Finally some good news for all new graduates: the hiring outlook in 2006 is bright.
A poll from the job-search service MonsterTRAK found that 72 percent of employers said they plan to hire 2006 graduates within the year, up from 64 percent in 2005.
“It’s certainly the hottest job market for grads in the past five years,” says John Challenger, chief executive officer of Chicago-based outplacement consulting firm Challenger, Gray & Christmas.
Yet this year’s grads will still have to compete. The best jobs will go to those who shine in their interviews. Often, people new to the job market make deal-breaking mistakes without even realizing it.
What are the most important mistakes you?ll want to avoid?
? Don?t limit your job search to the Internet
It?s all about networking, not just getting the most resumés out there in as short a time as possible. Use resources like your friends and family. Ask specific questions about employment from people you know who may have connections. Increase your radius of contacts, and take advantage of every resource. Keep in touch with any former employers and co-workers.
? Study how to write great cover letters
Don?t make a lazy mistake. Find out who’s in charge of hiring and address the letter to that person. In the age of the Internet, it?s not too difficult to find out who does what for a company, especially someone who is the public face of hiring for a company.
Here are some more specific tips about resumé and cover letter writing.
? Dress for the best
To most of us, it may seem like common sense, but this needs to be stressed: dress for a formal interview, not like you?re going out for drinks at a hot spot. When in doubt, overdress. You have roughly three seconds to make a first impression. Don?t let your clothes put you out of the running before you?ve even answered a question.
? Answer questions, don’t just “talk”
There?s a reason why we have two ears but only one mouth. In an interview, it?s more important to listen to what is being said to you than for you to just say anything that comes to your mind.
One of the problems could be job experience. “Grads have a hard time putting their ego in check,” says Challenger. “A lot of times students come in and want to talk too much.”
Instead of just talking about yourself, use the time at the interview to learn more about who you will potentially be working for. Don?t be afraid to ask specific questions. Any company that?s expanding enough to hire new faces will be excited about the direction they?re heading and will want to speak about it.
? Finish with a flourish
It may seem old-fashioned, but take the time to send a thank-you note. It?s polite, it reinforces your desire to work for the company you interviewed with, and it keeps your name and qualifications on the mind of the hiring parties.
Send something, preferably via “snail mail,” says Challenger. “It’s important to just do it, and do it quickly.”
Avoid these 5 pratfalls and you will have better success with landing that important first job during 2006!
