New Grads Hit the Ground Running for Career Success
by Robin Ogden
Although you’re throwing off the cap and gown and planning to head off to a corporate environment it doesn’t mean you will no longer have to impress the ‘instructor’ – so to speak. Soon, it will be the boss you’ll need to impress…wait a minute, not just the boss, but also a whole plethora of people once you find your new job.
So, now that you’re not a student anymore, what’s next?
1st – Show up! Yes, I mean show up for your job search. Maybe you were lucky enough to land a job while still in college, but if not this is the time that you need to put your research skills to the road. Get involved, highly involved in all things job related. Make sure you’ve got a well-written, up to date (fast reading layout) resume. If you’re not sure about your resume have it reviewed by a professional resume writer. It is worth it. Or check out our FREE resume eBook!
2nd – Get Connected! Pick several organizations to join and begin networking. Go to their meetings, volunteer to contribute your time and energy – meet people. These connections are valuable and may be the inroad to your new job. If the sound of networking makes you queasy – let go of that, it’s a whole new world out there when it comes to networking and you need to be part of it. If you’re unsure where to begin or how to approach the process, read up on it and get started.
3rd – Make a positive impression! I know you won’t go to your interview dressed like you would for a college class or even show up for your job that way…I can count on that, right? My point here is to be sure that you always keep your appearance one level above the current level you are in. Dress for success. Whether you’re interviewing or ready to start your new job, always give the impression that you are ready to be promoted to the next level.
4th – Work on your writing skills! School is one thing; corporate America is another when it comes to communicating through writing. Be professional in all your job-related email correspondence during your job search process and beyond.
Do not use short ‘text’ type messaging phrases or spelling (such as ‘R’ for are, or ‘biz’ for business, or ‘U’ for you). And always think about your audience before you write. Remember that your email correspondence with a recruiter and/or hiring manager may be forwarded to other individuals within an organization.
The best practice, when it comes to your career, is to always take a professional approach with all business correspondence. Written correspondence is another area that will give people an ‘impression’ of Y-O-U. Just as you speak differently to different audiences, equally you must write differently too. Take time to research best practices and tips for business writing and ensure that all of your career-marketing tools (resume, cover letter, business card, etc.) are top-rate; you will be glad you did.
5th - Dig What You Do! This should be a primary thought at the forefront of your mind as you search for a position that meets your needs and matches up with your interests and abilities. Since your career can pollute your personal life (and vice versa!), it is important to seek out a work environment you love and perform a job that makes you feel proud and happy to get out of bed every day and go do. Not to say you won’t have bad days. You will. But, if the majority of them are bad, or you do not fit the culture, or you loathe showing up for your job, then you will need to reassess and possibly make a change. Don’t stay in a bad job simply because the discomfort of it is familiar – everyone deserves to Dig What They Do! And that includes Y-O-U.
For great interview advice, planning and strategies download FiredUP Interviewing now and beat your competition!
