Tag Archives: networking

7 Tips You Should Know to Help Find Your First Job After College (GUEST POST)

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How to Find Your First Job After College
Photo courtesy of Pixabay

So you’ve got your degree, and you’re ready to hit the ground running and get your first job. But where on earth do you begin? Here are seven tips to help smooth the path and help you find the right job.

1) Have Your Resume Ready to Go
This is a pretty important one. Make sure you have a clear, concise and informative resume that is free of grammatical, spelling, and punctuation errors. This is your chance to make a first impression, and something as small as a misspelled word can land your resume in the “toss” pile.

2) Google Yourself
Many companies take the time to research a potential candidate. If you still have fraternity party pictures up on an old MySpace page, now is the time to take those down. It’s also important that you have a good representation of yourself on the web. Your LinkedIn, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram profiles should be good points of introduction. It’s especially worthwhile to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date and reflects your skills and background. It should go without saying, but with social media, always be sure to avoid posting pictures or comments you wouldn’t want a potential employer to see.

3) Find Your Calling
If you’ve gone to school for teaching, then you probably have a pretty solid path you want to follow when you start reaching out to employers. If you have a degree without a specific career path (i.e. English, sociology, art history) then the water muddies a bit. The onus is now on you to find an area where you can be eager and put your best foot forward. Like sales? Consider trying real estate or advertising sales. Like working with people? Consider a job in human resources. Want to start your own business? Become a dog walker to see what’s it’s like being your own boss. Have creativity and interest in moving outside your comfort zone? There are lots of non-technical jobs in tech these days. Really, the options are endless. As long as you have initiative and a willingness to learn, you can find opportunity.

4) Boost Your Background
In the meantime, it’s always beneficial to add to your skill set. You can do that through volunteering (which is also great on resumes) as well as taking short classes and online tutorials. Many nonprofits will let you volunteer and learn as you go—especially if they need help with a website, grant writing, marketing, or graphic design. Remember, any new skill you acquire should always be added to your LinkedIn profile to advertise what makes you an even more worthwhile candidate.

5) Spruce Up
Not everyone can afford to go out and buy a new suit, but you can do a lot to make yourself look presentable. Be sure to always have an outfit ready to go for when you land an interview. Keep a shirt or two ironed, in addition to pressed pants or a skirt.

6) Keep in Touch
One of the best ways to stay on someone’s radar is to send a thank you note after an interview or phone call. Handwritten is better, though this isn’t always an option. Be persistent but not pushy. What’s most important is that you are following up.

7) Stay the Course
Finally, not everyone gets a job right away, and it can be very defeating if you receive multiple rejections. If you can, find out why you weren’t a good fit for the company. Maybe you can re-apply later for a different job. Be sure not to take it personally, and don’t let bad news keep you from being persistent. There is a job out there for you, and it will happen when everything falls into place the way it should. Good luck, and go get ’em!

About the Author:
Erica Francis is passionate about helping young people prepare for careers in a tough job market. She enjoys developing rich lesson plans and other educational resources. Some of her lesson plans can be found at ReadyJob.org.

 

Looking for a new job? Want to get what you want fast? Check out my book, Here Today, Hired Tomorrow, and subscribe to my blog (kurtkirton.com) for free advice on your job search.

3 Ways to Land Your Next Job by Being Personal

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Being Personal as You Network
Don’t be just another candidate lost in a pile of other applicants for your dream job. Instead, be the person that stands out when applying for jobs, completing interviews, and networking with employers. There are so many ways to be top of mind as they decide who to hire.

It doesn’t have to be hard—just be yourself and add a personal touch! Try something new and unique, such as hand-written letters or cards, engaging through social media, or being prepared to communicate your message in person. Some of these ideas may take a little bit more time and effort, but can net you a job opportunity you’re excited about.

