TIPS FOR COLLEGE GRADS
THE HUNT FOR YOUR FIRST “9 TO 9”

The following tips are from the May 11 edition of Business Week TV, which airs on Sundays at 11:30 on WABC-TV here in New York. Culled from interviews with students from across the country and representatives from CareerBuilder.com, following is sound advice as recent grads search for their first full time job!

Employment gurus advise recent grads to concentrate on landing the interview and then shine. Focus on a growth opportunity where you can learn functional areas of a company.

Do’s

1. Research the company where you want to work;
2. Add volunteer work … 81% of employers count this as relevant experience;
3. Polish (or take down) social networking pages that don’t project a professional image.

Don’ts

1. Act bored or cocky;
2. Arrive unprepared or unable to answer relevant questions;
3. Forget to turn off your cell phone, pager, PDA;
4. Avoid questions about pay until you’re offered a job.

Additional Tips from CareerBuilder.com

> Internships can lead to full time employment, with managers sometimes circumventing the formal interview process;

> Marketing, accounting and exercise science are experiencing growth.

> Remember, recent grads are new to the world of full time work. The Business Week TV story stressed that it’s no longer thought of as a 9 to 5, but a 9 AM to 9 PM work experience. Be prepared to work hard and pay your dues;

> Because it’s a “buyer’s market,” many employers are looking for masters and doctorates degrees in highly specialized areas;

> While news reports indicate shortages in certain professions such as nursing or criminal justice, some recent grads are having trouble finding positions in metro areas such as Boston; and

> While companies thought they would experience a 15% increase in employment opportunities during 2008, they have REVISED those numbers to reflect an 8% surge, based on the recent economic downturn.

As a true “experati” or individual with 20+ years work experience, I can tell you that each rung you scale on the career ladder is exhilarating. As an “industry insider and career survivor,” my personal tip is to stay focused on your goals and don’t take no for an answer.

Your dream career will soon be yours if you continue to prepare, pursue and persevere.

Good luck grads!