In this day and age, it is very hard to find jobs. There are so may people out there searching, so no matter what job you are applying for, there are bound to be lots of competitors.
Also, most people are going to college nowadays, so everyone seems to be well-qualified and just as experienced as you are! Don’t put yourself down though. There are lots of things you can do to ensure that you have a better chance than all of the rest of the candidates. These tips will be essential to you as you go searching for jobs.
Network like crazy.
Do you have friends that have good jobs? Do you know any friends who own a business or any family members who have good connections? No matter who it is, you need to have those network connections in order to be successful in finding a job. I have found that most jobs I’ve had, have all been acquired because of the network connections I had. An employer can look at your skills, they can meet you and talk to you face to face, but if they trust someone and that person recommends you? That is the only thing that an employer will care about.
Practice interviewing.
If you are lucky enough to get set up with an interview, spend some time practicing with friends. Make up a list, or get one off the internet, of some good interview questions that you think you might be asked. Go over it and think of some good, solid answers to give. Don’t be too lengthy, but give enough information to completely answer the question. Also decide on what you are going to wear. Make sure it is professional. Ladies-do not be too revealing with your clothing. And remember-it is always better to be too formal than to be too casual.
Bring a good resume to the table.
Make sure you create a great resume to show. If you don’t know how to make one, ask a professor or a family member how. You can also turn to the internet for good tips. If you are still in college, see if there is a class you can take on creating a good resume. I took an Advanced Writing class where we spent a whole section on how to make a good looking resume. It is extremely important that you make it standout from other resumes. Make it look clean and professional.
Be a professional.
Make sure that you are completely professional. Whether you talk to the manager or boss over email, the phone, or something else, speak professionally. Use good grammar and when emailing, proof read your emails before sending. Employers will not appreciate even the slightest grammar mistakes. It makes one seem like an amateur or an unintelligent person. Many employers these days are checking out job candidates’ social networks such as their Facebook or Twitter accounts. If you have these or other types of social networks, go through and make sure there is nothing that would make you seem unprofessional or unemployable.
Be positive.
Lastly, remember to be positive. It is scary going out and job hunting. If you follow these steps, you will be a lot more likely to get a job. Keep your head up even if you get rejected from multiple jobs. It is a hard economy and if you keep trying you will eventually get one.
About the Author Meagan Hollman is a writer for MyCollegesandCareers.com. My Colleges and Careers helps people determine if an online education is right for them, helps them understand which online masters degree programs are right for them and which online schools they can choose from to reach their goals.
