Monday, December 19, 2011

Use winter break to stay ahead of the job-seeking crowd


Winter break is almost here. You are about to enter the home stretch - your last semester of college. With graduation for most of you just a short 6 months away, utilizing the time period from end of December through the beginning of February to start your job search plan is crucial.   You want to give yourself as much time as possible to work your plan and you want to be in front of the job-seeking crowd.  

Before you ring in the New Year, below are three ways you can optimize your time off and, ultimately, stay on track.

1.    Develop your resumé. This is likely the first impression you make with an employer. Your resumé needs to tell the story of you  - your strengths, accomplishment and qualities and how you are the fit for the job and the employer. Learn how to write a very effective resumé. Don't wait.  

2.   Identify recommendations. Before you leave college secure your references. Reaching professors while you and your work are top of mind will give you a better chance of securing a recommendation that will highlight your character and strengths in the best possible way.  Professors teach so many students each year it is unreasonable to think that they will remember you if you don't actively stay in touch with them.  Don't leave school with references.

  1. Start your research.  A resumé is only one piece of a job search plan. Identifying the job     you want, the companies where that job exists, how you are a good and right fit for the job and the company along with how you can network to learn about open jobs are ways to set yourself apart from the job-seeking crowd.  A targeted job search approach will improve your chances of finding your first professional job after college.
These are some of the best ways to use the winter break to your advantage in the job search process.

As always, if you have any questions, you can contact me at jane.morethanaresume@gmail.com.

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