It used to be that a college diploma got you a job anywhere. But now that the job market is full of applicants with college educations, it’s not so easy. Many schools will help you put together a resume and find a job. But often they are not very helpful – or they have too many people to help. Taking on the job search yourself can be challenging, but rewarding. And with the right job finding tips, you’ll be working a 9 to 5 in no time.
Tip #1: How to build a resume
The first thing a potential employer is going to see is your resume. If this is uninformative, boring or run-of-the-mill, it’s not going to get you very far. Most job positions have more than enough applicants. So, your resume needs to set you apart from the rest. For more tips on writing a resume, read our Resume Writing Advice & Tips article.
If you need help writing a resume, there are a lot of resume writing consultants and services out there. They can help you put together a killer resume. Here’s a few to get you started:
Tip #2: Post your resume
The only way you’re going to get hired is if you’re visible. It’s important to give your resume out to anyone and everyone you are interested in. Even if you don’t think you’ll get an offer from that top-notch company, give them your resume. You should even send your resume into those companies you’re not really sure about. In the end, you’re the one who decides who you’re going to work for, so by getting your name out there, it ensures you’ll have several offers to choose from.
There are also some great ways to post your job resume out on the web:
Tip #3: Prepare for the interview
When you go in for interviews, you need to look sharp and professional. If you don’t have a suit, now is the time to go out and get one. Ladies, you can get a pant suit or a skirt suit if the skirt is knee length. Be careful about the amount of cologne or perfume you wear, and make sure you’re not chewing gum.
If you’d like to know how to have a killer interview, check out our How to Have a Killer Interview article for more tips and information.
Tip #4: Be patient and polite
Getting a job takes time and requires polite follow-up on your part. Send thank you notes to people who interview you or help you get an interview. If you’re making connections, it’s important to be polite and helpful so you can keep these connections. One of the most popular ways people find their dream jobs is through their network of connections.
You should plan on your job search taking several weeks to a several months before you accept an offer. Many companies have several interviews you have to go through. The series of interviews can sometimes take a few weeks. But if you’re patient and polite, it shouldn’t be too long before you’re struggling over which job offer to accept.
