Graduating from college is a major achievement. This is a time to celebrate. It’s also the time to think about your next step in life. You want to use your degree. You also want to earn a living and pay your bills. When it comes to finding a job, following a few simple, classic steps will give you a leg up on the competition. While you may have a vague idea about what you want to do in life, you may not be clear about what jobs are available to suit your talents. You may also want to start a business of your own. It’s crucial to think about specifics such as the kind of salary you want, your desired field and your personal monthly expenses.
Know How Much Money You Need
One of the first things you should do is know how much money you will need to pay your bills. Remember, you can always get a payroll advance online that will tide you over. It’s a good idea to develop a basic budget. Once you graduate, it’s time to start paying back your student loans. Contact your lender. They can tell you exactly how much money you’ll be paying back once you’re in the workforce. You should also have a rough idea how much you’ll pay in rent once you’ve moved out of your parent’s home or your dorm. It’s time to think about other costs that will affect you after you take a job. If you don’t have a work wardrobe, you may need to develop one. You’ll also typically need accessories such as a handbag or a briefcase and understated shoes and makeup.
Making Connections
One of the best ways to find a job after college is by making connections. Many colleges have an alumni office where they help provide undergraduates with networking opportunities. This is an excellent place to start your job hunt. Many college offices have a job placement center. The center features staffers who know how to create an effective job hunt. Many centers also get lots of calls for jobs by previous alumni. This is a useful place to locate job leads that may not be listed anywhere else. It’s also an ideal way to find out information about a given company and if that company is a right fit for your credentials and degree. Many job center officers can also show you how to hone a resume and create a cover letter with instant appeal.
Allow Enough Time
Allow for your job hunt. Keep in mind it can take many weeks if not months to get hired. It’s a good idea to begin your job hunt well before your estimated graduation. Your senior year should be all about earning your degree and planning your entry into the workforce. You want to make sure that you have a time horizon in mind before you start. If you’re not getting a response in a week after sending out many resumes, it may be time to think about a new strategy. It’s also best to treat your job hunt like a job. You want to put in at least several hours each week where you can totally concentrate.
Practice, Practice, Practice
Before you get called for an interview, you should take the time to practice. You want to be prepared to answer questions about all areas of your resume and your degree. Now is the time to think about answers to specific questions such as where you see yourself in five years and what you can bring to the table. It’s also the time to spend researching the company before you leave. You want to demonstrate you’ve done your homework even after you’ve graduated.
Your First Day
Making a good impression your first day on the job is extremely critical. This will set the stage for the rest of your career at the organization. Make sure you’re properly dressed before you leave. Neat, clean and on time is the order of the day. You should also do a trial run to determine how long it takes you to get to the workplace. Show up with a smile and the right preparation and you’ll be on your way to the rest of your life.
