Two Weeks to Go; Any Jobs in Sight?

By: Melissa Peace

Posted: 5/2/07

You're graduating in two weeks. You desperately need money. You're NOT a nursing major. That means you are currently freaking out because you have no clue what you are going to do for the rest of your life and are scared that you will be jobless and sleeping in you parents basement forever!

Have no fear Mount Saint Vincent seniors, there is hope for attaining your dream job (or at least one that pays).

If you are computer savvy, there is a countless number of internet sites devoted resume postings and job recruitment. One of these is Monster.com, which lists job openings and allows for employers to search your personal resume.
Also, many professions have complete websites dedicated to helping you find a job in their category. For instance, there is a great website for Communication majors called Journalismjobs.com, which lists hundreds of jobs, some entry level, from all over the country. A simple search on the web can certainly help a college grad out when looking for their start!

The only problem with Monster and other internet job forums is the large amount of spam that can be sent your way. Along with giving you a false hope, the email spam is incredibly annoying.

Also, be weary of many job scams that you can be susceptible to after posting your resume online. Always check and then double check exactly who you are sending your personal information to. This will help prevent identity theft and other scamming methods.

If you don't want to take the internet route, there are of course other alternatives, such as the good ole' Classified Ads in your local newspaper. You can also visit job venues and inquire about position availability, and do not forget those networking skills!

When you finally get the interview, there are "Do's and Don'ts" to keep in mind. According to Interviewtips.org, make sure that you prepare, prepare, prepare! Research the company that you are looking to be employed by and be knowledgeable about recent projects, clients that they have worked on or with. This will show that you are serious about their company and that you have a strong interest in working there.

Next, be on time and dress appropriately. You only get one chance to make a first impression, and no one wants to hire someone who couldn't make enough of an effort to change out of their grungy, old, Mount Saint Vincent sweatshirt.

Also, the website points out that while you should seem interested and ask questions, be sure to not talk too much. "One common mistake candidates make when interviewing is talking too much. It is important to listen to the question asked and answer that question. Keep your answers to two to three minutes at the most. When you limit your time, you tend to stay more focused. It is very easy to stray off the subject and ramble about things irrelevant to the job if your answer is too long."

For more on the Don't side of an interview, be sure to not overuse some common "verbal ticks" such as the words, "like," "um," or the power-combo, "um, like…you know." Speak professionally and with confidence. Try to remember back to your freshman speech class. Some of the stuff you learned there actually has some real-world relevance!
There are also some little things to think about when going to a job interview, such as eye contact. "Eye contact shows your confidence, but it may happen that it creates a negative effect also. Avoid eye contact and you will seem shifty, untruthful, or disinterested. If you sometimes have trouble with eye-contact balance, work this issue out ahead of time in an interview practice session with a friend."

So to sum up, start looking for a job as soon as possible, research the company you are applying to, dress to impress, and speak with confidence. You're a college grad, you are qualified and deserving of a great and meaningful career!

For more information on interviewing skills, check out Interviewtips.org and be on your way to receiving that weekly check and ticket to freedom!