address because it speaks volumes. Upgrade to a more professional email address and also change your voicemail greeting to something that reflects the type of job and company you would like to work for.

5) Brush Up on Interviewing Skills:

Practice makes perfect and most companies utilize the same questions when holding the first round of interviews. Be quick to know how you will respond to these questions and also prepare specific information and bullet points relating your previous job experiences to how you may contribute to the position you are currently seeking.

6) Broaden Your Horizons:

The beauty about interning while in school is you begin to learn what interests you and what does not interest you when it comes to working. You may have studied accounting all four years in college, but now you have an interest in writing. Explore this. Even though you have graduated, there are still numerous opportunities to intern and learn new things. Apply what you learn in a new field and seek new opportunities that may interest you at a later date.

Rashida Maples, Esq. is Founder and Managing Partner of J. Maples & Associates (www.jmaplesandassociates.com). She has practiced Entertainment, Real Estate and Small Business Law for 9 years, handling both transactional and litigation matters. Her clients include R&B Artists Bilal and Olivia, NFL Superstar Ray Lewis, Fashion Powerhouse Harlem’s Fashion Row and Hirschfeld Properties, LLC.

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