A new batch of freshly minted college grads is about to enter the workforce. And as they prepare to begin their careers (in a tough but slowly improving market), they could probably use some advice. And, frankly, when it comes to finding a job or advancing a career, who doesn't need some great advice? We asked career and personal-branding expert Chris Perry, of CareerRocketeer, to provide some tips on the modern job search--and whether you're a new grad or a mature pro, it's never too late to learn, so read what he has to say:
1. Brand Yourself: It's essential that you know your unique value and communicate it effectively. To do this, identify the top three to five personal strengths that you feel will support your desired career direction. Now find (or think up) a word or phrase that represents these strengths and can become your personal brand. Develop a short pitch that can follow your brand, describing your strengths in more detail. Most importantly, feature your personal brand in all your online profiles, job-search documents, and job interviews. Consistent and effective communication of your unique value via a personal-branding statement will increase your confidence and impact and will make you stand out from other candidates pursuing the same opportunities.
2. Get Recommended: Request as many recommendations and references as is appropriate from classmates and professors while you're still fresh in their mind. This can be done via LinkedIn, or you can collect traditional written recommendations. They don’t necessarily have to be long letters; they just need to be genuine and supportive of your personal brand. Having recommndeations visible online (or at least readily available) will really improve your credibility both in your first job search and throughout your career.
3. Identify a Career Direction: While you don't have to spend the rest of your life doing whatever you choose to do right out of school, try to have a solid understanding of your work preferences and your career direction. You can identify a number of these by taking advantage of the many career-assessment tools available, as well as other industry- and company-research resources available in your college career center. Having a strong understanding of what you want to do (or think you want to do) at the start of your career will make you come across more confident in your job-search networking and interviews.
4. Informational Interviews: Informational interviews work in job searching and networking because they allow you to make a personal connection with a real human being who is typically in a good position to endorse you and recommend you internally in his or her company. Talking to established professionals can also help you choose a career direction. (For more advice, read "Questions to Ask in an Informational Interview.")
5. Become an Expert: Building credibility in your industry or area of interest--at any age or career level--will set you up for better opportunities down the road. There are many ways to become a thought leader. You might consider starting a blog or writing articles for publication on other blogs and websites. You can attend industry events or even lead your own. You might also consider getting involved in industry associations or even discussion groups and online forums online.
(Visit Monster College for more expert advice for new grads.
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There isn't a hiring manager around these days who won't look for you on Facebook and other social media sites, and those pictures of you drunk and sloppy downtown won't help one bit. Don't forget to clean up your personal image by scouring the internet in advance for pictures, comments, and profiles of you that are not as flattering as they should be. Improve them before they cost you a job!
Posted by: Steve Jones | Mar 24, 2011 8:37:18 AMEven if you do not have a job when graduation rolls around, don't get down in the dumps. "Start every day with a to-do schedule. Get dressed and out of your PJs. Volunteer. Be involved in activities that put you alongside people who might be helpful." If you are rejected time and time again, ask why and be willing to make the changes that are suggested to you.
http://employmentgenius.com/
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