By Sara Tehrani
Contributing Writer
You’ve passed the tests, argued your grades up, studied your very hardest and handed in all the forms and it’s finally here; cap and gown time. You file into neat rows and you and your peers all look identical in a sea of success and bliss. Then you throw your cap up high, smile and pose with the diploma. Cameras flash and... *GULP!* -the reality sets in. You just graduated. What now? How do I find a job? An internship? Am I really on my own? Where will I live? What do I do with my money? Mommy!
Too bad it’s not just all a bad dream. It’s all very real and if you haven’t gotten there quite yet, you’ll be there soon enough. So what are some ways to find jobs after college? Manage your money best? Become a real, grown adult? Chill out, I’ve got you covered with some advice to bring your blood pressure back down to Earth. And you thought you were done with studying! Well this will be quick and painless, I promise… Flash back to your lecture hall: Do you have a No. 2 pencil? Are you sure? Open your books and just call me Professor.
Here’s Part I of your course study ‘After College’: Get the Job.
The Job Search:
After college, “the job search” isn’t the same job search you had as a teen in the summers; mowing Mrs. Doyle’s lawn for 5 bucks an hour or watering her plants obviously just isn’t going to cut it. So “the job search” is more like “the great hunt” and hopefully by now with a degree or two under your belt you’ve got your life planned out; you’re still a young, hopeful in the stimulating world of careers. Knowing some fields you’re interested in starting in is a big plus.
Start out looking for jobs by tapping into your list of contacts. Check emails for old friends or employers who maybe know somebody in the building next to the building whose friend’s brother’s department has an opening. Maybe your camp counselor knows somebody in the business you’re going into and has suggestions for you; never overlook anyone. More than likely, they will be happy to do you the favor. The friends you’ve made in the past have countless connections and don’t you forget it; you never know who might pull you the opportunity of a lifetime.
Another good source is your school’s alumni network; often times universities have ways in which recent college graduates can meet and get to know school alumni who may be professionals in a field of interest and able to pull some strings to find an interview for you. Take advantage of your school! So what if you just graduated, you just shelled out near a life savings worth for the “education” you received there and you deserve to take advantage of every resource they have to offer (until you die). Many universities also have career centers and career search websites where employers will post vacancies for hire.
No results? Then go the old-fashioned way: classified ads, professional news magazines or online to the modern-day classified ads, also known as Craigslist, Monster, Robert Half and other job websites and search engines.
Don’t overlook internships either! In today’s job market there’s never “too much” experience you can have before settling into a job. Not only can internships provide you with more knowledge and experience, but they can help you really hone in on your desired future career in addition to providing you with further networking possibilities and recommendation letters.
Tip: When sending out resumes to employers, avoid the Human Resources Dept. at all costs. Instead, contact company personnel directly. Not only does it show initiative and a sincerely strong interest, but you can be certain that your file won’t end up in a pile or in a file cabinet somewhere. Contact the head(s) of each department instead of sending it through HR and it will convey your ambition to the people who make the big calls.
Interview:
I’m sure at this point in your life you’ve been on a job interview or two, but in case you haven’t, or in case the only job pre-requisite you’ve had in the past was “Must have own car” or “Must accept cash only” then it wouldn’t hurt to brush up on some tips.
• Dress to Impress: No matter how many times you’ve heard it, you can never be overdressed for a job interview. I’m not saying dust off your prom dresses and tuxedos, but it’s a hard fact that in the job world, first impressions are everything. The nicer you look, the easier it is often to sell trust, dependability, and other characteristics employers will look for when hiring.
Tips: Dress professionally – This may mean a lot of different things to different people but here are some standard rules:
- Shower (Is this a no-brainer or what?)
- Ladies, avoid low cut shirts, short and/or tight skirts and dresses – unless you are interviewing in a different type of industry. For obvious reasons, wearing suggestive clothing may hinder your getting hired because employers want their employees to look professional and appropriately clothed so as to best represent the company. If you do get hired for the way you are dressed you are setting yourself up for a stigma that you probably do not want in your chosen career. Plus you’ll be expected to dress that way each day. Just say no to the closet of outfits you wore to frat parties and nightclubs.
- Men – Wear clean clothing (please). Preferably button-down shirts, with or without a tie and or suit depending on the position you are interviewing for. And don’t wear sneakers. Wear those really weird-looking, never-worn loafers or whatever they’re called that your mother bought for you years ago. Yes… those. Yes… you have to.
- Ladies – Cut back on the heavy makeup. Don’t skip it altogether (unless it’s what you usually do) but please stay away from layers of makeup, heavy, dark eyes and beyond appropriate amounts of bronzer. Leave the smoky eye for your nightlife and besides that, you shouldn’t be wearing THAT MUCH makeup in the first place! Be subtle, be classy and be professional.
• Be Prepared: It wouldn’t hurt to test yourself with some questions you think you may be asked during the interview. For example, “What are your strengths and weaknesses?” “What can you bring to this company?” “What achievements in the past qualify you for this position?” Review your resume and definitely bring a copy or even two with you that day in a neat folder along with a pen and notepad for notes and questions you have prepared ahead of time. Keep in mind your strengths, work experience, and reasons for why you are suited for the position you are interviewing for. If you can’t convince yourself, there’s no way you’re convincing your interviewer/future boss.
• Get Smart: Educate yourself on the company and maybe even a little on your interviewer if you know who he or she may be. Know the company’s mission and absolutely learn as much as you can about the job you are applying for. Be sure to show what you know about the company and prove to your interviewer why you would be a great addition to their firm.
• Be On Time: Are you serious? This is possibly the most important thing. Get to any interview at least 10 minutes early. Getting lost is not an excuse; drive to the location beforehand or buy a GPS! Leave early to account for traffic.
• Turn Off Your Cell Phone: That’s it. I don’t care who just texted you, you are in the MIDDLE of an INTERVIEW. Leave it at home, give it to a friend especially if you’re addicted to your Crackberry – do what you have to do.
• Chill out: Trembling, looking at the floor and drooling will probably get you sent along your way. Sure, almost everyone gets nervous interviewing for anything important but it’s critical to stay calm throughout. Would you consider hiring a jittery Jane or a tense Tom? Relax your body and your mind and you’ll think clearly, pay more attention and overall come off as a confident and poised job candidate.
• Ask Questions: Okay so it’s easier said than done. There are few times when I have interviewed for a job and actually had any questions afterwards (if the interviewer was any good). Try your best to think of anything he or she may have left out or you genuinely are wondering about. Do not leave the interview with questions floating around; not only may you never get a chance to ask, but showing you care and are interested in learning more is an admirable and desired quality in employees.
• Follow-Up: Always be sure to send a thank-you note to your interviewer for their time and consideration and to restate your interest in the position.
So you passed Interviewing 101! Congratulations. No long, boring lecture, no final exam and no essays. You can thank me later. Securing your first big job is scary but exciting and hopefully you’re off to succeed in your “big hunt”. Good luck, and stay tuned for Part II of ‘After College’. Next up, managing your real world, adult person money.
Sara Tehrani is a sophomore studying English, Political Science and Music in Washington, DC. She is Persian, living on the East Coast of the US and enjoys writing, dancing, playing the piano, playing tennis, and volunteering at organizations like the American Red Cross and Special Olympics. Sara speaks three languages and is an aspiring lawyer.