It’s September … and maybe for the first time in as long as you can remember, this doesn’t mean heading back to school. Instead, you’re headed out into the working world, searching for your first job after earning your degree.
Start your job search off on the right foot by avoiding these common mistakes:
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Searching only online.
Don’t disregard LinkedIn, job boards or other online job search options by any means, but also don’t limit yourself to them. Did you know that as many as 80 percent of all open jobs are never listed?
- Broaden your search. Tap into the hidden job market via your personal contacts or by working with a professional recruiter. Visit your college’s career center and tap into your alumni network. Go to events, and join and become involved in a professional association.
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Limiting your options.
Never assume your career options are limited by your college major. “What?!” you may say. “I just invested four (or more) years and (fill in the crazy amount) dollars in my degree, and it doesn’t matter?!?!” Of course it does! But keep an open mind when it comes to what your next great job might be. It doesn’t have to be in complete lock step with the degree listed on your diploma.
- Make a list of all the jobs you’d love to have. Then, in addition to your course, internship and other academic work, find out what specific skills you need to excel at at least one of them. Your education hasn’t ended: it’s just getting started. Make it your goal to be a lifelong learner and always continuing to grow as a professional.
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Using the same “generic” resume for every application.
Customize your resume to every job for which you apply. This is necessary to get your foot in the door of a desired employer.
- Think keywords. Read the job description carefully, and pepper your resume with corresponding keywords. Most employers use an automated applicant tracking system (ATS) that scans resumes for these words, so if yours lacks them, you’re out of luck.
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Having an online image that will hurt you.
Employers will check you out on social media. Absolutely. Definitely. Without a doubt. So, be sure your online presence is professional and pristine. Those spring break party photos? Take. Them. Down. Now.
- Clean up not only your career page profiles like LinkedIn, but also any content pertinent to your personal life. Don’t assume that privacy settings will save you.
- The number of employers who look at candidates’ social media increased by 500 percent between 2006 and 2016. And almost half – 49 percent – of employers in one survey said they had decided not to hire people based on what they found.
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Not knowing your full worth.
You may be a new graduate with limited real-world experience, but don’t sell yourself short. Find out what the current salary range is for a job that interests you, based on your education, experience and geographic preference. Then, you’ll have the data you need when an interview progresses to salary negotiation.
Crafting your resume, networking, interviewing and navigating the job search process is gut wrenching, even for seasoned professionals. As you embark on this adventure, consider working with a PrideStaff Fresno recruiter. Read our related posts or contact us today to learn more.