Posted under Career Planning on June 14th, 2007
Graduates who weren’t scooped-up by the campus recruiters need not despair: 2007 is projected to be a good year for all grads. According to a survey of employer job postings through Monster Worldwide:
- 76% of employers reported that they plan to hire 2007 graduates in the spring and summer, an increase from 72% in 2006.
While the outlook is good, the competition will be keen: the same survey reports that:
- 73 candidates will vie for each entry-level opportunity.
Dustin Hoffman, The Graduate in the Mike Nichols film, may have preferred
the following tips to the suggestion that he pursue “plastics:”
- Present yourself as a whole person - write a strong “Profile” statement that tells the reader who are. Save the “Objective” for your targeted cover letter.
- Practice networking by talking with people in situations that are natural and comfortable for you, e.g., graduation parties, summer jobs, stores.
- Be able to speak the language of the field you want to join. Read business newspapers and magazines, listen to NPR, read business-related blogs. Would you play soccer without cleats, shin guards, and a ball? Don’t think so. Then accumulate the tools you need to be a player in business.
- Ask people about their career choices: how they found their way to their current jobs, what they like and don’t like. Use your ears in proportion to your mouth - listen twice as much as you talk.
- Once you have gathered data about yourself and the careers of others, practice telling your personal story - where you’ve been, what you have to offer, and what you’d like to explore or do. K-I-S-S…
Remember that networking is a reciprocal activity: do some thinking or research so that you have something to offer those you recruit into your network. Don’t use people like tissues - nurture your network for a lifetime of career success.
While you may have graduated from a degree program, there is tremendous value in
practicing everything you learned in Kindergarten. Accordiing to the MonstrerTRAK survey, 35% of 2006 graduates did not send thank-you notes. In the spirit of Mr. Robinson, remember the most important two words, “thank you.” Say it and
write it - in a timely manner after every encounter, and in a tone that reflects your sincerity.
Posted by Karen P. Katz
billiesucher on 14 Jun 2007 at 6:41 pm #
Karen, your post is such a good reminder for anyone, really, about the “small things” that count. In fact, just this morning, my client and I discussed this very subject matter of “thank you” and how it can make a difference. So, Thank You, Karen, for posting such a timely refresher on the subject. I also like your link to KISS! : - )