Hi everyone! Kelly Roberts here -- aka Intern Kelly -- I am a recent graduate of The University of North Carolina at Greensboro and am currently looking for my first "real" job. Through my internship at Hue & Tone I am learning tips and tricks for becoming a more competitive job applicant. Over the next few weeks I'll be updating you on my progress through the blog, so feel free to follow along!
Now that you have your resume perfected and your personal brand established, it’s time to begin the job search! One of the most important things to remember is to be patient – there are so many steps between finding an appealing job and actually getting an offer.
· Start with job sites like Indeed, Monster, Glassdoor and Simply Hired. These job engines are a great place to start your search – you can search by title and location to start to get a feel for what’s available in your area.
· Branch out from job search sites. Know who the big players are in your industry or area? Head to their websites and check out the job openings there. Some companies don’t utilize tools like Indeed, or they may offer more information about a position on their own websites – don’t risk missing out on an opportunity!
· Don’t confine yourself to just searching on the Internet. Ask friends and family to keep an ear out for you – you never know who they know that might be hiring. Plus, using a family connection may help you get an interview.
“TIP: Keep a log/running list of businesses and positions that you are applying for so that if a recruiter calls you out of the blue, you can refer to your list to see which job they are referring to. Keep in mind that phone interviews can happen at any time and are usually the first step in the interview process—be prepared! ”
· Keep your applications narrow. It is VERY easy to get carried away when applying for jobs, especially when sites like Indeed allow you to apply with a preloaded resume. Don’t waste your time applying for jobs that are far outside of your range of experience or aren’t in a feasible location.
· Use Glassdoor to get an idea of expected salary. Once you’ve found a few positions you’re interested in, use Glassdoor to get an idea of the typical salary for that position. You don’t want to waste your time applying for a job that is paying dramatically below market rate. Some applications even ask you for expected salary – if you’re required to give an answer, use Glassdoor to guide you.
· Be realistic. As a recent graduate you’re most likely going to only qualify for entry-level positions. It might not be as glamorous as you imagined or pay what you want, but it’s the first step in your career and should be treated as a learning experience. If you’ve been searching for months, don’t miss out on a good opportunity because you’re holding out for the perfect job.
And remember -- whatever you do, don't get discouraged!