Succeeding in a competitive Job Market
Flexibility: For the ambitious job seeker facing a competitive job market, perhaps nothing is more important than flexibility. That means considering options outside of your comfort zone, but it doesn't mean your job search should be unfocused or disorganized. And don't just stop at opening your mind to different job options, be open to relocation.
Start Now: Many students don't think about their job search until senior year. The key is to not sit back and wait: TAKE ACTION NOW.
Use your career center: Your campus career center should be your first stop. Schedule an appointment with a career counselor to explore your career options. Take part in the resume writing, interviewing and other job-search-related events.
Employers say that the lack of research is obvious in interviews and that researching the company, and specific job, if possible - is perhaps the single most important thing a potential employee can do before interviewing. Candidates who fail to do so can come across to employers as disinterested and lacking initiative.
Know what employers want: Most job postings will provide a general list of requirements - the "hard" skills. Perhaps cheif among these is the work-related experience. As a rule, employers prize experience in potential employees, as it provides some evidence that you can, in fact, do the job. For most college students, work-related experience is gained through participation in an internship, volunteer activity or part-time job. (And experience doesn't have to be paid to count.)
In addition, many employers screen candidates based on GPA (generally 3.0 and above is the cut off for consideration).
Finally, employers look for "soft" skills - communication skills, leadership abilities, ability to work in a team, and the like. Employers look for well-rounded individuals. These individuals offer more than just an academic record. "They also participate in sprots or hold leadership positions in student organizations. They have the ability to listen, write, and speak effectively.
Connect with employers: In a competitive job market, it's especially important to use everything at your disposal. While you're in college, take advantage of any opportunities to interact with employers provided through your school. Once you have graduated, you'll find it is not as easy to get access to a group of employers in one location.
Some contacts may be available to you through your school: "Check with your school's alumni association." says Christopher Carlson, manager of university recruiting for Booz Allen Hamilton. "Try to identify alumni who are at companies of interest."
Be thoughtful, be informed: Conduct your job search armed with information and insight so that you don't dismiss a job out of hand or ignore potential opportunities.
Your first job is not likely to be your last, so look at how a job may help you gain experience and develop important skills, even if it's not what you expected to be doing.
For more information see: Job Choices 2010
