College and University Blog

This article from guest blogger Gerald Buck offers tips for new college graduates as well as anyone in the midst of a job search.

After graduating from college, the first thought on many fresh graduate minds is where to go from here. You have invested a significant amount of time and effort to complete your degree, so you should be able to enjoy all of your success. New opportunities are waiting for you to come out and explore them, but you have to take the first step toward achieving them. As tough as the market is and as challenging as the current economy might be, jobs are out there.

Ready for Success?

Do you have the skills needed to land the job? Even though you might have garnered communication skills when interacting in various clubs and sporting events, the professional world requires a certain type of ability to succeed.

If you truly want the job, you have to be the one to talk the talk. Interacting with those who make decisions, building a strong rapport and following through on those relationship is crucial. The opportunity for the career you desire begins with job applications. There will be a number you’ll need to fill out before you even go on your first interview.

The following five suggestions will also come in handy during your job search:

1. Meet, greet and have a seat.

When shaking hands, make sure to have a firm grip. Introduce yourself with confidence. Sit down and be ready to impress. Your name should be known, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t offer your name. Listen to how the individual interviewing you states their name. Do they go by their first name or Mr. Smith? Make sure to address them in the way that they address themselves.

2. Get physical.

Eye contact is critical in an interview. It is probably one of the best moves you can make during the interview. Eye contact conveys a message of being capable and confident. Use your amazing smile to convey your friendly and personable nature. By using this technique, you will have a formula for success in positive non-verbal communication.

3. Listen loudly.

When at an interview, it is crucial to listen to how the individual interviewing you describes the job, and listen to what questions they ask of you. Let them know that you are listening by providing them with a verbal cue. Say things like, tell me more or that sounds interesting.

4. Interview the one interviewing you.

Show the individual interviewing you that you are ready to handle a sophisticated conversation by asking them intelligent and thought-provoking questions at the conclusion of the interview. Use the time to ask them how they got into the career field that they are currently working in.

5. Mail a thank you card.

Before you leave the interview, make sure to get one of the business cards from the interviewer. This makes sure that you have the address and proper spelling of the interviewer. If there are multiple people interviewing you, make sure and get all of their business cards. You will want to send everyone a proper thank you by mail. Don’t email it. Your communication should extend beyond the interview. Personal notes last a lot longer than emails do, not to mention that they will provide you with a lasting impression that cannot be denied.

About the Author

Gerald Buck is a writer from EJobApplications.com, the premier resource for job applications and career information for students and young adults. The free online resource scours the Internet for the top available positions from the elite US companies that are looking to hire you!

Students can also enter for a chance to win the EJobApplications Annual College Student of America Scholarship Fund. Visit the website for more information on this scholarship opportunity.

Posted on 23 Dec

Melissa Rhone+

Melissa Rhone earned her Bachelor of Music in Education from the University of Tampa. She resides in the Tampa Bay area and enjoys writing about college, pop culture, and epilepsy awareness.