Work It, Girl: Get That Job!

College graduation. No doubt about it; it is a terrifying life event. I know, I know it probably feels like the beginning of your life, and the end of your life…all at the same time.

Part of you feels an impending sense of doom: what will I do without a meal plan? where will I get guidance without office hours? what will I do without my parents credit card? Let’s be real the latter question is the most terrifying. I am sure the other part of you cannot wait to be free of tests, all nighters, unfair professors, grading curves etc.

While it can all be overwhelming, I want to remind you to breathe. It will ALL be okay.

In and of itself, finding a job can be a full time job. Chances are a lot of what they are saying at the university career center isn’t workplace reality. I have come up with some tips to hopefully make the job search less daunting:

BE YOU: Employers hire for a combination of personality AND skills. Don’t let interview jitters drain you of that shining personality.

Show your who you are, while still being professional. I promise you will stand out if you can give people more than generic, canned interview answers. Can we say BS?

WARDROBE: My own personal motto is don’t trust women that wears shoulder pads everyday. I am all for a  good fashion shoulder pad, but you don’t have to dress like a man to be professional. Ditch the suit, and opt for office chic options.

Dress up that boring button down shirt with a colorful, patterned blouse. Or vice versa, wear a muted shirt with fun pair of skinny slacks.

RESUME: Less is More. I can’t express this enough. Fair or not, resumes with heavy text will be passed over. In our fast-paced society, you have a quick chance to grab a person’s attention. Rule of thumb: three bullet points under each header.

BE FLEXIBLE:  Most of today’s jobs aren’t from 9-5 sitting in a cubical. Employers are looking for people that can re-define the meaning of career. Be open to working virtually, picking up a few part time jobs or working unusual hours.

PERSONAL TOUCHES: Even though we are all digital, personal human touches still make a world of difference…phone calls, thank you notes, remembering birthdays all up your chances of snagging the job. ALWAYS send some kind of thank you note after an interview, and mention anything specific you talked about.

HUSTLE: I mean REALLY hustle. A follow up e-mail is not enough to make you stand out. Research, network, pick up the phone! The more you get out there, the higher the chance of finding your dream job.

xo, good luck job hunting!