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If you’re a recent college graduate, then you know it’s a tough job market. The terrible economy has impacted all industries, making it extremely difficult to land a job. CitySaheli compiled a few pointers to help you land the job you want, even if you are fresh out of school.
Do your homework.
Today’s market demands that you are exceptionally knowledgeable, resourceful and savvy. Following world news and the financial markets will help you understand the current state of the economy and plan your job search accordingly. Often news reports indicate which companies are hiring and which companies are firing, which will ultimately provide you with job leads. For instance, the Bureau of Labor Statistics recently reported that the health care, biosciences and technology industries are likely to create the most new jobs this year.
Become “BFF” with your school’s career service center.
The resources available at your career center are countless. From help with resume writing to interview prep, your career center will equip you with the guidance and tools to get a job. Many employers post entry level jobs on college career websites, which specifically target college graduates. Also, leverage this resource to gain professional advice on your job search.
Know your job boards.
You might be discouraged from using job boards, since they are available to the entire universe. Posting your resume and searching for opportunities via these forums, however, is a great first step. It gets you in the zone for your job search. These sites also let you know which companies are hiring. Remember, if you do see a job opening you really like, you should do more than just apply through the job sight. Be proactive. For example, see if any alumnae from your school work at the same company, or if a friend has a contact.
Some websites that are especially useful for college graduates:
CollegeGrad
CollegeRecruiter
CoolWorks [great for seasonal jobs]
Experience
OneDayOneJob [great blog on entry level jobs]
Don’t waste time, get an internship or volunteer.
Internships are invaluable. Even if unpaid, you will get relevant work experience for yourself and your resume. Internships provide on- the-job training and fantastic networking opportunities. They also help you decide whether you’ve chosen the right career field. And, some internships can lead to full time jobs. Moreover, most companies look for past internships when evaluating their candidates. Bottom line – get an internship, it can only increase your chance at landing a full time position.
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