What every graduate needs to know: how to find a job
Dear Joan,
Would you share your advice about how to secure an entry-level position in
Milwaukee's personnel field. I recently graduated from the University of
Wisconsin - Milwaukee, I majored in business administration...
I am a liberal arts undergraduate who graduated in May. I am interested in
presenting my qualification in a concise, business-like and interesting way...
I just graduated and don't know where to start. I've had part-time jobs but
nothing related to my skills...
---------------
Dear Graduates:
Doesn't it annoy you that you've paid thousands on your education without a
single, practical, required course called, "How to Find a Job"? It's crazy.
Here's a crash course to get you started:
Your Resume
· If you have an objective, write it first. For example: Seeking a responsible
position as a personnel generalist in a service organization.
· Next, your education. List your degree and grade point average - if it was
high. Highlight significant results achieved in any aspect of your education.
Mention areas of emphasis, special projects or courses that apply to the job you
want. (This becomes unnecessary once you have some work experience.)
· Under work experience, elaborate on any internships, part-time jobs,
leadership in school organizations and volunteer experiences. Many graduates
miss an opportunity to sell themselves in this category. Employers are searching
for clues to your past accomplishments so they can predict future success. Paint
them a picture of leadership, initiative, achievement and results. For example:
"As a dormitory resident assistant, I planned and organized social events,
managed the day-to-day operations and acted as liaison and representative on
several legislative committees." (And you didn't think being an R.A. was
important enough to mention!) Another example, if you've been a bartender or in
food service or retail sales: "Personal attention to customers resulted in
repeat business." (Music to their ears!) You get the idea.
· Do anything to get "work experience." You don't have to be paid for it to
qualify. If you have a degree in accounting, for example, volunteer to help a
small-business owner free of charge. Explain that you're looking for ways to
apply what you've learned to get experience. Call each project of this kind
"work experience." If these people like your work, they'll be good references,
contacts or maybe even future employers.
Contacts
· Your parents were right. It's whom you know, not always what you know that
counts, especially now. Borrow your parents' address book. Contact your family
banker, dentist, lawyer, neighbors, aunts and uncles. Ask them who they know in
your field and if you can use their names when you call for an informational
interview. In an informational interview, you ask questions about the person's
job and the company - don't ask for a job. (Don't worry. They're looking you
over.)
· Join a professional organization. Ask your contacts for their recommendations.
At the monthly meetings, network your little heart out. Research. Remember all
those nights spent in the library researching papers? There's finally a
practical payoff.
· There's a wealth of information on companies in the public library. Many
resources even list the executives and their titles. If you don't know a card
file from a nail file, make friends with the reference librarian.
· Read the business pages of the paper. The classifieds only list a small
percentage of the actual job openings. When an article mentions that someone has
been named the head of a new division, for example, it often means opportunity
for you.
· Finally, remember this: Your degree is only a ticket in the door. Employers
hire people who have enthusiasm, drive, persistence and initiative. Don't stop
until you get what you want.
Joan Lloyd -
Speaker and speaking coach, trainer & management
consultant for companies of all sizes, from start-ups to the Fortune 500, as well as
trade & professional associations across the country. Reach her at (800) 348-1944, Email info@joanlloyd.com, or
www.JoanLloyd.com
Click below if you are interested in Joan Lloyd's job hunting, management and career development tools (books, booklets, tapes & special reports)
http://www.joanlloyd.com/store/default.asp
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Contact Joan Lloyd & Associates (800) 348-1944 for:
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© 2001, Joan Lloyd & Associates, Inc.
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