1) Handwritten Letters – Employers are receiving tons of mail, emails and even business letters during the year, so it’s important to focus on personalizing your message. Surprise them with something handwritten because the smallest things can make the biggest impact. Handwritten cards are the ones that also last longer. So, now that you’ve grabbed their attention, they will remember you as they narrow down candidates to interview.

2) Social Media Engagement – Companies have been using social media as their way to communicate sales, new products and company news, so it’s important to make sure that you’re utilizing these sites to engage with them. Try interacting by “Sharing” or “Liking” to show your interest and support of their brand. Don’t forget to check out their website before your interview to learn more about your future employer. Remember, it’s crucial to be proactive on social media as an applicant, especially when there’s competition.

3) Meeting In Person/Networking – If communicating through technology and cards isn’t your forte, there is always a way to make an impact in person by networking. Once you know the company at which you want to apply, and/or the person who will be managing the hiring process, get to work! LinkedIn provides a wealth of opportunity to research common connections, industry groups/organizations, and events hiring managers may be attending or even hosting. Connecting through mutual friends or talking casually at an event will give you the opportunity to show you’re a go-getter and jump your resume to the top of the consideration pile!

Although these efforts take more time than just hitting the Apply” button, they can be the best way to make a first and lasting impression.

Need help upgrading your LinkedIn profile before your job hunt? Get some quick tips from my colleague John Boyens. Ready to connect with more job hunters and networkers to share resources, tips, and advice? Here’s your personal invite to join my free online community, Your Networking Toolbox!

–Anna-Vija McClain

Anna-Vija McClain is a blogger and a sales and marketing expert with experience helping clients from small business owners to multimillion dollar organizations reach unprecedented sales results through development of marketing strategy, management of budgets, and efficient execution of projects. With 10 years of marketing experience, she draws upon an established network of subject matter experts that are able to complete projects on an as-needed basis. Currently, she is developing a neighborhood-based networking organization, Nashville Locals, and a communication company for private clubs.

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Looking for a new job? Want to get the one you want faster? Check out my new book, Here Today, Hired Tomorrow.

3 Ways You Should be Growing Your Network at LinkedIn

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grow network linkedin
Photo by Christophe Kiciak

The more connections you have at LinkedIn.com, the more likely people may be to accept your request to connect. Also, the larger your network, the more 1st- and 2nd-level connections you’ll have available when you’re networking.

Here are 3 main ways you can grow your network at LinkedIn:
1. Those You Know Already – After setting up your profile, invite those you know to connect. From the Connections link in the options bar at the top of most pages, choose Add Connections, and follow the process to import your email address book. LinkedIn can then suggest connections. Here’s another route: A list of “People You May Know” will also show up on different screens as you use LinkedIn. Don’t use the Connect quick-link, however. Make your request more personal. Go into each person’s profile to send connection requests, so you can customize the message they’ll see. You can also go back and add friends from high school or college.

2. Those You Meet – Add each person you meet as you network to your LinkedIn connections. Do so within two days so they won’t forget who you are, and always mention the event where you met when customizing the wording of your connection request. (As part of the targeted networking process, you’ll be requesting LinkedIn connections to people with whom you’re attempting to schedule networking meetings. This will also grow your network.)

3. Group Members – This is how I grew my network from about 50 people to 200. Join LinkedIn Groups (probably no more than 8-10) that have to do with your field. (To browse Groups, use the search blank at the top of the screen, change the setting to Groups, and enter keywords.) After you’ve joined the group, from the top of the Groups page, click the Members link; you can only see all members if you’re a member of the group. From their profiles, you can start to invite select people to connect. On the “How do you know ___” screen, select Groups; then choose the Group you both have in common.

Your personalized message can be something like, “Hi, James. We’re both members of the Music and Marketplace group here on LinkedIn. I’d like to connect with you.” Participate in discussions as often as you can. This way, you may meet potential employers or people who can help you learn more about topics in your field. You can also establish yourself as a subject matter expert by contributing original material to your groups. I once got a contract position after having met a hiring manager in one of my groups.

 

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