If you're about to graduate college and enter the workforce, you'll be facing one of the toughest job markets in recent memory. To get hired you'll need to stand out from the crowd, and that means doing your homework.
Tom Gimbel, Founder and CEO of the Lasalle Network has some tips for recent grads.
What have you been doing for the last four years?
If your resume looks a little thin, that's a question you'll have to ask yourself. Even if you don't have a long list of glamorous internships, chances are you have tackled some major projects in your senior classes. Make sure to capitalize on all of your skills and expereince.
Do your homework!
Get together a list of contacts that includes previous employers, professors, friends and family. You should also make a list of prospective employers including contacts at those companies. You're not done yet, make a calander of all upcoming job fairs and networking events, and attend as many as possible.
Be flexible: Prepare to cut your salary expectations and be open to different job titles. For example, if you are having a hard time finding work with a marketing degree, consider customer service as a way to gain some experience.
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Be selective: The job search is like dating, instead of sending out mass resumes, target your search to specific industries and tailor your resume to those positions.
Work for free? It's probably not what you had in mind, but an internship after graduation, a stint as a volunteer, or taking an opporunity to shadow an employee in a company you're interested in are all great ways to get hired after college. Work your hardest and smartest during this trial period and you may find yourself with a new career sooner than you think.
To check out current openings through the Lasalle Network, log onto lasallenetwork.com.
