As a fresh college graduate, there are just so many things you have to learn to survive in the world, outside college. Naturally, there are just so many things outside you would like to consider because, let’s face it, life isn’t as it was in college outside. And whereas there are so many life skills you need to survive, getting a job is probably one of the most important you are considering as a fresh graduate. This article gives you some life advice you have to equip yourself with, especially when you are looking for a job.
First of all, always keep your resume updated with every little thing or work experience you encounter immediately after college. Whereas getting a job and maintaining one is your ultimate goal, it’s not that easy anymore. When you land that coveted interview opportunity, having your resume there isn’t enough. Refer the interviewing panel to the resume each time to keep them in the know about your skills.
The second life skill you need to have to clinch a job in the new era is avoiding to get played into the stereotype trick. Basically, what this means is that, the interviewing panel is probably made up of baby boomers and let’s face it, most of them are annoying, grumpy and sulky when it comes to the late 80’s and 90’s babies like you and me. To the worst extremes, they probably underestimate you for being lazy, chatty…basically; they imagine you are just not cut for it. Prove them wrong and let them thing, at least for the time being, that you are different!
The other skill you need for life as a new graduate, looking for a spot in the crowded job market is having excellent communication skills. This is a mystery, even to the smartest of us. However, you don’t have to be a superb communicator to clinch that job; you only have to operate within a few ideal parameters that work. For instance, always ensure your communication is as formal and professional as you can. Moreover, given that while talking to people, the truth is you only have them when you are starting and ending, keep it active and end on a high note, fast. It also helps if you can discover the ‘question behind the question’. In most cases, these are questions that want to know about your character, integrity, ambition and motivation. Keep it professional and answer this completely, as fast as you can. Try to be more objective, like during resume writing.
Lastly, understand that employers and interviewers, just like you, are all human and they will judge you. So, refrain from boring them, or yet still, worrying or scaring them. They will scamper for safety! When enumerating from experiences, don’t give lists of weaknesses or successes. Instead, focus on something major and how you are dealing with based on your passions. Don’t try to manipulate with being a workaholic or other ‘working hard cliques’. They can read through that and it won’t help you. Always keep it simple, focused, direct and useful in all respect; you’ll survive.