In the present economy, unemployment has been major topic discussed and experienced. Everyone has lost a job, has received a pay-cut or knows someone who has, and it seems to be only getting worse. There also appears to be minute hope for fresh college graduates with no professional experience, and it can be frustrating and a little scary to get started on your job search. Fortunately for students attending Lewis University, there is a resource on campus that can assist with job search procedures; Career Services.
Students have more ways to be strategic with their job search and obtaining a job after graduation in an economy like today, according to Smret Smith, director of career services. Additionally, students need to again experience such as volunteering and internships because the job market is very competitive.
Being familiar with the right tools for beginning a job search is important for students. Since students recognize the Internet as a growing industry for job hunting, they tend to only submit resumes on Web sites such as CareerBuilder and Monster, and apply to various jobs they may not know anything about. Smith is highly opposed to these types of Web sites and search techniques.
She admits they are popular sites, but she does not recommend them because most positions posted have already been applied to by hundreds of people looking on these sites, and recruiters will not look at every single resume. “They are overpopulated,” Smith said. “It’s almost the lazy way of searching for a job.”
Recruiters on these sites possibly have candidates in mind, and those who had applied to the position early will have filled their inboxes. Timing is ideal when submitting to positions on popular job search Web sites. The earlier you submit your resume, the better chance you have for it being observed by the recruiter.
Companies are also discovering that it is too expensive to post on popular Web sites, and they choose to post job openings on their personal sites. These sites are the types Smith recommends. She explained that it is less frustrating to search on sites that are less popular, such as Lewis’ internal database site that companies post jobs seeking for Lewis alum and graduates exclusively at lewisujobnet.net.
“The first thing I recommend is networking. Who do you know right now?” said Smith. Networking with friends, church members, gym members and anyone else who you may come in contact with might be hiring or may know someone who is hiring, she continued. Getting your name out there and letting these connections know you are looking for a job, will take you a step closer to your career.
Smith suggested that students should begin to be more professional and manage their social networking sites such as Twitter and Facebook. Employers are smart enough to observe your personal sites to ensure you really are who you say you are. Smith advises to remove any pictures that may harm your job search. She believes that students should use these tools to network themselves and let their friends and co-workers on their sites know they are job hunting. She also mentioned that whatever you put online never goes away; so even if you delete your profile, there are archives that can bring them back up. This is another reason why she suggests students should manage their accounts.
The one social networking site Smith advises students connect with is LinkedIn. The main purpose of LinkedIn is to help people find jobs; it is a social network for professionals. “Any organization you’re interested in, I guarantee has a LinkedIn account,” Smith said. Students can post resumes and search companies on the site; there is also a link to search for jobs.
Organization’s top profiles are connected to LinkedIn, and the human resource manager most likely has a profile. This would be the first place to look for a job because when a student submits a cover letter, he or she can direct it to the human resource director, instead of saying ‘To whom it may concern,’ or other similar phrases.
Students can also ask these top profilers advice questions, that will help get their names out for the company’s consideration.
The site also helps connect users with each other by giving profile suggestions the user should connect to. “You’d be amazed at how much information is on there,” said Smith.
Additionally, Smith informs students to narrow their search; to think about what the perfect dream job would be.
Having a specific position in mind will keep the job search less aggravating. Students need to target themselves so they know how to explain why they are the best choice for that particular position. Also, students should prepare and organize themselves before applying to a job; they should not rush and submit resumes and cover letters just to get it over with. Students need to do their research on the company before they apply to make sure it is a company they agree with or are willing to work for.
Students should decipher their top accomplishments and experiences that they can off the company before they apply for the position. They should also begin to think about references from professors, previous employers, volunteer supervisors and others who can verify their accomplishments and who have enjoyed and approved their work ethics.
Smith recommends students should look at all requirements for a position they are interested in, and ensure they meet these requirements and know what additional experience they may offer. Students should make sure this information is on their resume, show they know how to do what the position expects from them and then be ready to explain their experience to an employer.
Regarding the economy, Smith said that college students should not worry and should focus on their search because there are job openings still.
“College students have always had to work hard to get a job,” said Smith. “When you are entry-level, you always need to prove yourself.” The economy has made everyone fearful, though. Employers will take their time to make a decision for a particular position. There is good news, however. The positions that are opening are entry-level, which allow college students to take the initiative and earn those positions.
Most lay-offs or cut-backs are happening to mid and senior-level, which does not mean this will make it easier for college students, it just means there is still hope.
Students will need to be passionate about their choices and question what skills they offer to overcome the competition in the job market. Smith does believe the job market and economy will get better, and she thinks students should stay positive.
“If you look at it, this is something that our whole nation is facing, and it’s bad, but it’s making us stronger,” Smith said. Unemployed persons are not getting judged like they would years before; everyone is trying to help everyone else out during this time. “I think people need to stay realistic and optimistic, and that is going to attract opportunity and [employers] will have interest,” she continued.
Smith advises students to use their resources, such as career services. Career services can assist students with their resumes, cover letters, thank you letters and even create mock interviews to help students during that process. One important aspect for mock interviews Smith has noticed among students previously is to change their voice messages. If an employer reaches your voicemail and they hear music or it’s too casual, then Smith suggests students should change it to make it sound more professional. She recommends students change personal e-mail addresses to sound more professional, as well.
“The most important factor for getting a job is based on first impressions, so you don’t want to do anything that would damage that,” Smith said.
Another important idea students should be aware of is that they need to start thinking like a professional. If they are contacted for an interview, students need to respond within 24 hours, between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., when most businesses are open. Recruiters look at these things to determine if a student is ready for the trained world.
Career services are still offering workshops for students to attend to assist with their job search. For additional information or to set up a mock interview or conference, contact Smith at (815) 836-5332. Career services is located in Benilde Hall in the LARC center.
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