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Job Hunting Tips for College Seniors

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JobMonkey.com
Volume VIII, Issue #49
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School is back in session. And for college seniors, that means more than just hitting the books -- it means, hitting the want ads, too. Think you still have plenty of time to find a job for after graduation? Think again. With the economy still struggling and the unemployment rate steadily creeping toward 10%, college seniors need to work -- and network -- like never before to ensure they have a good job come May. If you're not sure where to start, this week's JobMonkey Newsletter is for you. Our feature article spotlights five of the best tips for college seniors to make the most of their last pre-career year.

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IN THIS NEWSLETTER:

1) Career Advisor: Back to School Study Skills for Adults
2) Spotlight: Career Tips for College Seniors
3) Around the Monkey: Career Planning for College Students
4) Job Boards: Internships & More

Find out why you should set up a free job seeker profile on JobMonkey: Learn More.

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CAREER ADVISOR: Back to School Study Skills for Adults
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by Amy Lindgren

Ready, set, go! Time to go back to school! If you're a teenager, those words might hold a little excitement for you, especially if the summer has been dragging. Adults who have been away from the classroom, however, feel a much broader array of emotions when they return to school, from anticipation to downright terror.

One of the biggest fears? Concern about keeping up with the schoolwork. For a lot of adults, this return to the classroom is not exactly a triumphant reunion with textbooks and chalkboards, especially if they didn't succeed in school the first time through.

It doesn't help that things have changed pretty drastically in academia, even in the past five years. Everything from registration to homework is computerized, for example, adding a learning component to the very process of being a student.

If you are returning to school after a long absence, the following tips may help you start out on the right foot.

1. Connect with the academic counseling department on campus - in person, if possible - to learn of resources such as study guides, workshops and tutors.

2. Start out slow with your schedule. Choose only one class, or easier requirements while you acclimate to being a student again.

3. Create a schedule that includes ample study time. Packing things too closely in your timetable may seem efficient but it's a formula for failure.

4. Find a study pal in each class so you can share notes and cover for each others' absences.

5. Lighten up about the grades. Focus more on learning and less on being a perfect student, and you will enjoy your student days more.

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SPOTLIGHT: Career Tips for College Seniors
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Welcome back to school, college seniors! You are starting the last year of college and for those of you planning to enter the work force in May, these are your last pre-career semesters. You are riding high, eager to enjoy an unforgettable year before you begin the next chapter of your life. But... given the current economic climate, you would be wise to spend a little less time partying and a little more time preparing your resume. Here are five tips to ensure that you set your career off on the right foot before you even schedule your first interview.

1. The early bird catches the worm.

It's an old cliche, but it has never been truer. If you wait until you cross that commencement stage to "commence" your job search, you are likely to be months behind the curve. Start your job search this month -- today, even. A good first step is to meet with a counselor at your school's career planning center.

2. Lay a strong networking foundation.

You may not think you know anyone who can help you in your job search, but you'd be surprised. Start by meeting with your professors and department chairs. Have you interned or volunteered? Write down your supervisors' name. Have you worked a summer or school year job? Get in touch with your old boss and former colleagues. If you know just 10 people -- and they each know just 10 people -- you suddenly have a pool of 100 people to help you find your first job. That's the beauty of job networking!

3. The 3 Rs: Research, research, research.

Hopefully your college offers on-campus recruiting and/or job fairs -- two great ways to start your foray into the formal job application world. But before you charge ahead, take some time to really learn everything you can about the organizations you are dealing with.  Read industry publications. Talk to others in the field about them. Google them! Make it your business to come as prepared as possible to every interview. That way you will know what each company is looking for -- and be better able to convince them why you are their best choice!

4. Practice really does makes perfect.

Most college career planning offices offer practice interview sessions, either in a group setting or one-on-one with a counselor. Sign up for these as often as you can. When your school is hosting an on-campus job fair or recruitment session, sign up for that, too -- even if it's not exactly what you're looking for. The more practice you have with interviewing, the better prepared you will be to ace it when your dream job comes along. For practical advice and how to's, see JobMonkey's article on job interview tips.

5. Flesh out your resume: Volunteer or Intern

One of the best ways to gain experience (not to mention networking connections) is by volunteering or interning. If you really want to get a leg up on your job search competition, commit to a 20-hour weekly college internship throughout your senior year. Your career planning center and/or your academic advisor may be able to help you find a suitable opportunity. Consider which career paths most interest and excite you -- and also look for placements that will allow you to develop new skills.

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AROUND THE MONKEY: Career Planning for College Students
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If you are in college, the JobMonkey blog is a great resource for preparing for life after school. Be sure to check out recent posts, such as:

In the News: Tips for Students in Search of Job
Readers Ask: Job Search Tips for College Students
College Students Study Green Degrees for Green Jobs
Volunteering Up Among College Grads

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JOB BOARDS: Internships and More
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A great place to start your job search is with the free job boards at the JobMonkey. We even have a brand new internship listings job board -- perfect if you are looking for a paid, unpaid, or for-credit internship to help build career experience (and connections) while still in college.

 

 

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