Turn Post-Graduation Panic into Action
University of Toledo seniors who were picking up their caps and gowns at the campus bookstore recently saw a thought-provoking sign on an informational table that had been set up by the school's career center: "You graduate on Sunday.... Do you know what you're doing Monday?"
If your answer is "panicking," you're not alone. But you'll be far better off if you transform your fear into the kind of action that will boost your chances of landing the job you really want. Start with these key activities:
Expand your industry-specific skills
"If you're keeping a part-time job to make ends meet while you search for something more permanent, volunteer for new projects, or ask for more responsibility," says Kristen Lindsay, associate director of career services at the University of Toledo.
For example, if you're looking for a full-time job in human resources, try to get involved in the next round of hiring at your part-time company, Lindsay advises. Similarly, if you'd like to get into marketing, "volunteer to research cutting-edge marketing strategies in the industry, and propose a marketing campaign based on your research," she says.
"Continue to build your skills and your résumé instead of passively waiting for the phone to ring," Lindsay says.
Practice interviewing
You can have the best grades, résumé, experience, and references, but if you can't present it all effectively in an interview, you won't get the job.
Take advantage of the resources your school's
career center offers, such as mock interviewing, before you leave campus for good.
Watch for special post-graduation opportunities
According to the 2005 "MonsterTRAK Annual Entry-Level Job Outlook," 80 percent of companies surveyed with 5,000 or more employees planned to hire new graduates that spring and summer, and 90 percent of companies with 10,000 or more employees were looking to do so. So it's not surprising that employers are often eager participants in job fairs that cater to recent grads. Events like this are great opportunities to make contact with potential employers.
Tell everyone you're looking
"I encourage individuals to let everyone know they're job searching," says Lindsay. "Networking is critical, and that means networking with family, friends, former bosses, and colleagues--everyone. You never know who has a job lead to share."
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